Page 35 - NM Spring 2018

small out of the way track that’s respectably known as “Barona”
(named after the native Kumeyaay people and Padre Jose Barona).
Nestled within the isolated desert foothills north-east of San Diego;
when the gates opened it philosophically paralleled with the “rolling
away of the stone” on resurrection day! Every available space was
occupied with vintage dragstrip iron and the indelible history that
shadowed each rebirth.

The most prevalent fundamental of the event was the social
aspect; undoubtedly it was a gathering place of guardians and
preservationists! Every pit-camp was devoid of taped-off barriers
and car owners anxiously welcomed participants with a genuine
smile and hand-shake. There was no lack of excitement when the
inquisitive on-lookers prompted their questions; in which each was
answered with historic certainty and passion!

Sauntering about the property were dozens of International
Drag Racing Hall of Fame members, intermixing with an
uncounted number of iconic drag racing personalities, surviving
pioneers and spectators alike! Everyone was respectably
dependant on one another; and there was no room for the
uncompromising intellectual that has no connection to Drag
Australian Nostalgia Funny Car pilot Steve Easton Racing’s colorful past. A carefree spirit filled the air; carrying
was on hand to show his support to fellow mate with it the distinct fragrance of nitromethane, burn-out smoke
Dennis Young and his Ash Marshal Top Fuel
Dragster. Continued on page 37

The beautifully restored “Antique Doll” Flathead Dragster started
out life as the Scrima-Adams-Smith car over half a century ago.

Spring 2018 Nitro Madness Magazine 35