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Roadside Michigan
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Detroit Dragway |
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Name: Detroit Dragway Street: Sibley at Dix
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City: Brownstown Twp County: Wayne Zip:
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| Status: Demolished |
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| Web Address: N/A |
| Notes: N/A |
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| Number of visits to this page since February 23, 2007: 127482 |
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Basil Warwick: The closing of Detroit Dragway almost made me cry. I spent a majority of this area''s non winter seasons going there to help my Grand Father and friends race their various drag racers. Many a cold night (with snow on the ground) huddled around a flaming 55 gallon drum to keep warm, while watching the races. I remember the track had dithes on both sides, usually filled with water. I hope someone rich gets an idea in his head, and builds a strip somewhere close t6 Detroit. We need one!
Tom Burden - 11/4/2009 I have a few black & white pictures that were taken by a friends brother last name Caruso of different cars at Detroit Dragway not sure how to post them.
If someone has a site or email address I will forward them, Have a couple of the Orginal Ramchargers with the first High & Mighty C/A car.
Plus Westborn Chrysler Plymouth SS/A Plymouth, Garlits, Afrons, maybe a couple of others.
Ernie: We have Detroit Dragway T-Shirts available. $14.00 + 5.95 shipping. 2x & 3x add $2.00 each. Visa, MC & Discover accepted. Makes a great Holiday gift. Contact ernietoolman@yahoo.com
Shane: Does anyone have any info reguarding the 007 Center Line Auto Parts Chevrolet? It used to race back in the late 60''s.
Al Larsen: Hello everyone. I have bought an old gasser drag car and was looking for some history. I do not have much to go on, but I can describe the car to you. It is a 1955 chevy 2dr sedan, fibreglass one piece tilt front end, straight front axle with buggy spring/four bar front suspension, radiused rear wheel wells. It was orange with yellow pinstriping on it. I have talked to a gentleman that thought the car was from the Detroit area and the owners last name was possibly Clark. He thinks the car was nicknamed "Rambunctious". If anyone may think they know of this car, please drop me an email at w_o_t_speedshop@yahoo.com I appreciate any and all information. Thanks Al Larsen.
Jay Howell: re: Gate Job Mercury Comet. That''s very good news. If I remember correctly he bought it from Don Nicholson. If it''s really that car, it''s one of the first 5 fliptop Funny Cars ever built. Great find. We sure built a load of them after that!
larry malski: some good news to report on a very popular car that made many appearances at Detroit Dragway.Pete Gates 66 GATE JOB comet is in the final stages of being restored.Daryl Huffman,from Tiffin,ohio has owned the car for years and just recently put together a partnership on the restoration of the car.I don''t think many people know the importance of this car,first off it was one of 5 made for MERCURY:s racing program.It is the only SURVIVOR!Many attribute these cars to setting the standard for Funny cars as they were the first FLIP TOP bodies.I have seen photos of the restoration and the car is looking just like it did in 1966.
Rick S: Hi Folks I am looking for any information or photos of the General Tooler Plymouths raced in the late 60s. They were based in Kalamazoo and one of the drivers was Robert Nichols.
Any information or leads would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Patrice: My father was a photographer at Detroit Dragway. I am posting his work on ebay. You''ll know it when you see it because the pictures are just the best & rarest that there are. somebody was looking for roger lindamood. I have a photo of him standing by his car and several others of the car racing. I have hundreds. They are under copy right though, so no resale or publishing without written consent. Patrice
Jay Golden: Here''s a link to a Detroit Dragway commercial from 1966, posted on YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNAZ9GJa1TY
Jay Golden
Jay: Garrett: I too was saddened to hear of Larry''s death. Way to soon! Many goos memories of racing at my "home track". Jay Howell
Ron - 3/26/2009 Does anyone have any pictures of the Warlock. It was a blown 81 Corvette, in grey primer. Ran between 92 and 98 when the track closed. Now, it''s just a trucking warehouse and is usually empty. Those guys must be losing their a*&*.
Garrett Pierce: I was at the Annual AutoRama at Cobo Hall a few weeks ago and saw a lot of really neat cars and was very surprised to learn that Larry Payne, the owner/driver of "Gang Green" as well as the proprietor of several Detroit area restaurants passed away last January. It is sad to know how many of the old racers are no longer with us. Larry, by all counts was a neat guy and I would have liked to have known him. I seen him a couple years ago in Frankenmuth with Al Bergler and I wanted to speak with them both, but they seemed to be having such a good time, I decided to leave them alone. I saw him again last year when they all lit up their cars for the "Cackle Fest" they have up there, but there were so many people around, you couldn''t get at him. Another cool thing I saw at Cobo was E.J. Potter''s "Bloody Mary" #2, recently put back together from the orginal parts. I have pictures and will submit later. It is interesting to see the photos of the Detroit Tiger Funny Car that the Late Poncho Rendon campaigned with Tom Prock. I was lucky enough to have met Poncho a few years ago. Cantankerous to those who didn''t know him, he was very cool once you did. He also had some very cool old race cars/hot rods. There was an article in Hot Rod last month about Shirley Muldowney and she mentioned him with great reverence. He was one of the 3 men to sign her fuel license around 1970 or so. Says a lot about him.These guys are local legends and they won''t be around forever, but who is?
Ken - 3/24/2009 De: (in response to) HELLO....I HAVE A "BERNELLA''S SPEED SHOP"1971 CUDA...ITS AN ALTERED CAR WITH STRAIT AXLE. I WAS TOLD IT RAN WITH AN INJECTED HEMI IN THE DAY...THE CAR IS BLACK AND GOLD (THE INSIDE HAS REMNENTS OF PURPLE & PINK AND HAD A PURPLE SEAT IN IT?) IT IS MARKED BERNELLAS SPEED SHOP ON THE FRONT FENDER. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 20 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOCATE ANY INFO. OR PHOTOS OF THIS CAR. IF YOU CAN HELP ME WITH ANY INFO. I WOULD BE THANKFUL......YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT: www.vikingking88@aol.com
RC: Does anybody have any info or pictures of a 68 nova called novacane that ran from 68 to 72 apox at detoit dragway thank you.
Steve Fraley: I am looking for pictures of the AA/S 1964 Galaxie 500 sponsored by Bob Ford of Dearborn. NOT the T-Bolt Fairlane.
If I remember correctly it was white with blue or black lettering. Any help would be greatly appreceiated.
I use these pictures to create decals for static models and slot cars and I''''d like to be as accurate as possible.
Thank you!
Garrett Pierce: Regarding E.J. Potter, he ran a series of "Chevybikes" from 1959-1974. He started with a 283 on a old Harley frame the he adapted the Chevy V8 to, then drove it with a cumbersome chain(he didn''t have a cluch on it until later). This first effort was called "Bloody Mary". Later, he called his machines "Widowmaker" after he got married. He always used small Chevrolets on his bikes and started with carburators, then ran an Algon injector, then went to Hilborn injection. He also did build what he called his "Super Slot Car", which was a old Honda or Cooper mini with two large aircraft engine electric starter motors that he used to drive the wheels with. They received their power from two long(1/4 mile) strips of condutive metal that he set up along the lenth of the track. He powered these with a Allison aircraft engine driven generator from the back of his Ford pick-up. The thing supposedly would go well over a 100MPH !. He had also ran two Allison powered exhibiton cars, and later went on to pulling Allison powered tractors in the NTPA. He wrote a book about his exploits a few years ago and also had a video, which desribed some of his other exploits that included using a jet engine to pump sand out of a collapsed water well. Quite a guy.
De: would like any info/pics/video, on della woods/bernie woods/bernellla brother an d sister/de nichols and ted spehar...
