Drag Races to Close Veirs Mill Road This Weekend

The roar of engines, the scream of tires on asphalt, and the smoke rise off Veirs Mill Road next weekend when the 12th Annual Parklawn Memorial Drag Races rolls into Silver Spring. 

“It’s loud, there’s a lot of smoke from the tires. It’s gonna draw some enthusiasm, people want to see what it’s all about,” said Federico Diaz, CEO of Diaz Family Mortuary, who sponsors the event.

The stretch of Veirs Mill Road (MD 586) between its intersections with Gaynor Road and Gridley Road has long been a favorite of racing enthusiasts. It is the last section of state highway in Montgomery County with a speed limit over 35 mph.

With hundreds of spectators anticipated, race organizers opened a secondary viewing stand and expanded concession offerings. The White Bike Turkey Branch Cafe will serve their signature Mango Mangled Mongoose and Strawberry Schwinn Smash cocktails, along with a host of race day specials.

Organizers say safety is top of mind, but if there is an incident, MCFRS Station 21 is just behind the starting line, near the pit area. “Gives you peace of mind after all the recent milling and paving work,” fourth year racer and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said.

Veirs Mill Road will be closed from the Twinbrook Parkway to Randolph Road on Saturday and Sunday for the races. Spectators can access the viewing stands and concession area from the Veirs Mill ghost bike lanes.