FORT WORTH, Texas (July 5, 2019)

The fireworks are scheduled for roughly 10 p.m. tonight over the 1.5-mile speedway and temporary 1/8^th-mile drag strip at Texas Motor Speedway, but each week throughout the Universal Technical Institute Friday Night Drags season Arlington’s Wes Coleman tends to provide his own.

He’s not alone in that regard, but what sets Coleman apart is that he’s doing it in a wagon, though it’s a high-powered version, the four-door Cadillac CTSV.

“The main reason I go out there is just because it’s fun,” he said, standing next to his 2013 CTSV Wagon. “I love racing. Any opportunity I have to go out and race I’ll definitely be there.”

Like most wheelmen at Friday Night Drags, Coleman has always been a car guy.

“Ever since I had a driver’s license I’ve always been into cars, and once I got a car I would never leave it alone,” Coleman said.

It’s not just about speed for Wes, either. His aesthetic is a little more eclectic.

“I’ve always been into wagons, well, really just into cars that are not your norm.”

With a 1962 Chevrolet Impala wagon and a 1949 “Shoebox” Ford in his collection, his claim certainly checks out, and while a 2013 Cadillac CTSV Wagon might not stick out as much as those two, it’s been a fan favorite at Friday Night Drags since he got it.

“I can definitely hear people cheering whenever I come up to the line so it definitely feels good,” he said.

Some have affectionately dubbed it a “grocery-getter,” which Coleman happily embraces.

“I have picked up groceries in it before,” he laughed. “I can go up to the racetrack, have four jugs of race fuel in the back, a jack, and my pop-up tent. I don’t have to have a trailer necessarily. It’s a multi-use race car.”

The difference between this grocery-getter and some of the other more unusual rides at FND is that this bad boy is competitive too. It’s a multi-time winner powered by Advanced Modern Performance (AMP) in Grand Prairie. It’s one of a number of cars seen each week with the recognizable “AMP” logo on the side.

“The car wouldn’t be what it is without them, absolutely,” Coleman admitted.

The car has a new motor, new fuel system, and superchargers with a trunk-based cooling system among other things. That cooling tank in the back, which holds up to 40 pounds of ice, is a huge key for Coleman.

“I get off the line really good so I definitely want to make sure that on the big end that it’s not gonna pull timing at all (by overheating),” he said. “It’s important to keep intake temperatures cool so that doesn’t happen. I always bring ice with me so between rounds I just shovel a couple scoops full to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

In the ultra-competitive Supercar Division that can make all the difference considering many of the top competitors know all their competition like the backs of their hands.

“There’s a handful of dudes that I’ve raced so many times. It’s weird though because you never know what’s going to happen week to week,” Coleman said.

What you do know is that the CTSV Wagon will be there, and wheelman Wed will be making rounds.

Round Three of the six-week journey starts with gates and grandstands opening at 6 p.m. for the annual First Responder Night and fireworks show presented by Snap-on Tools. All first responders (Fire, Police, EMT, and Military) get in free by showing their badge.

Competitors can practice from 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. while other car lovers bring their rides for the In-N-Out Show-N-Shine car show.

Competition kicks off at 9:15 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled at the conclusion of Round One of competition, approximately 10 p.m.

UTI Friday Night Drags competitors must be 18 or older to participate with the entry fee being $20 per week. All vehicles must pass pre-race inspection, and all drivers must wear an approved helmet. Helmets can be rented at Texas Motor Speedway for $10 per night.

Spectator tickets may be purchased at Gate 6 at $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Parking is free outside Gate 6 or $20 in the infield. Coolers are allowed in both the grandstands and the infield.

The Torchy’s Tacos located in the TMS infield will be open for each event from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The 2019 Universal Technical Institute Friday Night Drags schedule is:

• July 5 – Fireworks Night, Military/First Responder Night presented by Snap-on
• July 12 – Tim Montana concert
• July 19 – TBD
• July 26 – Fan Appreciation Night

For more information, CLICK HERE.

About Texas Motor Speedway

Texas Motor Speedway, with a crowd capacity in excess of 190,000, is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as the world’s largest TV that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT IndyCar Series among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Since opening in 1997, Texas Motor Speedway has generated an annual economic impact of approximately $300 million to the North Texas region. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.