Bill Ross: John and Gene Olson,the man with the small block chevy in a dreg bike is E.J.Potter,aka "The Michigan Madman",he had a string of chevy powered bikes. He was from Ithica,Mich. Back in high school in 1970 I went to Lapeer Dragway and took photos of him and "WIDOW MAKER #6",a hilborn injected small block chevy. As you said,he would put it up on a stand,rev it up,rock forward and smoke the tire the entire 1/4 mile. I remember seeing small pieces of smoking rubber on the teack. It was awsome!!Years after that,I can''t remember when,Hot Rod magazine or Car Craft magazine ran a story about E.J titled "Super Slot Car" I believe.He came up with a small car and a slot car type track for the 1/4 mile. Some where I have an old Hot Rod magazine of one of his first bikes,small block chev,carbs and a very crude homemade exhaust.
Bill Ross: John and Gene Olson,the man with the small block chevy in a dreg bike is E.J.Potter,aka "The Michigan Madman",he had a string of chevy powered bikes. He was from Ithica,Mich. Back in high school in 1970 I went to Lapeer Dragway and took photos of him and "WIDOW MAKER #6",a hilborn injected small block chevy. As you said,he would put it up on a stand,rev it up,rock forward and smoke the tire the entire 1/4 mile. I remember seeing small pieces of smoking rubber on the teack. It was awsome!!Years after that,I can''t remember when,Hot Rod magazine or Car Craft magazine ran a story about E.J titled "Super Slot Car" I believe.He came up with a small car and a slot car type track for the 1/4 mile. Some where I have an old Hot Rod magazine of one of his first bikes,small block chev,carbs and a very crude homemade exhaust.
Tim: Hey guys I am looking for pictures of a car that won alot of races at Detroit dragway. It was a 1966 chevy Nova it was white and said white lighting on it. If you have any pictures of this car or know where i may be able to find some please et me know
thaks
Tim
John: I think the bikers name was E.J. Potter, he used to put it up on the kickstand rev it up and rock foward and away he went.
Wild!
GENE OLSON: ANYONE REMEMBER THE DRAG BIKE THERE CALLED "BLOODY MARY" , I THINK IT WAS POWERED BY A 327, OR A 350 CHEVY ?
Tom Kuznicki: Some of you street class guys may remember me, I started out with a burgundy 70 Torino GT, then moved to a green 1978 LTD ll, and at the end, I raced a red 83 Mustang GT. I won a few track championships and still have one of my champions jackets, baseball hats, and, one of my most prized possessions,
AN ACTUAL PIECE OF THE TRACK FROM WHEN THEY TORE IT OUT. i had the piece put in my new garage floor when it was built. I really miss the track and all the people that worked and raced there. I ran into John Broaden at the autorama a couple years ago and to me, he looked the same as he did back in the day. He told me that Johnny Q races at Milan but I have not ran across him yet. I suggest that someday, everyone from the Dirty D have a reunion at Milan on one of their test-n-tune days, if for nothing more than getting to see everyone again.
Steve: To George Ealem.
Contact me through eBay about a link to the pictures. My sellers name is kenoshaki.
Thank you! Merry Christmas eveyone!!
George Ealem: Back in the day, there was a photographer named Robert J. Snako. He was the official photographer for Detroit Dragway. I met him at a model car swap meet and he had lots and lots of pictures from Detroit, Motor City, and other drag strips from around the country from when he was in the Navy. Unfortunantely he died a few years ago and his website is gone. I do have about twenty or so of his pictures on my computer and could e-mail you a link if you want. I will post them to RS.com so you can down load them.
contact the webmaster here for my e-mail address.
George Ealem
George Ealem: mrbrandon,
I worked at Detroit Dragway from 1988 until it closed in 1997.
I worked with Margerite and Johnny until they left in 1989. Then JR from National Machined Engines ran Detroit Dragway for half of 1990. In the middle of 1990, Ed Eaton flew up from Florida every weekend until it closed in 1997.
I never worked with your Grandfather, but my friend Ralph did from the time he was about 16 on. He told me about how much your Grandfather taught him about racing and life.
George Ealem
Tech and Staging A employee
Steven Fraley: I am looking for pictures of Roger Lindamoods 1965 S/S and A/FX "Color Me Gone" and any other 1965 Dodge Coronet S/S and A/FX cars that raced in the Detroit area.
Funny I''ve only found a right rear quarter wheelie shot of the 65 Color Me Gone car.
Thanks!
1red1ryder1: anyone remember jerry or gerry novak and the HAND GRENADE
TRIUMPH motorcycle ''drag bike''? seems as if he was an east side DETROIT resident?
CJ: I found a old video that i took at Detroit Dragway back in the late 60s or early 70s. I can''t remember what big race it was, but i can see Color Me Gone, Rats Image, And three cars racing side by side on it. It only last about three or four minutes. I had it put on a VHS tape years ago, And will try to have it put on a DVD. Maybe some kind of way i can get on this site. calebjonesgm@aol.com
Brandon: hi, i was wondering if anyone had any pics or info of the "orange peel" or of les bako that raced bikes back in the day. next time im out ill post up current pics of these two old girls. thanks brandon
cgalanty: does any one remember a 55 t bird that used to race the dragway, late 50''s early 60''s? My dad Don Morton ownes this car, he used to work or even manage the dragway at some point in the late 60''s. I remember running around there with old pit tickets in my hand. I am looking for old pics, and memoriabilia.
mr brandon: wow just so many memories well i dont know where to start with my stories...... my grand dad managed this track up until it closed most of u guys may rember him(john broaden) and a list of aunts and unkles and i rember when i was a kid running up the hill on the spec. side with all my dads good ol buddies and i rember all the great ones ripping up the strip (richard moon,doc james,marzelle,mr.willie,and many more) and i rember all the faithful spectators and it was just a beautiful thing to be apart of and one last memory i always will rember the smell of the inside of the tower and all the diffrent people that walked up there while watching and listening to my grandfather announce the races on race day ahhhhhhhhhh......what great memories to have and thanks to who ever posted this site on yellow bullet
Sean Fitzgerald: After eating fabulous Indian food with friends in Hamtramck last night I decided to take the "Scenic Route" over to the east side. I took 6 mile till it stopped at the North/South runway of City airport, and decided to head down the road that parallels the runway. I noticed a gathering of headlights about a mile 3/4s of a mile down the way and decided to keep going cause I am more curious than smart. I then realized I had happened upon the city airport impromptu Lynch Road weekend drags outside the Chrysler Transport plant, that I used to go and watch years ago. Drag racing in a nearly abandoned neighborhood next to an airport, genius. They were nice enough to postpone their run till I passed, and treated me to an awesome burn out, otherwise I would have been face to face with a 90 mile an hour howdy hoe. These races have been happening here for literally years, the last one I went to was almost 20 years ago. As I remember the cops leave em alone for a few hours and then break it up. No harm no fowl and everyone gets there ya yas out. I looked into buying a house a few blocks down Lynch a few years back, this made me happy and sad at the same time that I didn''t.
dwight fackender: Some time ago. over 10 years i sold some negatives or pix of the nats. they were black and white. A lady,i think her name was Debbie got them for a book. This was the 59 0r 60 event. Does anyone know if a book was ever printed?
1red1ryder1: spoke w/ PAUL HATTON his black 39 buick coupe ''went to florida, he hasn''t heard of it since''.
Jerry: Picture 1959 - 19 is Sedan racing a Henry J. The Sedan was raced by the PARKER''s and the "J" by Bill Waddill - Sponcer was KUSTOM EQUIPMENT of Flint Mi. I have owned the car since 1967 and just in the last few years learned of it''s race history. Am restoring her back to ''59 condition. Any info or pict. would help. In 1996 ROD & CUSTOM did an artilce of the dominant A/GASSERS of the 50''s & 60''s and pictured the NOT KNOWING IT STILL EXISTS!!!
