Death of Drag Racing

[72Challenger]

Since we were getting too far off topic for the last thread, I figured I'd start a new one.

For starters, there's this: http://detnews.com/2000/motorsports/...orts-97831.htm

Dave A, Palmdale's even farther for me than Chargerchuck, but no where close to the 6-hour trek you'd be making! I'll need to aproach my wife about it, I know my daughter's willing, she's ready to get her learner's permit and is already asking me if I'll let her race the Challenger when she gets her license! If we do go, I'll let you know so we can make arrangements to hook up. About Rialto, the info I have says it's "Special Events Only" also. I'll call them tomorrow and post what I find out. They're about a 2-hour drive one way for me, accounting for traffic.

Chargerchuck, that's great news about Irwindale! Since they already have 2 ovals, a strip doesn't seem like it would be too difficult. About Lions, the Harbor Commission was responsible for shutting them down. There was a development planned that fell through because of the recession in the mid-70's, but noise complaints had a large part in it as well. In addition to finding someone with enough money to take on that project, there would still be the problem of the environmental imact studies required since it's so close to the ocean. Someone would surely complain about all the "toxins" polluting the fragile ecosystem. Like we'd even compare to the oil spills from all the tankers, and the small boats dumping their waste water. While I'm at it tomorrow, I'll call Carlsbad as well & see what's up there.

Anybody remember Brothers Drag strip? They operated for a couple years on Terminal Island in the 80's, on the police high-speed driving training course. It was cool of the LBPD to let them, but they're gone too. Never did find out why.

Well, I guess I've rambled enough, sorry all you Midwest & East Coast guys, for burdening you all with our troubles.

[montrose ram]

It's not boring but it is sad. We use to say trends started in California and moved east to rest of country. Growing up, California was the birth place of Hot Rods--It's depressing to think the sport is dying out. Thats "Progress", huh? I heard some city out there was thinking about fining people 50 bucks or something for just watching a street race! This is one trend I hope we dont get from you!

[dschumers]

I know what you guys are saying. RT66 in Joliet, the "Crown Jewel" of the NHRA, has done away with their points program. The new owners(NASCAR) say it's not profitable enough. Luckily, we still have some nice 'small time' tracks in the area that just love bracket racers!

In Illinois, if you get caught watching a street race, you can lose your driver's license for up to 1 year. (Aiding and abetting an illegal display of speed) Dennis

[BIG BLOCK BILL]

Dave A...I can make the Palmdale race,if any of you guys can go let me know.

72CHALLENGER...The deal with Lions is that land has been developed.It's a rather large railroad switching yard.Brotherhood raceway was running on Terminal island up until about 4years ago.The Harbor comission shut that down too,and now It's abulk loading facility.However, I heard Big Willie,the guy that ran Brotherhood raceway,is still fighting the Harbor comission trying to get a new piece of land to build a track on,but I haven't heard anything on that in a while.

[pishta]

Hey B.B.Bill, whats I hear about this race? I'de love to see some fast iron in a legal forum.

[Rob Voyles CA]

Hey....what event is in palmdale and when? I'm not too far away.

Rob

[J-BODY]

L.A. area guys may want to check out www.Drag-City.com Banning is starting up a track and I believe they have a full schedule for 2001. Currently 1/8th mile with plans for 1/4. This project has the city of Banning strongly supporting it too. Believe they are looking at or are IHRA sanctioned.

[This message has been edited by J-BODY (edited December 14, 2000).]

[Chargerchuck]

J-Body, thanks for the info, but Banning is a bit of a stretch (almost as much as Palmdale.) It looks like Irwindale (when it's built) will be SoCal's only legal venue. Getting to Palmdale is a problem if you have a low axle and no trailer. Also, it sits somewhere around 3500ft above sea level. Temperature wise, running at Palmdale would be great in the winter (especially if you have a cold air unduction system) but I suspect the hot air in the summertime would hurt performance. Has anywone done a comparison of 1/4 mile times at Palmdale vs. Carlsbad? While it's fun to show off your car at the local burger joint,it would be sweet if we had a local spot where we could really open 'em up. RIP OCIR.

[hemivaliant]

SoCal Drag Racers,

Check out this web site too http://www.elsinore-racing.com/

There is some hope for us drag racers in SoCal. The IHRA track in Banning will be a great place to race. Don't count them out as a legal place to race.


HV

[This message has been edited by hemivaliant (edited December 14, 2000).]

[RR69MOPAR]

Rumor. Not confirmed yet.
Famoso is not going to have Fri night test & tune in 2001. Maby one test & tune before March meets.
Looks like we will be going to LACR & Inyo Kern in 2001.

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Cameron's Racing
69 Road Runner 426 ci wedge 9.69 @ 140
66 Belv 440 ci 10.76 @ 125
98 Dakota Pro Stock type truck (under construction)
79 Lil Red Experss Truck
96 2500 Ram 5.9
99 Durango 5.9

[WEDGEMAN3]

HEY RR69Mopar....,Good to see some Locals on the boards....,I also have gotten ahold of the Famoso rumor. Same old story..,Special Events only. No More Test n Tune.Looks like we may be doin the High Desert Boogie in 2001

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WEDGEMAN3

[RR69MOPAR]

WEDGEMAN, I was told that the Div 7 ET finals will be at Famoso in 2001 that will be nice for us locals.

------------------
Cameron's Racing
69 Road Runner 426 ci wedge 9.69 @ 140
66 Belv 440 ci 10.76 @ 125
98 Dakota Pro Stock type truck (under construction)
79 Lil Red Experss Truck
96 2500 Ram 5.9
99 Durango 5.9

[RR69MOPAR]

WEDGEMAN3, what car do you run?

[Larry]

Hey Youall, Back in the mid to late 70's I raced at a track called High Desert Raceway. It was on the back side of George AFB in Victorville. Is the track still there? I used to belong to the High Desert Timing Assoc. back then which ran the track. I moved east in 1980 and lost touch with all of them. A guy named Bob Pettis had a speed shop out in Hesperia that I used to deal with all the time. If anyone from that area has any info please let me know. Thanks. Larry.
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71 Charger 383

[RR69MOPAR]

Larry, the track is gone. Have a track @ Inyo Kern (Ridgecrest) and LACR (Palmdale).

Regards,

------------------
Cameron's Racing
69 Road Runner 426 ci wedge 9.69 @ 140
66 Belv 440 ci 10.76 @ 125
98 Dakota Pro Stock type truck (under construction)
79 Lil Red Experss Truck
96 2500 Ram 5.9
99 Durango 5.9