MIR Tower Demolition: The End of an Era

Photo Series by Stephen Jones

Here's a final look at the front of the MIR tower. The second floor is already
gone as the old structure is pulled down. Photo by Stephen Jones

This is a bittersweet sight to me and to many racers and fans who have attend Maryland International Raceway over the years. As the special events announcer at MIR, this has been my summer home since 1987. Stephen Jones was on hand Saturday morning to see the tower taken down. It soon will be replaced a modern "motorplex" type structure behind the starting line. Time marches on as Royce Miller prepares to upgrade the facility to accommodate bigger and better IHRA national events, including Top Fuel at this year's Mid Atlantic Nationals. But I'll miss the old girl... Bill Pratt

The friendly MIR tower staff says a fond farewell to the timing system area.
Photo by Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones sez: A lot of the regular racers showed up to watch the destruction and to get one last look. Yours truly was their and I've attached these pics from Saturday.

Stephen Jones
nitrofuel@prodigy.net

Royce and Linda Miller and son Chris (R to L) take one final look out the tower.
Photo by Stephen Jones

One final look at the standing structure before it gets demolished.
Photo by Stephen Jones

The bulldozer delivers the final blow that takes her down.
Photo by Stephen Jones

It's Miller Time (Chris and Royce) as the demolition is complete.
Photo by Stephen Jones

Total destruction lies in the wake of the effort. Back against those woods
will soon be a new motorplex tower! Photo by Stephen Jones