THANKS FOR ANY HELP
JERRY COALE
1red1ryder1: L@@K for paul hatton/garden city, michigan.
Larry: Does anybody remember a black 38 buick coupe owned by Paul Hatton, just
wondering if the owner and car is still around ,would like to see some pictures.
Steve: I WAS ATLAPEER DRAGWAY BACK IN THE 70''S WHEN ART ARFONS WAS THERE WITH THE GREEN MONSTER AND MADE A RUN AT 289 MPH. AND HIS
CHUTES FAILED TO OPEN BUT THE TRACK WAS LONG ENOUGH THAT HE USED HIS BRAKES AND STOPED RIGHT AT THE END OF THE TRACK. HE SAID IT WAS CLOSE
Doug Pentzien: Jeff Nelson and Steve DeGroote--a short note on the Green Monster crash---Craig Arfons was the driver of the Green Monster. The jet show was to have been between the "Monster' and the Green Momba (Doug Rose) but because of the rain it was postponed and Doug Rose could not run because of another race date. Craig ran the car and as he came across the finish line he deployed the chutes and one of the chutes did not open properly and they tangled. As the car ran off the end of the track, there was an extra sand and water area about 300 foot long to stop cars. The run was over 285 mph and we figure it was going about 180-200mph as it went by us. Craig did not want to hit the berm head on (15 ft tall) and he stayed to the left side to run up the side. One of the front spindles snapped and dug into the berm and sent the car air borne. The car came down on the back side of the berm upside down in a wet area. The car rolled onto it wheels and when the three of us that worked the fire safety crew got to Craig, the roll cage was packed full of mud and we had to dig the dirt away from him before we could check him out. He was taken to the hospital and ended up with a couple of cracked vertebrae and minor cuts and bruises. I have three pictures of the wrecked car that were taken as we got ready to load it on a trailer.
I worked at DD and Motor City from 1966-until they closed as a starter and fire safety. WHAT GREAT FUN!!!!!!!!!!! Its nice to see a great web site like this.
Jeff Nelson: Regarding Arfons crashing his jet dragster: I was there that night. I don''t remember if it was Art Arfons or his son at the helm. I was there doing some tuning for a friend on his Pro Stock car and we were standing in the staging area waiting for Arfons to make an exhibition run. One of the mechanics from the Pro Stock crew commented on what a job it must be to handle a jet car like that. I had just finished explaining to him that it was probably pretty easy to drive since there was no torque steer correction required in the handling of the car.
Arfons made a straight and uneventful run down the quarter mile. I don''t remember anything about the E.T. or top speed he clocked at - I know as with any jet car it was scorching fast. Having seen jet cars numerous times before I was only half paying attention to his run until his chute failed to open past the finish line. The chute lines were burned away when it was deployed before the jet flame was completely out. The chute plopped uselessly to the ground and all we could do was watch as the jet car barreled across the safety shut-down area at the retaining hill.
Detroit Dragway had a relatively generous shut-down area, but it was not intended to accommodate a jet car at full speed and less the chute. The flat shut-down area was enclosed by a U-shaped hill probably about 6 - 8 feet high at the far end. With the on-board brakes totally ineffective in slowing the car Arfons slammed into the hill at way over 100 (could easily have been over 200) mph. The car climbed the hill and launched high into the air, spiraling out of sight on the other side.
I remember screams from the stands as people watched everything unfold. Myself and others in the staging area were already jumping on vehicles and heading down the track wondering what we would find. At the shut-down area some track workers were already trying to keep people back but some of us headed to the top of the hill. Rescuers were already at the car and I can''t remember if it had landed upright or on its side (I think I would have remembered it if it was completely up-side down). Arfons was impacted into the cockpit with dirt and mud and the rescuers had to work to pull him free from the wreck. Later, one of the people that was first on the scene told us Arfons had no heart beat when they pulled him from the car and someone pounded on his chest to get it going again. How true that is I can''t tell you. You are correct that as fast as they could get him in an ambulance it headed back down the strip and exited the main gate.
We did not hear any reports on his condition later that evening and I rather imagine we would have become aware of it if he had been fatally injured that night. I do know I have never commented to anyone about how easy it is to drive a jet car since then.
ssal: please let me know if you find out any more info on that cd set. I would like one.
Steve Rehak: The only other information that I have about the "Detroit at War" dvd series is that I saw it at a collectable store called AutoZone in Birmingham off of Woodward about 3 years ago. It was from a company called Wet Design.
Steve Rehak: Hello, does anyone know of a dvd series called "Detroit at War". I was a 5 dvd series involving the metro Detroit drag racing scene and had was seperated by different decades. If anyone has a copy of this series or knows of someone or someplace where I can buy this please contact me at srehak86@hotmail.com
Jim Zebrowski: My father Paul Zebrowski used to race there in the mid to late 70''s through the 80''s.
He raced a yellow 72 Chevelle with the words Sally''s Garage on the back.
Also a white Opel GT with the words Touch and Go on the sides.
His last car he had before he stopped was a 85 Firebird that was white.
I remember being dragged out as a kid every weekend to the track. It was pretty cool. I met a lot of interesting people.
If anyone has any pictures the can email me of the above cars I mentioned it would be great.
Thanks
Jim Z
John: Anyone out there have pics they can post of the big 1963 Super Stock meet at DD, would have been in Aug. Everyone that was anyone was there, it was right before the Nationals in Indy
Bob Shork: GREAT WEBSITE! If you go all the way to the end of the pictures it shows me and my good friend Skip giving Detriot Dragway our best shot, I have the 1969 silver GTO Judge, Skip is driving the white 66 Lemans. Lots of great memories.
Bill Presley: First attended in 1961. Became an extreme (every wknd, all 3 days of the big meets) fan in 1963. Raced every car I ever owned up ''till 1972. Cars and Det. Drgwy. dominated my life. Saw many accidents including The Michigan Madman''s crash with the Chevy eng. motorcycle past the finishline. The bike was in the Hot Rod Mag. classifieds the next month. Other memories incl. a race for big money after Sun. racing ended, between the Silver Bullet Plymouth and the Little Kim Camaro. Once, early on Sat. I was sitting in the bleachers on the spectator side and an AMX shattered it''s clutch and bellhousing hitting second gear and a good-sized piece of flywheel or clutch plate flew past me like a buzzsaw about 15 ft. away. Frightening! Another time during a Pro Stock 3 out of 5 match, Ronnie Sox stood the Barracuda on it''s bumper (losing of course) and after pulling the car up on the trailer afterwards, cracked everyone up saying "Well,I guess we took a little too much air outta the tires". Occasionaly there''d be a bandstand on the grass in front of the bleachers with live music between trials and eliminations. I managed to win the 16.99 and up bracket on Sun. of a three day meet with a stock 4spd. ''71 Vega GT. Good reactions and consistant times had me beating much faster cars. Also remember longtime starting line guy, Tiny and of course red-haired owner Gil Kohn. Truly some of the most intense and fun times of my young life.
Steve DeGroote: Does anybody remember Art Arfons and the Green Monster crashing in ''81? I recall the ambulance had to go out to the main roads to pick him up.
GK: Aaa, I remember this well. Not the track itself so much, but I do recall vividly in the 60''s listening to the races on a hot summers night, with the windows open while going to bed as a kid. You couldn''t hear the cars idling, but you could clearly hear them at full throttle. I lived in Riverview in the Pennsylvania / Fort area.
rick rzepka: what a thrill. last friday i was at a local verterinary clinic here in detroit area. while i was waiting in the lobby i ran into shirley muldowney! (the top fuel champ!)what a great lady we chatting for a few . she was very friendly. i told her i was a huge fan and watched her back in the day at detroit dragway and others. thank you for the time shirley it was awesome!! im gonna rent heart like a wheel this weekend..heehee.
