Rick Castle
Heath ChaffinDavid Gearheart
How Are Event Profits Used?
Who Owns/Operates the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags?
Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags is a Division of Prestonsburg Motorsports Non Profit Organization, 200 North Lake Drive, Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653What Improvements Are Planned For Event Site?
Permanent Lighting, Restrooms, Bleachers, Camping Area, Improved Spectator Areas, Improved Vendor Areas.Are Events Insured?
Prestonsburg Motorsports purchases insurance designed for a Drag Racing event to protect driver and spectators with the limit of the policy. This is a requirement of both Cities and the Airport board.What are the Future Goals of the Board?
The future goals of the board are to continue to grow the event and further expand tourism to Eastern Ky. Participants come from all over the United States to race. They love Eastern Kentucky and the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags! They attend year after year. They stay in our hotels, they eat in our restaurants, they buy our parts, etc. It is a Win Win situation for Eastern Kentucky. Another important goal is provide a safe and legal venue for all to drag race. The board feels this will help do away with illegal street racing which has always been a concern of Prestonsburg Motorsports Board. Combs Airport is jointly owned by the City of Prestonsburg and the City of Paintsville.How Are Events Funded?
Events are funded from the many wonderful sponsors that support the events. In the beginning there was no money; only an idea and it goes to show what people can accomplish when their heart is in for the right reason. Gate admissions, Driver Fees and Vendor Fees provide additional funding.Where Are Events Held?
Combs Airport, Rt. 321, Between Prestonsburg & Paintsville, KyWho Owns/Operates Combs Airport?
Who Are The Board Members?
When Was The Organization Established?
Prestonsburg Motorsports was established by ordinance approved by Prestonsburg City Council to oversee and promote all motor sports including the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags. The ordinance provides all rights, powers, duties and obligations pertaining to all types of motorsports and powersports within the City of Prestonsburg or on City owned property. This ordinance was proposed in 2012 after the initial events were held and the success of the event was noted. Frequently Asked Questions
Reasons for the Event's Success
Important Facts
The area of the most pride! Any surplus from events has always been reinvested in the infrastructure of the facility and also used to fund future events. Due to the events rapid growth it was necessary to hire a full time event coordinator. This is a paid full time position that requires promotion and full list of job duties. The event coordinator is the only person currently paid by the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags. To date, all facility improvements were paid for by sponsors and supporters. Airport improvements including fencing, concrete barriers, gravel, utilities, etc total nearly $150,000. The portable light rental cost is in excess of $4,000 per event. The board has always made a large investment in the children giving away thousands of dollars in prizes including two Honda 50 Motorcycles and each child, in attendance, always receives a toy. The Big Wheel race is a huge success, over $10,000 worth of Big Wheels have been purchased for these events. Each child participating in the Big Wheel Race gets to keep their race machine. These are just few examples of the impact of this event. Many school groups have profited from the event. Throughout all of the above, no debt has been incurred.The Event's Success is the Result of Many Unique Elements Coming Together in a Perfect Setting. Grady Underwood/Chairman
Mike Ormerod/Treasurer
Kent Rose/Event Coordinator
Steve Blackburn
Absolutely No Track PrepThe airstrip has a true no track prep surface. It's imperfect with bumps and humps, similar to true street conditions requiring drivers to rely on skill and allowing races to be fair and challenging. Anyone can race at a standard drag strip or state of the art facility, but it takes skill matched with horsepower to conquer the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drags. The surface creates a "level playing field" that keeps drivers coming back year after year.
LocationCombs Airport is the perfect location geographically because it is easily accessible to racers from North to South and East to West. It's central location in Eastern Kentucky is ideal for racers and spectators from Lexington, Louisville, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio & Tennessee. For locals, it's a place that everyone wanted to race but were never allowed. The fact that they are doing something illegal but in a legal environment, lends to the appeal.