Photo: A Dodge Challenger warms up its tires before racing at Area 53 Raceway Aug. 16 near Forestburg. Rural Alberta Report/S.Salkeld

Area 53 Raceway remains a standout venue in Central Alberta for grassroots drag racing, operating from a repurposed airport strip outfitted with concrete burnout boxes, tech-inspection lanes, safety barriers and an unmistakable community-driven spirit. The track, managed by the Forestburg Power Sports Association, adheres to IHRA technical standards and prioritizes safety and accessibility—from pit rules to right-of-way protocols on the strip.

The 2025 season at Area 53 has already delivered a busy slate of racing, with bracket weekends held May 24–25, June 7–8, July 5–6 and 19–20. The track also hosted Day Three of the Miles of Mayhem drag-and-drive tour on July 23, part of a five-day event that tests street-legal cars with quarter-mile runs at multiple tracks and more than 1,700 kilometres of driving between venues.

Looking ahead, Area 53 will stage the Steven Chapman Memorial Race on Sept. 6–7, followed by another weekend of bracket racing Sept. 20–21 to close out the season.

Area 53 is recognized for its community-first approach, combining professional safety standards with a welcoming grassroots atmosphere that encourages both new drivers and seasoned racers to get on the track. Its signature events range from cross-country endurance challenges such as Miles of Mayhem to local bracket weekends and memorial races, offering a blend of competition and community connection.

Spectators are welcome at all events, with tickets available for purchase at the gate. Racers can pre-register online through the raceway’s website or sign up on-site before competition. Families are encouraged to attend, with organizers emphasizing that the track is designed as much for fans in the stands as it is for the drivers on the strip.