Page 14 - 2019 NM Spring

of the track. With the ongoing year, the field was expanded back years. In 1989, the March Meet T HE
success of the former fuel and gas to 64 entries. The March Meet abruptly ended when financial
championship event in early March that began with the appearance difficulties again prevailed. After
every year, Hashim and Weller by Garlits in 1959 had continued a 5-year period, it was resurrected
decided to continue the event and to be very successful, but suffered with some financial support from
call it the “March Meet”. in 1971 when notable drivers like the GoodGuys Rod & Custom
Garlits, Wiebe, Carbone, Tharp, Association. What had begun
Over the years, the March Meet and others decided to race at the as a series of informal reunions
continued to be very successful, AHRA Grand American event and nostalgia races in the late
having become an east-west at Lions Drag Strip. This was 80’s evolved into a formal series
rivalry with entries from across the event that Garlits suffered a of racing events. Included in the
the country. In addition to Garlits, massive explosion at the starting list of events was the inaugural
names like Karamesines, Wiebe, line, blowing the car in half and California Hot Rod Reunion in 1991.
Malone, Pink, Snively, Sullivan, losing part of his foot. As a result of
Kalitta, Prudhomme, and McEwen that incident, he began designing a John Durbin ran the track for a
were on the list. In 1962, when rear-engine dragster that changed period of time and then the lease
Don Prudhomme won the event, the sport dramatically. was acquired by the National Hot
they had 87 entries in the Top Rod Association (NHRA) and
Fuel class. By 1964, organizers In the early 70’s, Jack Williams managed by their staff. NHRA
had limited the field to 32 cars, and Marvin Miller had assumed eventually brought the well-liked
with Connie Kalitta taking the control of the Famoso facility, Jack Williams back to manage
win that year. But the following enjoying success for a number of Continued on page 16

The Auto Club Famoso Raceway is well equipped with some of
the most skilled professionals in the Drag Racing community.
It’s extremely hard to round them up for a group shot as they
never stand still for very long.

14 Nitro Madness Magazine Spring 2019