OLDEST DRAG STRIP IN TEXAS

[4barrel]

Tomorrow is the last drag race for the oldest longest operating drag strip in Texas. It started in the 60s. I don't remember Glen Self ever getting beat in modified. He had a 67 Camaro named Storming Six. Paris Drag Strip --He still has it. I worked there for about 15 years classifying cars. Red Anderson gave me lots of tips. Division 4. NHRA.

 

[snowman]

That's sad. I've noticed in watching YouTube videos of fairly recent events that drag racing doesn't seem to be drawing very many spectators in recent years -am I reading things correctly? If so, I'm sure that that would really pinch owners to keep the strips open. I'm a tractor-pulling fan(Hot Stock & similar classes only) and I've noticed the same thing watching videos of those events.

Regards,
Andy

 

[Jinglebob]

I remember going to drag races in the 60s and 70s and the events were always packed. Last year I went to the Paris Drag Strip, about 40 miles from where I live, and there weren’t many spectators. I think stock car racing is getting all the attention these days.

 

[Donn]

Back in the 60's, the big stars traveled the country match racing. People came out to see Sox & Martin, Nicholson, the Ramchargers, Landy, Brannan and countless others. Ford vs Chevy, Dodge vs Pontiac, Plymouth vs Mercury is what people paid to see. The NHRA's weekly "Nationals" meets did away with that. If a team match races three times, it's considered testing and they're penalized. The NHRA has no one to blame but themselves for the current state of drag racing.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Watching multi million dollar cars turn 3-4 second times gets old real quick for me-too bad that "run what you brung" show disapeared-I liked that.

 

[jack the toad]

Back in the 60's, the big stars traveled the country match racing. People came out to see Sox & Martin, Nicholson, the Ramchargers, Landy, Brannan and countless others. Ford vs Chevy, Dodge vs Pontiac, Plymouth vs Mercury is what people paid to see.

I remember "Big Daddy" Don Garlits in the latest Swamp Rat along with others. I think he innovated the rear engine concept for dragsters.

 

[vonn]

Big money has been taking the little guy out of all areas of motor sports for quite a while and when the audience can't relate you no longer see big crowds. The other factor is the complexity of today's cars,most have little idea how their car works and no ability to modify it.

 

[Donn]

I remember "Big Daddy" Don Garlits in the latest Swamp Rat along with others. I think he innovated the rear engine concept for dragsters.

There were a few others before him, (Chrisman, Tony Nancy), Garlits made it work.

 

[4barrel]

That's sad. I've noticed in watching YouTube videos of fairly recent events that drag racing doesn't seem to be drawing very many spectators in recent years -am I reading things correctly? If so, I'm sure that that would really pinch owners to keep the strips open. I'm a tractor-pulling fan(Hot Stock & similar classes only) and I've noticed the same thing watching videos of those events.

Regards,
Andy

One of the first people to have a funny car was GENE SNOW. He was known as the SNOWMAN.
The same owner since the 60s has property on the main highway. Land in that area is bringing plenty. With the strip gone land value will increase. People were bringing in motor homes on Thursday. 200 cars are expected to attend.

 

[427mach1]

There were a few others before him, (Chrisman, Tony Nancy), Garlits made it work.

I'd say he was very motivated to make it work after a flywheel explosion cut his front-engine car in half and he almost lost his foot.

 

[Comrad]

 

[4barrel]

That photo is at least 30 years old.

 

[the ringo kid]

Y'all know that Bobby and Terry LaBonte got there starts here in my area?--out-running the police. My bro in law grew up with them as they were and are good friends and even raced them many-a-times. I've seen Bobby at their house several times these past few years. Nice to hear them swap memories. The back county dirt roads near Kingsville and Bishop really got workouts back in the day...ala, Dukes of Hazzard style.

 

[Comrad]

Don Garlits broker the 200MPH NHRA record right here in NJ.

I remember seeing him trailering his own car back in the day before million dollar motorhomes.

 

[Jinglebob]

This photo is from an event last summer at the Paris Drag Strip. There were more racing participants than there were spectators.

 

[Rock185]

AH, those were the days. I started going to the drags in the '50s, participated in the '60s and 70s and last went in the late '80s. I always enjoyed the stockers, super stockers and A/FX cars most. But, by 1970 I could see the handwriting on the wall. The fans only came to see the mega-dollar Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars and Pro Stockers. The little guy classes became only filler. Allowed the privilege of running so as give fans time to go to the snack bar and rest rooms. Yea, I understand. Capitalism in action......

 

[zonker5]

Green Valley back in the '60s or early '70s...gone but not forgotten.

 

[Gardner11]

Drag racing in the 60's and early 70's was something to see I was a regular at Amarillo Drag Way all the big teams raced there . It was a great show .

 

[vipermd]

When the 1/4 mile was 1320 not 1000 feet. When it was Chevy vs Ford, Bruce Larson USA-1, "Jungle Jim" Lieberman, "Grumpy" Jenkins, The Snake, Hemi Under Glass. Technology has been the draw and the downfall, seeing 200 mph was great. I do miss the sights, sounds, smells of the track. Be Safe,

 

[Donn]

I'd say he was very motivated to make it work after a flywheel explosion cut his front-engine car in half and he almost lost his foot.

He was damn lucky all he lost was part of a foot. A number of guys weren't so lucky. Mike Sorokin of The Surfers comes to mind.