One of my fondest memories of drag racing was watching Don Garlits at Atco Raceway back around 1964. Garlits was rebuilding his engine in the pits. As he tore the engine down, he threw all the bolts into a 5 gallon bucket. Probably had some kind of solvent in it. When he was putting it back together, he’d just reach his hand into the bucket and pull out the bolt he needed without looking in the bucket. I had pictures but over the last 60 years, they’re gone.
Last week Atco was sold. Englishtown went a while back. US 30 in York PA was on an airport runway. They even had races at McGuire AFB back in 1970.
Times have changed. At least Cecil County and Maple Grove are still open.
Sadly, this is the last season for Bandimere Speedway near Denver, CO. They hosted the Mile High Nationals and have been operating here since 1958. You could hear the racers all over town due to the foothills where the track is built reflecting the sound into the city. There are rumors that a new track will be built, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Boy oh boy, those top fuelers sure got the ole ticker to pounding! What a thrill!
This is the 2nd time the family has sold the place – for real this round it looks like…
A great loss for the circuit – when the only thing between those engines and the hogback is your body…. h u f f …
No one in Pomona or Gainesville will EVER feel that…
Yeah, the driver used to be behind the engine.
Some of my best memories of the late 70’s was Don Garlits at the Winter Nationals in Gainesville. He was very approachable to the fans.
F-M/P was my gig. I miss the Old Days of Speed!
Deer Park Dragway – an old AAC base. It’s gone now as well.
As far as I’m concerned NASCAR ruined the old-style racing where the backyard mechanic could bring his or her car and race against other for trophies, and they bought most raceways and shut them down. You could only race if you were NASCAR sanctioned……
Fucknascar and their woke bullshit. Haven’t watched in years
Me neither, once I figured out it was three hours of commercials occasionally interrupted by racing.
And the Affair of the Garage Door Pull has only firmed my resolve.
My dad was a deputy dawg in Pierce Cty, WA long ago. He’d hire on as security for drag and figure 8 racing and fairs locally. My brothers and I were able to get up close and personal. My hearing hasn’t been the same since.
And bring back the full quarter mile.
+1
One of my fondest memories of drag racing was watching Don Garlits at Atco Raceway back around 1964. Garlits was rebuilding his engine in the pits. As he tore the engine down, he threw all the bolts into a 5 gallon bucket. Probably had some kind of solvent in it. When he was putting it back together, he’d just reach his hand into the bucket and pull out the bolt he needed without looking in the bucket. I had pictures but over the last 60 years, they’re gone.
Last week Atco was sold. Englishtown went a while back. US 30 in York PA was on an airport runway. They even had races at McGuire AFB back in 1970.
Times have changed. At least Cecil County and Maple Grove are still open.
Sadly, this is the last season for Bandimere Speedway near Denver, CO. They hosted the Mile High Nationals and have been operating here since 1958. You could hear the racers all over town due to the foothills where the track is built reflecting the sound into the city. There are rumors that a new track will be built, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Boy oh boy, those top fuelers sure got the ole ticker to pounding! What a thrill!
https://bandimere.com/
This is the 2nd time the family has sold the place – for real this round it looks like…
A great loss for the circuit – when the only thing between those engines and the hogback is your body…. h u f f …
No one in Pomona or Gainesville will EVER feel that…
Yeah, the driver used to be behind the engine.
Some of my best memories of the late 70’s was Don Garlits at the Winter Nationals in Gainesville. He was very approachable to the fans.
F-M/P was my gig. I miss the Old Days of Speed!
Deer Park Dragway – an old AAC base. It’s gone now as well.
As far as I’m concerned NASCAR ruined the old-style racing where the backyard mechanic could bring his or her car and race against other for trophies, and they bought most raceways and shut them down. You could only race if you were NASCAR sanctioned……
Fucknascar and their woke bullshit. Haven’t watched in years
Me neither, once I figured out it was three hours of commercials occasionally interrupted by racing.
And the Affair of the Garage Door Pull has only firmed my resolve.
My dad was a deputy dawg in Pierce Cty, WA long ago. He’d hire on as security for drag and figure 8 racing and fairs locally. My brothers and I were able to get up close and personal. My hearing hasn’t been the same since.
Evil Franklin