Randy: http://youtube.com/watch?v=t3pqqLnnFMQ
Jay: Hi Guys. I to really miss Detroit Dragway. My first time ever on a track was right there. My father took me when I was little and picked me up and sat me on the fence 40 years ago! I remember getting off of work and picking up a six pack and a bucket of chicken and staying at the track till the last car made a pass! I am looking for any old pictures of Little Kim, Country Preacher or Moms Headache if any one has them. Also there was a guy that ran a torquoise color 68 or 69 GTO. His name was Bob Penn. Any photos of that car would be great!
Thanks
JEFF YAX: Leon, you are right I raced at Detroit and mc and Lapeer is the track that reminds me of those tracks, I think it is the laid back atmosphere and it''s just a fun place to race at.also they aren''t to far away with the price of gas you can still afford to drive up there.
LEON HART: Kelly, I race at all the tracks around and the track i like best and reminds me of Detroit and Motorcity is Lapeer dragway they run it for the average guy like Detroit did,and they treat everyone good not like most of the tracks that just care about the hot shots and the small guy gets crap.and on sat.they have a good test/tune day you can get in a lot of runs.give it a try.there is a lot of the old boys there.Leon
kelly beebe: yeah reading the emails from all the fellow racers that ever raced at detroit , it just isn''t the same yeah i have saw several guys at lapeer and milan but they aren''t the same ,detroit was our home legends raced there weekly from bracket racers to national runners i raced there from the time i was 17 in 1987 till they closed ran with the team in 1993 at indy finals and my dad raced in 1997
i still have my pinto i raced in street class and i miss george and ralph i still see guys like sam burrell and jerry sidock i live by them ,maybe someday the political crap in michigan will change and we can have a dragstrip we can call home again i norwalk but it is so far and the track is built for the big buck racer now it isn''t the family tradition it once was either oh well things change sincerely forever a detroit racer at heart kelly beebe / lemon-aid racing
Kyle Stubbs: Does anyone know of or have any pictures of a `57 Ford Rectractable that was raced at least once at Detroit Dragway in the NHRA Nationals. My father is the current owner of the car, and I would be very greatful for any information.
Tip Maples: Howdy Earl, this is Tip Maples daughter in law. It''s your lucky day. Tip has pictures of this car, and wants to know why you haven''t called him in so many years, since you two spent all them nights together on this car. Contact me to reach him and the pictures you are looking for.
GARY BOGUSZ: EARL- i remember your car and I believe I have a picture of it (I was a Mopar guy)
I dig in my old photo box E-mail me for your address Did you used to go by the nickname "Turtle"
Earl Lancaster: I''m looking for any photos of a car that I drove frpm 1969-1971 at the Detroit Dragway. The car was a 1964 Plymouth with A 426 cross-ram race hemi. it was red in color and went by the name of LIVESTOCKER....Thanks Earl
Rob Clary: Does anyone happen to have any photographs of the E/SA final from the 1959 NHRA Nationals held in Detroit? This would be between a ''51 Stude convertible and a ''39 Cadillac I believe?
I happen to have an original 1959 Detroit Nationals, as well as an original 1959 Detroit Nats decal (the shaped like the United States)...if you pictures, please contact me: chevy454@yenko.net
jeff ballard: to jim ballard: any relation to the ballard bros racing 63 fairlane?
SHANE ROMAN: I BOUGHT A COPY OF THAT DRAGWAY DVD AND I REALLY ENJOYED IT. IF YOURE LOOKING FOR THE REAL THING THATS IT.
Linda Bahn: Looking for old pictures of a twin engine harley that was run at Detriot Dragway between 1957 and 1959. My father-in-law built that bike and would love to get a hold of some old pictures.
jim ballard: I am looking for pics of my uncles car he campaigned in the late sixties..His name was Bill Ballard...It was a 62 Belvedere hemi car with the name "SLIPPERY" on the sides..The car was painted red white and blue...Any info would be greatly appreciate..The car was last seen in Alpena Michigan..Contact me at directhit44@hotmail.com......Thanks in advance...Jim Ballard
Charlene: Thanks Randy, Her name is Joyce Salive, her husband Joe also raced. She was interviewed by Channel 50 and ran a race that night and won. She drove a ''57 Ford Farlane and raced with the likes of Howard Dillion, Don Larsh, Don Finn (My Uncle Now Past) Marcel Marchand, Louie Rivait who drove a Mustang like car for Poole in Chatham On Canada. I have contacted the TV Station to see if they have anything from that time period as well. Thanks again! Anyone can e-mail me at dottknott@hotmail.com if they have any info or point me in a direction :o) She was the very FIRST Woman to race there, before those who came after her so there has to be something based on all the stink that was raised and she took a course with the Grand Nationals as well. :o)
Randy: Charlene, what is her name? was there a name on her car? what kind of car did she pilot? Let us know...
Charlene: Hello all, I wonder if someone here might be able to help me out with something from about 1964-66. I have an Aunt who was the FIRST Female Drag Racer at the Detroit Dragway. She is looking for archive pictures or news articles that might have something of her in them, for her grandkids and great grandkidies. If you might know of something or can point me in the right direction, please DO e-mail me at dottknott@hotmail.com Sincerely Charlene :o)
Randy: Eric...read the very first posting on here from the webmaster. also you can check out this link http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=31&category=locations. The body of this story is in another posting, but there are a few pics to check out (only a few). what an awesome track that was back in the day...
eric strobel: when did Detroit Dragway close.
Randy: There was a program "Thunder from Detroit" a series from American Muscle Car that aired on (on Speed) Monday night. It was a great throwback to the real days of drag racing. Many DD references and shots/footage. too much to describe on here...I have checked the program schedule on Speed and do not see a rebroadcast of it anytime. It was nice to take a quick visual trip back.
Bruce Lindstrom: Just a quick note to say the "GOLDEN COMMANDOS" reunion was great! As the owner of the "GOLDFISH" I was pleased to see my friends Ray and Liz Kobe and meet their sons and daughters, GREAT job Denise, See you again when the"GOLDFISH" is ready to race again.
larry malski: anyone interested in my DVD that is 40 minutes long and includes match races at Detroit& Motor City dragways in 65,66,68 and Indy 70,71 can email me at moosehead2@lighthouse.net
paul rossi: i would love a copy of old races from detroit dragway. I grew up at that track. I was born in 73 but i still seen alot of great racing there. My youngest son was born in 1995 and we would go to test and tune and race night. We went so much that when we pulled in on pit side , the track workers would just put a pit pass on my sons coat and wave us in for free. I feel that weve all lost a great part of history and a great place to relax!
Randy: Yea Larry me too...I would really enjoy having a copy of that tape!
Ken Sieloff: Larry, how can I get a copy of this tape or DVD? Sounds great ! Ken
larry malski: I have just completed a 40 minute DVD featuring Detroit Dragway movies from 65,66 and Motor City 68.Match races include Bob Ford mustang wrecks while racing Seaton 65 chevelle,66 Schartman comet racing Ramchargers,STP cougar races Houston Platt camero,Houston does a wheelie and flips.Hundreds of cars.Dick Jesse,Chargin Cyclone,Expressway Gulf thunderbolt,Carton bros. falcon,Firebrewed,Kelly Chadwick,McKesson,Garlits F/E red dragster and the Don Garlits dart.Great old tape.
