It’s been heralded as the event where street cars come in droves, competition is fierce, records are set, and thousands of spectators come to witness it all. And for the 27th time, the annual TX2K brought all those elements to Texas Motorplex for six days of amazing action.

As the first purpose-built all-concrete track celebrates 40 years of historic runs and events, TX2K looked to add to that history by bringing Sick Prep onboard to handle the track surface for the event. After six days of on-track action were in the books, the performances and records once again shared the headlines alongside the winners’ celebrations.

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To prep for event like this takes planning weeks before the gates swing open, and on track work before the first car goes down the track. “We arrived on Saturday, March 14th, and we worked on the track for three days before we started running cars,” said Thomas Bemis of Sick Prep.

Why the time needed before the event to prep? “You can hope that the surface is well maintained at any dragstrip before you arrive, but rarely is that the case,” Bemis said. “For Texas Motorplex, the purpose of being there three days before cars started making runs is to construct the base that allows us to adjust and manipulate it for all the challenges we can face over a six-day period.”

The track surface, combined with competition of both roll racing and drag racing classes at TX2K, creates some unique challenges for any track management / prep team. But this year’s TX2K added a few more.

“Texas Motorplex is known for running a lot of radial tire racing when they are not running their bigger events, like the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) racing,” said Bemis. “And because they run a wide range of vehicles, that presents challenges with the surface. During TX2K, we experienced all four seasons as well it seems.”

The event started with 40-degree temperatures and higher winds, and the although the winds dropped a little over the course of the event, the temperatures rose, not just in the air, but on the track as well.

“You need to be locked in and stay alert with the changes that can happen, and did happen for us,” Bemis said. “You should plan ahead to give yourself what you need, and that is best done with all the tools and chemicals and products available to provide the surface needed for the conditions racers are experiencing.

“What is required for a good and consistent surface is ever changing. You can’t just use a playbook, but try to see what the weather and temperature holds, and adjust accordingly. You don’t want to leave yourself in a cold environment with a thin layer of rubber for the evening, so you have to stay on top of it, and adjust as needed.”