In 1963 a small group of Maui drag racing enthusiasts joined together and laid the foundation for the Valley Isle Timing Association, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote safe racing. For years prior to VITA's creation, Maui racers had been using the old Puunene military airport for impromptu races. With the formation of VITA and its association with the National Hot Rod Association, the sport of legitimate drag racing on Maui began. The NHRA was formed in 1951, only twelve years before VITA, as a result of American's passion for racing. Returning military servicemen and hot rodders of the WWII era couldn't wait to jump into race cars and tracks sprang up all around the country. In subsequent years, however, the expansion of suburbia resulted in the closure of most of these original tracks. With VITA now in its 42nd consecutive race season, our track at Maui Raceway Park is one of the five oldest in the country. The fastest run down our ¼ mile track was clocked by a top alcohol funny car at 5.95 seconds and 236 miles per hour, followed by an A/Fuel dragster at 6.16 seconds and 216 miles per hour.
Much has changed at Maui Raceway Park over the years since VITA's inception. Maui County has reassumed control of this 220-acre facility with management provided by the Maui County Parks and Recreation Department. Besides VITA, there are now five other motor sports related users of the park area. Our organization has grown to over 250 members. Approximately 100 to 150 racers go head-to-head at each weekend event and up to 2000 or more spectators turn out to watch the racing action. Our season consists of ten events starting in February and ending in November. Races are held the third weekend on Friday and Saturday nights except for the months of June and July, when the races are held the fourth weekend. Our annual George "Flintstone" Andrade Memorial Day races are held on the actual weekend on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday day. December and January are our dark months. Our events are sanctioned by the NHRA and their strict safety guidelines are followed closely. Our safety record stands for itself. No major injuries have ever been recorded.
We have an ongoing publicity/promotion program and have established media contacts throughout the state. We publish a monthly newsletter that is available at each race event and on our website. Our sponsorship membership is constantly growing. Within the bounds of our non-profit tax status, our policy is to use sponsored funds and materials to maintain and improve our facility, enlarge and encourage our membership, increase community awareness of our programs, continue our participation in race programs that involve today's youth and maintain our support of the Maui community. We work with the Maui Police Department to promote safe driving and the concept of racing at the track, not on the street. The Maui Police and Fire Departments also utilize our facility for training purposes. VITA provides an annual scholarship at Maui Community College for students in the automotive programs and we are also pleased to participate in the NHRA Junior Dragster program, which is a counterpart to programs like Little League and PeeWee Football.
Our association is non-profit [501-(c) (3)] and is structured around our membership. The members elect six Directors. Officers are selected from within the Board by the Board. We operate our facility on a member/volunteer basis and most of the track operation work is carried out by our Board of Directors and a small core group of dedicated members.
2019 Board of Directors:
Kaleo Freitas: President
Ray Orikasa: Vice President
Mark Caires: Treasurer
Carol Kurisu: Secretary
Robert Botelho: Director
Nelson Jordet: Director
Christian Motonaga: Director
Shawn Motonaga: Director
Kaaukai Rowland: Director
New racers are welcome! Racers are required to have a valid driver's license, helmet, long pants, sleeved shirt and covered shoes. The racer's vehicle must also pass a technical inspection. Additional requirements may be necessary.
Our racing program features bracket racing on Friday night with the Summit Racing Series program. Racing action gets underway Saturday afternoon with Jr. Dragster qualifying rounds and a Test and Tune session. Saturday evening's program includes Index racing (9.99 and quicker, 10.90, 11.90, 12.90), Street class, Import class, Motorcycles and Jr. Dragster finals. Food and beverage and race souvenirs are available trackside.
Admission Fees: $12.00 Adults $10.00 Students 9 - 17.
For more information and/or to contact us:
Track phone number: 281-1273
To Send Us An Email Click Here
Our new mailing address as of 5-10-2006: P.O. Box 330490, Kahului, HI 96732
Website www.mrp.org
Webmaster: Mike Thompson