Ken Sieloff: Mike & or Denise, I too have fond memories of the Golden Commandos run of Super Stock cars. If there is a powerpoint presentation with information regarding Forrest and the cars I would gladly do whatever is necessary to get my hands on a copy. I would also look forward to making contact with Mr. Pittcock regarding a plymouth that I currently own. I believe he would be interested in seeing it. I live in Clarkston MI. Please contact me when you can at wheelsup64@yahoo.com Ken Sieloff
Mike: wondering if anyone has any pics of a 70 duster called cherry blend that used to race there??? was also in the autorama in i wanna say 82 or 83
Steve Stasko: Hello, I''m looking for any pictures of the "Zoom-O" 1964 Dodge that was raced by Ron Mancini in 1969. I now have the car and am trying to make a scrapbook of pictures. Anything you have will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Steve Stasko sixpakdodge@yahoo.com
Mike VanCleave: Denise Kobe, could you give me more info about the Power Point Presentation about the history of the Golden Commando. Does your dad know about where Forrest Pitcock is living at today? Also, would your dad like some photos of my daughters Golden Commando Jr Dragster? I have some neat pictures of her car next to the Color Me Gone Jr. Leave me a message on my e-mail. mikevantoo@aol.com
Denise Kobe: My Dad, Raymond Kobe, will be giving a PowerPoint Presentation on June 9 in Detroit on the history and behind-the-scenes stories of the Golden Commandos, if you are interested. He is poring through his photos as we speak. He was the engineer for the team, as well as its President, and was also a member of the Ramchargers, I believe.
Mike VanCleave: I grew up in Lincoln Park in the 60"s. I remember I could hear the cars from Detroit Dragway from my house on a clear night. I went to the dragstrip with the the guy who lived next to me. He had a flat black 34 Ford with a flat head. He drove the car to the track and I remember only one time he had to be towed home when he broke. I couldn''t wait to get my drivers license, not to be able to drive on the street but to race my car at the strip. I raced my 63 Old''s with a 394. I remember a girl who use to work in the tower named Candy Hubbs. I found her class picture from Southgate High School she gave me. On the back she wrote that she hoped some day I would have a 9 second car and she hoped she would be there to see it. I also remember The Golden Commando driven by Forrest Pitcock. I moved to Tenn. in the late 80''s. I was working on a job in this small town south of Nashville. This older guy came up to me and asked about some store fixtures I was putting in the trash. He wanted them and we loaded them in his pickup truck. After we were done, he reached in his truck and gave me a piece of paper. It had a picture of the Golden Commando with a story about Forest Pitcock. I told him I remembered that car, and to my surprise, he said he was Forrest. I just about fell over. We kept in touch and anytime I was in his area, I would look him up. I have a daughter who was born with racing in her blood. When she turned 8 years old, I bought her a Jr Dragster and started racing. When we 1st got the car, we thought a long time about how we wanted to paint it. She came up with the idea of calling it The Golden Commando Jr. I talked to Forrest''s son about using the name. He said his dad would love it. We painted the car gold with all the lettering in a reflective white letters. We had 2 cars with the Golden Commando Jr paint job. She is on here 3rd car witch we painted black. The 1st body hangs from the ceiling of our Race Room. Every time I go back to Mich, I drive by Dix and Sibley hoping I may see something that was left over from the good old days. In finishing, does anyone remember at Detroit Dragway when they raced 4 cars at once??? Anyone who thinks they may of remembered crossing my path or can relate to anything I''ve said, drop me a e-mail. mikevantoo@aol.com Also great site. It''s in my Favorites.........
Rob Cook: Hi. I''m looking to hear from anyone who might remember a 1966 Pontiac Acadian called Little Cheatah from the Windsor area that raced at Double D in the late 60s. It was powered by a stout 327 4 speed and was candy apple red with a candy stripe, like a candy cane, down the drivers side hood, roof, and trunk of the car. His name was Mac Cook, also known as Oliver Cook. He had also raced on Woodward and Gratiot on the weekends. He told me that he raced the Silver Bullet on Woodward more than once. And commented that He beat the pants off of many Hemi cars including the S. Bullet. Any info or pics of this car or my dad from that era would be great. He passed away in 2000 and I''ve been trying to find anything I can out. He had nothing but pictures of trophies in his livingroom and his memories to share with me. Thanks, Rob Cook.
Gary Korkala: Does anyone know if there are any records available that list the participants in the 1959/1960 Nationals. I raced a 1960 Chev. Impala 335 and I was hoping to find some documentation to show my grandson.
Ronald O'Connor - 2/23/2007 In response to Willber, I am the son of Louie and Joyce O'Connor and sadly they have both passed. I have a lot of great memories of all the local dragstrips ( Motor City, Detroit, Lapeer, etc.). I have been trying to get a hold of the films from Motor City that were shown on channel 50 on Saturday nights as well as any other film or photos of my dad's 41 Willys known as Shadow. Please contact me @ roconno4@ford .com if you have anything like this.
George Ealem: John, I found this on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Slingshot-Dragsters-1960s-Photo-Archive/dp/1583881484 It hhas about the 1960 front engine dragsters. http://www.maui-angels.com/wheelerdealer/ This link is to the wheeler dealer dragster. This link has pictures of the old dragsters also,http://www.wediditforlove.com/sitemap-free.html George P.S. I found these links by googling 1960s top ful dragsters.
WILLBER: JEFF,THE GUY THEY CALLED TENNESSEE THAT WORKED AT LAPEER DRAGWAY NAME WAS HAROLD LEASHER, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HIM? ALSO A HUSBAND AND WIFE BY THE NAME OF LOUIE AND JOYCE OCONNER ALSO WORKED FOR LAPEER DRAGWAY. WILL.
JEFF YAX: I remember Bob Snyako working for the Vakulas at the Lapeer Dragway back in the late 60s and also the anouncer called Tennessee. Jeff
LEE DETRICK: I would like to know if anyone has pictures of any of my cars, especially a 1960 red Ford Starliner I raced in the 60's.
rob: i was just wondering if anyone would by some luck have any pictures of a 1969 camaro ss that my dad and his 3 brothers drove at detroit dragway in the 80s it was blue with a 327 or 307 in it and ran 14s and then a 427 l88 that ran i belive 12s. their names were dave scott jimmy scott george scott and my dad bob scott they hung out with doc eddie shawn tony and another guy named tony candale. my dad and his brothers were from 15th street by old tiger stadium.if anyone has any pictures by chance could you please send them to rob_scott209@yahoo.com thank you
John: George, I tried that link to Robert Snyako but it didn't work, any other ideas? John
George Ealem: John, Robert Snyako was the photographer at Detroit Dragway in the beginning and through the 60's. He used to go to all the swap meets and he is probable the gentleman thhat you saw. He has a web site:http://photobybob.tripod.com/ I know that he had pictures for sale, if you are interested. George
John: As a dragstrip regular back in the early 60's I would hate to think that no one has pic's from that era. I as well as others would love to see those pic's of Northtown Balancing's gasser,the Ramchargers "High and Mighty" the Super stocks like Stanford Dodge, The Flag Jumper, Golden Commandos and others. How about Arfron's jet dragsters,that crazy motorcycle with the Chevy engine. I saw a vendor at one of the shows this year, I think it was the Livonia Barn show that was selling pictures from the strip but I didn't have time to look through them. Let's hope someone has some of these pics and will post them
George Ealem: Hey Vic you old motorhead, what about me? Didn't I teach you about keeping Staging A open for people to walk across without having to fear for their lives, because all you loose nuts behind the wheel was thinking about getting to the starting line? LOL Vic I miss all of you guys from the track even Gene Buckles! LOL George
George Ealem: John Haven, I know two Jerry Wests from Detroit Dragway. They were Father and Son, the son died about two years ago, but I know the father is still around. He lives in the downriver area. When I was working at Detroit Dragway, they were racing motorcycles and had their own repair shop. George Ealem
George Ealem: Jeff, Gil Kohn and Ed Eaton are both in Delray Beach, Fla. The last I knew they were still working together in corp. real estate. That was when I was working for Detroit Dragway until it closed. George Ealem
Dave Dobner: To Rob Clary.. Hello, what can I do for you regarding the '59 program? I could look up info or even scan some pages but I will not part with it if that's what you want to ask. I can be found on the new message board here as ol'shoe22, if you post under Michigan Drag Racing I'll keep and eye open for ya.
