---

SDM Promotions Prepares for Fourth Season as U.S. 13 Dragway Celebrates Sixty-Two Years

Delmar, DE -
The Eastern Shore's characteristic cycle of two seasons – anticipation for racing season and the racing season itself – persists. Since 2022, SDM Promotions, LLC has been diligently working to uphold the rich tradition of drag racing and the Cathell family's heritage. Throughout the past three seasons, Mark and Denise Cathell have accumulated comprehensive knowledge of the sport and its business aspects. As the 2025 season approaches, the duo will initiate their fourth year, marking the 62nd year of operations at the legendary U.S. 13 Dragway, which was originally constructed by the late William J. and Juanita Cathell in 1963. "Our experience over the past three years has been invaluable," Mark and Denise Cathell stated. "We have developed a greater reliance on each other and a deeper appreciation for our family's lasting impact on the sport."

In 2025, competitors can anticipate a comprehensive weekend racing schedule, courtesy of our friendly staff, ensuring an enjoyable experience with each visit.

Notable changes are forthcoming in our racing program. Last season, racers voted to implement a sliding scale for weekly class payouts. The revised purse structures will be prominently displayed on our website, the billboard adjacent to the Dragway tower, and available on the second floor of the tower. This season, buy-back entries will be facilitated through a separate round, streamlining the process for our tower crew when preparing round money payouts. Following an evaluation of round completion times, it was determined that running a separate round yielded negligible differences compared to incorporating it into the second round.

Our Friday night programs are being revamped. On weekends without bracket racing at the Dragway, Fridays will feature test and tune sessions for all types of racers. In contrast, on the Fridays of our bracket weekends, early parking will be permitted. These nights will play host to various social gatherings for racers, including Gamblers Races, Pit Vehicle races, practice tree shootouts, and other activities such as cornhole or game nights. This modification enables our staff to rest before the extended workdays on Saturday and Sunday. On our bracket weekends, the gate opening times on Saturday and Sunday will be adjusted to 9am, with time trials commencing at 10am. Two time trial sessions will be offered on Saturday and one on Sunday, based on car counts. In the event of an unusually large turnout, track officials will make necessary announcements to ensure the event's timely completion.

The 2025 season will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the highly anticipated 1st State No Prep Season Opener. The WDRA and Track Points will begin the weekend of April 12 and 13. The 5th Annual Coastal Clash will return from April 27 to 29, followed by the HillBilly Bracket Bash from May 16 to 18, and the 62nd Anniversary Chevy Show, Shine and Drags from August 22 to 24.

Additionally, two new Grudge events have been added to the 2025 calendar: the Grudge Kickoff on Saturday, April 5, August 9 (TBN) and the 2nd Annual Cell Break GrudgeFest from October 3 to 5. The Outten Bros. Bike Brawl and Fast Ford Sunday & Steve Drummond Memorial are scheduled to return the weekend of September 27 and 28. The King of Street and All Truck Challenge presented by Smoke & Speed will take place from October 17 to 19.

The conclusion of October and the entirety of November will showcase two exciting events: the Halloween Shootout & Track Championship Chase from October 31 to November 2, and the 1st State No Prep Season Closer on Saturday, November 9, 2025, marking the year's finale.

Back to News