Page 71 - Nitro Madness Magazine Fall 2017

late afternoon sun brought with it International Drag Racing Hall of per car entry fee, it appeared that
the SoCal weather pattern known Fame. the track was “walking in high
as the Inversion Layer. This cotton”! Unfortunately, from that
cool, damp, foggy “air” created Twelve weeks to the day after night forward the gate count slowly
a mystical illusion with the track Disneyland opened its doors, the spiraled downward for almost three
lighting, tire smoke and the overall first pair of competitors made years until Thompson introduced
essence of the racing action that set their way down Lions Drag Strip’s “Drag Racing under the lights” in
Lions apart from any other Drag version of Main street! Just like July of 1957!
Strip in the world. In the day, it was the Magic Kingdom, the Lions
the fastest track known to man! “opening day” attendance level Until then the racing action
The “air” was also saturated with far exceeded the expectation took place on Sundays (hence the
the unmistakable bouquet of ocean by more than double; food and Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! ballad).
mist, the fragrance of oil refinery, water supplies rapidly depleted, His inception of Saturday night/
the pungent aroma of the local anxious visitors climbed fences and date night (fuel) racing saved
landfill and the nostril burning technical difficulties tormented the track from certain death.
prickle of nitromethane! management! Additionally, Mickey’s Wednesday
night “Grudge Racing” program
Throughout its 17 years, 1 month Though Mickey Thompson’s was a huge success. As track
and 11 days of existence there were anticipation of 50 entries, they manager, Thompson also replaced
three track managers - Mickey actuality imposed nearly 400 cars; “flag starts” with a “Christmas
Thompson (1955-1965), CJ “Pappy” 25 percent of which were forsaken Tree”, incorporated a concrete
Hart (1965-1971) and Steve Evans due to technical inspection launching pad, roller starters and
(1971-1972). Many years later each deficiencies. With the 75-cent hosted the world’s first “live Drag
of them were inducted into the spectator admission and $1.25 Racing television broadcast”!

The Cacklefest portion of the show requires a “Drivers Meeting” to go over the schedule, formalities and safety regulations. There was
a vast host of Drag Racing legends in attendance enjoying their walk down memory lane.

Fall 2017 Nitro Madness Magazine 71