Sean Fitzgerald: Try going to the Mt Clemens page to reach Dave.
Rob Clary: Does anyone know how to reach DAVE DOBNER? I would like to holler at him regarding his '59 Nats program...thanks!
JEFF YAX: DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE OLD OWNER OF DETROIT DRAGWAY Gil Kohn IS STILL ALIVE, AND IF SO WHAT IS HE DOING NOWADAYS. JEFF
Tony: Does anyone remember a brown 1969 Chevy Biscayne 427 / 4-speed car run at Detroit Dragway in the '70s? Second owner's name was Richard Charles; first owner unknown. I would love to know more about this car-please shoot me an email if this car sounds familiar. Thanks!
John Haven: Does anyone remember a Jerry West (Flat Rock, Michigan), who might have drag raced in the Detroit area in the 1950's and 1960's?
WILL BUCKWHEAT: Hey guys, guess what, today i seen SUPER BEE LEE racing at LAPEER DRAGWAY11-4-06,He is driving a red doge,he still looks good. kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SUPER BEE LEE. Will.
Rick Tope: Good job on the site keep up the good work . thanks Rick Tope
Vic THE MOTORHEAD Gregory: I cant tell you how much I miss the old crew at the Dirty D. I got the old Nova out of moth balls a month ago and all I hear at the track is how much we all miss Detroit Dragway. It was not much to look at, but boy did that track have teeth! The lanes were always equal and once you got down the head of staging, you knew you were going to have a good race no matter what. The guy I miss the most is Ralph. He tought me more about drag racing than any one I know. He tought me how to make the track work for me. Mike Fisher tought me how to work the top end and Jay Linaberry on how to use a delay box. What a lucky person I was to be able to raise my son there with the best people a person could know.
George Counts: my dad had 68 plymouth road runner and raced at detroitdragway every time the gates were open and told me all the storys about connie & big daddy . well i was just a kid then now i im 33 years old and miss going to detroit drag way. o by the way my dads name is wild bill counts 1794 rademacher detroit , mi
George Counts: my dad had 68 plymouth road runner and raced at detroit dragway every time the gates were open and told me all the stories about connie & big daddy well i was just a kid then now i am 33 years old and miss going to detroit drag way.
Gary Jankowski: Does anyone out there have a picture of Northtown Balancings 55 Chevy sedan delivery gasser or Paul Rossis Westborn Chrysler-Plymouth 1963 Max Wedge Super-Stock car? Id really appreciate any info.
Dave Lyall: Having raced at Detroit Dragway, begining the first night open in late 1959 and through a Ford Motor Company test Session in 1999, a period covering over 40 years, I saw the beginning, the heydays, and the beginning of the end. During the Super Stock era, all through the 60s, Double D as we called it raced two and three times a week. One Saturday nights, it was standing room only, with several thousand spectators filling the grandstands the length of the quarter mile, and participant car counts in the several hundreds. Many Detroit area auto dealers, including my then employer, Bob Ford in Dearborn sponspred racing teams, and the advertisments for the special shows and match races were a regular Detroit Radio Station staple. Walking through the pits, one could easily spot the racing bosses from Ford, GM and Chrysler, who were regular attendees, especially during the special super stock events. Detroit Dragway hosted all of the early greats of the sport, including such as Don Gartlits, Seto Postorian, Chris Karamasenies, TV Tommy Ivo, through Don Nicholson, Ronny Sox, Grumpy Jenkins, Hayden Proffitt, Gas Rhonda, Les Richey, and many more of the greats and near greats. The scope of the regular saturday events would only be dwarfted by todays national events. Truly, Detroit Dragway was one of Detroit Motorsports primary venues. Looking back, I guess it all had to happen in a past era, because the cars, the culture, the charectors, and the driving force for it all could not exist in todays over regulated, over legislated, over taxed and over priced society. It sure was fun while it lasted. Dave Lyall, Livonia, Michigan.
Chuck Kurzawa III: I am just writing this to correct my previous message that I submitted the other day.My correct e-mail address is ckurzawa01@comcast.net once again please let me know if anyone has any pics. of my father
Chuck Kurzawa III: Hello, I am looking for any old photos of my Father Chuck Kurzawa in any of the top fuel cars that he drove and also a car that he drove called the "RUNT" that was a comp.roadster.The cars that he drove were as follows- 65-66 "THE PROBE" 67-68"RAMCHARGERS"69 LOGGHE STAMPING 70-71"KURZAWA-MCNEW -OLIVIO" 71-75 "BOBS DRAG CHUTES" 78-85" EGO TRIP" as most know my DAD passed away on 01-29-06 and I am putting together a room at my Mothers house with some memoribilia that he had.I need help from the people who knew him and raced at the tracks with him!Any pics. that are available please e-mail me at lkurzawa248@comcast.net thank you for the site and space. CHUCK KURZAWA III
JEFF YAX: WE WOULD HIT DETROIT DRAGWAY SAT LAPEER DRAGWAY SUN AFTERNOON AND MOTORCITY SUN NIGHT.SAD THAT HALF THE DRAGSTRIPS IN MICH HAVE CLOSED DOWN,MY HAT IS OFF TO LAPEER FOR STILL BEING OPEN TO GIVE US SOME PLACE TO RACE.LETS FACE IT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME AND ALL THE DRAGSTRIPS WILL BE GONE FOREVER. ENJOY THEM WHILE YOU CAN. JEFF
Bill Morris: I remember when I was a teenager my dad would take his car and me to Detroit Dragway every Sat. and head up to Lapeer Dragway every Sun. and race his Falcon. Those were the good days, I loved them.
Alan McLenon: I grew up in Trenton and went there a few times growing up, I remember as a kid I would love it when we drove by there and see all the cars lined up to get in and you could hear the cars running from our house. I used to ride my bike up King road and sneak in the back and climb a tree and watch the cars race, then they started patrolling with ATCs and they kicked us out a few times so after that we would haul our bikes up in the trees with us, fun times.
Richard Taylor: I have 8MM footage of drag bike racing and roadster drag racing from Detroit Dragway. My father always told me it was some of the first racing at the dragway. Anyone interested please e-mail me. stickstaylor@yahoo.com
Adam Brown: Hi folks, I was wondering if any one was at Detroit the day Jim Kerish was killed, any info would be appricated. Thanks Adam
Jay: Hi: Nice site! Im looking for any photos or printed matter on the Prock & Howell cars (Willys and Mustang), Seatons Shaker (when I drove it) or other of the cars I raced in Detroit. Please email me at luvto50@comcast.net Im working on a scrapbook for my kids. Thanks, Jay
Sean Fitzgerald: Yeah and stick a halfmile high banked oval and a road course to it and not even the most annoying developer could stop it.
Pat: I wish this track would open back up. It sure would bring things closer.
Mark (Sparky) Frensley: looking for any photos of my old 68 fairlane (village ford sponsored) from detroit dragway . I raced it there from1989-1991 . I have very few photos from those days ,maybe someone can help !
