Welcome to the unique world of Blarney Island Drag Boat Racing. Now entering its 37th season, Blarney Island on Grass Lake (Antioch, IL) is the only location in the world where high performance drag boat racing takes place every Thursday Evening, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is bare-knuckles, heads-up, ‘race-what-you-brung’ drag racing. The racecourse length is approximately 800 feet and it is located on an open lake. The notoriously choppy waters have given Blarney Island racers a reputation for being both fast and fearless.

Want to watch the Races? Take the Blarney Island Shuttle Boat Service from the Port Of Blarney. If you have your own boat, there is an expanded section of FREE parking on Blarney Island during race nights, now including the brat bar row. The front row to the race course *Blarney Island pier parking* is reserved, or pay by race night spots. The pit area is race boat parking ONLY! These are reserved from 5:30 to 7:30 (or race ending). Once the races are over, all slips are once again open to FREE parking.

All Thursday night racing is run by the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association. All race participants are members of the Northern Illinois Drag boat Association (NIDBA), which manages the weekly race events. Blarney Island is the sponsor and race promoter. Want to Race on Thursday nights? The NIDBA is happy to be a resource in assisting you with becoming a member, learning the racing rules and other boating regulations. Please contact NIDBA if you have any questions or are interested in being a part of the NIDBA.

Admission Cost

For more information, call 847.395.3804

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