Dennis: Hi all, Does anybody remember "the blue racer" it was a 1931 Mod A roadster channled on a 32 Ford frame, it ran B/SR class and it was number 424,... it ran a 312 "Y" block Ford engine,.... and ran at the 1964 NHRA US Nationals at indy, but the car was from Detroit. any help would be appreciated.
George Ealem: I worked at Detroit Dragway from 1989 to 1997. I worked at first at staging "A" where I controlled the flo of cars to the starting line. I then became a Tech man after going to Indy and getting my Bronze tech license to check cars. I worked there every day they were open. It was my second job, I worked for Kmart in my first job, it was the best thing for me because it help me keep my mind after working with people in a warehouse for Kmart. I loved working at Detroit Dragway, because of the people I met and had fun doing what I loved, plus I got paid for it! I miss the saturday night racing and the crazy test and tune nights.
Barry R - 8/25/2005 Very cool photos and stories. I ran at the "Dirty D" nearly every weekend from 1985 until it closed. Still have some stickers and a "Driver of the Year" plaque from 87 or so. Had a black 69 Torino street racer. Still have it. Tim Young (see photo credits) is a very good friend, and I was probably the one responsible fro bringing him to the track. He ended up rewiring the lighting, the timers, and the PA. Made the place into a nice track in the last few years. I really miss Detroit. The racers were a dysfunctional family of sorts. I remember about fifty of em coming to my wedding with their own booze - but only after the track had shut down for the evening. Racing was important to these guys....
David Leighton: On the Detroit Dragway page, Picture titled "FROM 1959 24" is Bernie Partridge in the white roadster #236. At the time Bernie was teamed with Bob Leighton on this Desoto powered roadster. Bernie went on to become the NHRA Division 7 Director, and then on to the Vice President of Field Operations with the NHRA. Bob "Gus" Leighton continued racing with Dennis Garrett and the Dragmaster B and was still active with the Inyokern Drag Strip, and his own dragsters that most recently have been driven by his son, grand son, and grandaughter.
Adam Brown: Hey my name is Tim Corcoran and I am from Brighton Michigan. My dad use to do a lot of street racing on Telegraph and race at Detroit dragway and also motor city dragway. He had a white 1966 Nova L 79 and it said WHITE LIGHTNING on it . I am trying to find pictures of this car. If you could help me with some leads where to look I would be so grateful. By the way the class he raced was e/stock. No National events but he did do a lot of class racing and bracket racing. His name is Bob Corcoran. Thank you, Tim Corcoran Timnhra76@aol.com
Adam Brown: Hi I was wondering if any one knew the where abouts of Gil Kohn and Ed Eaton. And if you do could you please contact me at Hockeyfreak3931@aol.com. Thanks Adam, Hey my name is Tim Corcoran and I am from Brighton Michigan. My dad use to do a lot of street racing on Telegraph and race at Detroit dragway and also motor city dragway. He had a white 1966 Nova L 79 and it said WHITE LIGHTNING on it . I am trying to find pictures of this car. If you could help me with some leads where to look I would be so grateful. By the way the class he raced was e/stock. No National events but he did do a lot of class racing and bracket racing. His name is Bob Corcoran Thank you Tim Corcoran Timnhra76@aol.com
Mark B.: Went to Detriot dragway around Sept. of 1996, with a friend of mine that is in the bearing burners car club, he had told me that the track was going to close soon, so if I wanted to go see the track and maybe try my car out that I better get out there. We took my wifes 1964 Pontiac lemans and ran in the street class, we had a great day out there, almost beat ouy the best in class, but didnt to the staging line on time, so we were eliminated. Still had a good time with friends and my wife knows that if she could have gotten to run she may have got second if not first place because of the way her car was running that day. Try to ask around the track if it was really going to close down and no body seemed to know if or when it would. A couple of years later we drove out there and they were tearing it down, it was really a shame that another track was gone.
Mike Pranke: Looking for pics of Rick Tope at Detroit dragway in the Jet Glaze funny car orLarry Malaks 57 chevy. Rick is a friend of the family and my dad {passed away in 92)was the wrench on Larrys car. I lost all the pics when my home burned down... If anyone could help I would be GREATFUL!!!!
John Gacioch: I looked at a higher res copy of the photo, and I believe that the sanctioning body logo in the center of the sign is "United Hot Rod Association" which is the one Gil Kohn started himself when he presumably got fed up with NHRA and AHRA.
Richard Rzepka: Awesome pic of Kallita, John. Thanks for sharing!!!!!! Love the AHRA sign... Cool stuff!
Chuck Kurzawa: Those 1965 shots are from the 59 or 60 Nationals, I was there.
Richard Rzepka: Oh boy, what memories I have of the strip. I was there from 1975 till it closed. I will never forget Saturday nite funny cars!!! Detroit Tiger, Motown Shaker, Color Me Gone. Even the big guys would show up once a summer Snake, Burgin, McKewen. I have posted a few pics from the day. Thanks Wonderland, awesome site!!!
Becky Bell: I lived at Pennsylvania Road and Grange Road in Southgate from 1968 until marrying a gear-head in 1971. The allure of Detroit Dragway was too much to endure. During that first spring in 1968, Sunday afternoons quiet would break with the roar of racing engines as local racing enthusiasts would test their abilities, against time and my racing heart. It was my wish to be there. Eventually, I applied and secured a position as cashier, which meant I stood at the entrance and took admission from each passenger of each car that approached me. Eventually, I worked my way "up" to the tower for time trials. I worked every Sunday afternoon in the spring and once the summer nights were warm enough I worked Saturday nights. Since my boy friend had his own cars to race, a 68 hemi GTX and a 69 Roadrunner, it was no big deal...I was there anyway. The "strip" certainly served as a location to control the need for speed and kept us off the Detroit Metro airport grounds, which was usually broke up by the Romulus Police.
PATT: Back in the late 60s a group of us from Hazel Park High would drag race on Woodward Ave Friday & Saturday nights to get ready to race "the big boys" at Detroit Speedway on Sundays. Many had Chryslers and with little money but lots of dreams out we would go to Sibley & Dix. We formed a loose knit group called The Chrysler Pack and the gals would paint that name on our cars with white shoe polish. One of our guys had a 1968 Dodge Dart that wiped up in each class. He was even offered to take it Nationally to race but it was his only set of wheels and he turned the offer down. I often wonder what would have been had he done so.
Detroit News - 5/23/2004 By Julia Daniel / The Detroit News Gone forever are the nitro fumes, roaring engines and loyal spectators at the Detroit Dragway on Sibley and Dix. Since 1959 hot rodders, racers and gearheads met at the strip to test their engines and their nerves. On April 9, 1998 the landmark dragway closed its gates forever in order to make way for a new industrial park. "I wouldnt be human if I didnt lament closing (the track)," said Gil Kohn, who owned the strip since its opening. "But theres an economic boom hitting Detroit. ...Life goes on." Detroit Dragway was quickly initiated into racing by sponsoring the National Hot Rod Associations top event, the U.S. Nationals in 1959 and 1960;its first two years in operation. During its long history the strip also hosted races sponsored by the American Hot Rod Association and the United Hot Rod Association. Racing always began on Saturdays at 8:00pm and continued on Sundays at 2:00pm. The dragway achieved national recognition not by the races it hosted or the drivers and record setting runs but by its radio commercial, "Sunday Sunday Sunday at the Detroit Dragway." "Ive run into people in Times Square (New York) whove heard those commercials," said Kohn. In addition to the U.S. Nationals the dragway was a standard venue for the AHRAs Grand American drag racing series by hosting the Michigan Grand Nationals; the fifth race out of a ten race series. The pay out for the Grand Nationals was $20,000 for fuel dragsters and $10,000 for super stock drivers. Detroit also hosted the main event of the UHRA; The Grand Nationals Championship. Top speeds of 125.7 mph and times of 11.117 to 8.45 seconds were recorded during the early meets at the strip. During the 1960s factory or "stock " cars ruled the Detroit Dragway competition, giving the average guy a chance to be a drag racers or even a national champion. The Big Three got involved too. Ford, General Motors and American Motors sponsored factory drag race teams, often ran by their employees. The most notable team was the Ramchargers sponsored by Chrysler. The Ramchargers were a group of 20 engineers from Chryslers Central Engineering Division, who dominated the Detroit Dragway as well as other strips nationwide. Stock machines werent the only ones to race. The dragway also accommodated dragsters, altered and modified machines, hot rods and street stocks. By the mid seventies the hot attractions at the strip were the top fuel dragsters and funny cars. Screaming down the track at 215 mph in 6.6 seconds, the 1978 NHRA Summer Nationals drew a crowd of 30,000 spectators for the three-day event. Also showing up for the event were some of the biggest names in drag racing: "The Bounty Hunter" Connie Kalitta, Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen, Gary Burgin and three time top fuel world champion Shirley Muldowney. All were competing for the largest purses ever awarded at the track, $40,000. The 1980s saw an overall decline of the dragway. A string of misguided managers caused the dragways spectators and racers to leave and the strip to deteriorate. Attendance at the dragway dropped from 35,000 during its heyday in the in 1960s to 500 in 1991. Ed Law was hired in 1992 to restore the strip and bring it back to profitability. Law remodeled the concession stand and restrooms. He also added new landscaping to the entrance. The 1992 annual tracks driver meeting attracted nearly 500 racers. 1994 brought an effort revive the dragways racing spirit. The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) arrived in Detroit with a multi million-dollar development plan to raze the old strip and build a new racetrack stadium on the same location. NHRA officials also had plans to host an annual drag racing event at the new track. Sadly, the proposal failed due to public opposition. In its heyday the Detroit Dragway witnessed fierce competitions (for the big purses) between the pros such as "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, Arnie " The Farmer" Beswick, Roger "Color Me Gone" Lindamood, and Della "Funny Honey" Woods. Every weekend for 39 years the Detroit Dragway allowed dreams to scream down the track. But most importantly, it was a place where the average person could become a red-eyed, fire-breathing drag racer in the family sedan.
Frank Reynolds, M.D - 5/23/2004 Went to Detroit Dragway about twice every summer from early grade-school age through high school. Restroom stunk so bad we would relieve ourselves by the fence in the parking lot. Saw lots of "greats" there: Little Red Wagon, a car that ran on compressed air, a 4-engine thing called the Wagonmaster, a turbine powered dragster, the Coca-Cola Calvalcade of Stars Funny Car show (won by Kelly Chadwick), the Ramchargers, Hodges Dodges, Kalittas Mustang Funny Car, many others. Pat Foster tells a hilarious story on another web site about losing a fuel line in a funny car at night there (lousy lighting in the shut-down area) and skidding to a stop in front of the ambulance at which time the two ambulance drivers got out and said, "Wow, are you going to do that on every run?" (See Pats version, its much funnier.)
WaterWinterWonderland - 1/7/2003 Detroit dragway was closed in 1998 and sold to developers. A large industrial complex is on the site now.
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| CONNIE KALITTA 1971 FROM JOHN GACIOCH |  |
| OLD PIC AFTER CLOSE FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| OLD PIC AFTER CLOSE FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| TIM YOUNGS WORK TRUCK AT STRIP FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| THE HOLE FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| TOWER FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| OLD PIC AFTER CLOSE FROM TIM YOUNG |  |
| JON LUNDBERG ANNOUNCING AT DETROIT DRAGWAY IN 1965 FROM JON LUNDBERG |  |
| OLDS 442 FROM JOE VLK |  |
| PIC OF MOTOWN SHAKER FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| DRAG WEDGE FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| FUELER FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| RAIL FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| LITTLE RED WAGON FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| MOTOWN SHAKER WITH AL BERGLER'S AUTOGRAPH FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| AL BERGLERS MOTOWN SHAKER MUSTANG II FUNNY CAR MARCH 76 FROM RON GROSS |  |
| HOLLISH 1959 DET NATS FROM RANDY |  |
| PROCK AND HOWELL 1960S FROM RANDY |  |
| HOLLISH 1959 DET NATS FROM RANDY |  |
| JACKET FROM RANDY |  |
| 1959 NATIONALS JACKET FROM RANDY |  |
| RICK RZEPKA AT THE DRAGWAY FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| COLOR ME GONE FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| COLOR ME GONE FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| COLOR ME GONE FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| YOUNG RICK FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| YOUNG RICK FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| ANOTHER VINTAGE PIC FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| DICK CUSTY FUNNY CAR BURNOUT FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| GARY BECK FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| CAMARO WITH RICK RZEPKA DRIVING |  |
| THE FAMED BLUE MAX FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| WILDMAN EJ POTTER FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| THE GOLDEN COMMANDO |  |
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| RICK RZEPKA AT THE WHEEL OF THE CAMARO |  |
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| 1976 FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
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| GANG GREEN FROM LARRY PAYNE |  |
| GANG GREEN FROM LARRY PAYNE |  |
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| FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| GEORGE DELOREAN'S TEMPEST |  |
| FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| DON GARLITZ |  |
| PRUDHOMME |  |
| DRAGSTER |  |
| TED CYR |  |
| VINTAGE SHOT |  |
| JAY HOWELL DRIVING DICK BRANSTNER'S DART - SOURCE RG |  |
| DON PRUDHOMME FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| GARLITZ CAR 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| GARLITZ CAR 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| GARLITZ CAR 1966 FROM CLYDE BLAIR |  |
| ANOTHER DECAL |  |
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| DETROIT DRAGWAY GOATS SOURCE RG |  |
| NEWS AD |  |
| ANOTHER AD |  |
| CHUCK KURZAWA |  |
| WINNERS STICKER |  |
| FROM MARTY BLIVEN |  |
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| 1964 DYNO DON COMET |  |
| 1964 LEN RICHTER T-BOLT VS DYNO DON COMET |  |
| GOLDEN NUGGET FROM RICK RZEPKA |  |
| POSTER |  |
| SPRING 1962 FROM JACK SKINNY FUCHE |  |
| 65 CHEVELLE FROM KENNETH DENNETT |  |
| CHUCK KURZAWA |  |
| CHUCK KURZAWA 25 MAY 1969 FROM CHARLES KURZAWA III |  |
| CHUCK KURZAWA AHRA GRAND NATS 1970 FROM CHARLES KURZAWA III |  |
| CHUCK KURZAWA MAY2 1971 FROM CHARLES KURZAWA III |  |
| COVER OF 1959 5TH NHRA US NATIONALS RACE PROGRAM FROM DETROIT DRAGWAY FROM DAVE DOBNER |  |
| PITS FROM RICK |  |
| PITS FROM RICK |  |
| PITS FROM RICK |  |
| 1968 FROM RON GROSS |  |
| BILL JENKINS75 FROM ROY NAU |  |
| JENKINS 75 MONZA FROM ROY NAU |  |
| MASKIN AND KANNERS FROM ROY NAU |  |
| TOM PROCK75 FROM ROY NAU |  |
| 1965FLYER |  |
| AERIAL PHOTO |  |
| 1965 FLYER |  |
| 1965 FLYER |  |
| OLD AERIAL |  |
| 1964 DYNO DON FROM TOM KASCH |  |
| 1964 RAMCHARGERS FROM TOM KASCH |
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