Detroit Dragway Brownstown Twp MI - WaterWinterWonderland.com

Info Updates:

7/3/2019 - Bill Ray

I remember my first time at Detroit Dragway. I was 9 years old. I fell in love with all the wheelstanding Super Stock cars. Ramchargers, Sox & Martin, Bill Jenkins and the list goes on. In 1965 some of these cars had an altered wheelbase and looked kind of Funny. I had no idea i was witnessing the birth of Funny Cars right in front of me. Connie Kalitta was always one of my favorite drivers with his 1969 blue Mach One Mustang. The next time I saw that car it had Cha Cha Muldowney painted on the side with some girl driving. My friends and I were shocked to see some Female driving a Nitro Funny Car. It took a few years but I changed my mind about this Girl Driver. She is a Champion and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Shirley and all she has done for the sport of Drag Racing. I miss those days of hitch hiking down Telegraph road to get to the track. I still have several ticket stubs and pit passes from the track. A few of them were autographed by Ronnie Sox. A Treasured memory for sure. I now live in Don Garlits hometown of Tampa, Florida. I drive by his old house and shop every so often when I'm feeling nostalgic. Always a gearhead.

1/29/2019 - Steve Higgins

HELLO TO THE OLD SCHOOLERS THAT ARE STILL AT IT. I REMEMBER THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD AT VETTESVILLE TOLEDO AND MILAN DRAGWAY BACK IN THE MID TO LATE 60'S. IT WAS THE BEST TIMES OF MY YOUTH. NOW I AM LOOKING FOR AN OLD DRAG CAR TO PUT BACK ON THE STREET. ROLLING OR RUNNING. NO RESTORED CARS. LOOKING FOR 55-57 CHEVY. 59-62 VETTE. 62-64 IMPALA. SHOULD YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SELL. DROP ME A NOTE. STEVE. JAN. 2019.

6/9/2017 - David Jungquist

I am looking for Detroit Dragway 1972 Grand Nationals photos, film and info. Need Sundays elemators rounds. My car came in first in my bracket. Can anyone help me.

4/30/2016 - Joe Uratchko

W Smith. Give Chris Holbrock a call at Holbrok Racing Engines in Livonia, Mich. Carl was his father. He has pictures of that car on the wall.

4/17/2016 - w. smith

Looking for video and any lice of a car that ran in the early 70s at deatroit dragway. Carl Holbrooks 69 mustang ragtop called Instant Action car ran 10. 80s like clockwork. GREAT LOOKING CAR.

2/17/2016 - John

my Dad was an old school drag racer hes passed away and im trying to find out about a track in Tecumseh Mi he has a trophy for a 101 mph 14 sec quarter mi run in I believe in 1954 the trophy is hand engraved. I would like to know more. If this is the strip he used to talk about when I was a kid there were apple orchards on at least one side of the track because I remember him saying the farmers used to kick the spectators out of the trees so the branches would not get broken. Thanks John.

9/14/2015 - Joe Uratchko

What an awsome day Sunday at Bakers in Milford. I saw this red 61 Falcon Gasser type car pull in, and I said Naw, aint no way that thats the old homebrew car. Well, I walked up to the man, and what he said, floored me. Ron Ruths Homebrew ii. That sent chills down my spine. Back then, it was black, with silver sides. He had pictures and other memorabila from the day. He let me listen to a cd of the car going down the track back in the day. He told me Ron died years ago, but his memory still lives on in that car. I told him that he has a real piece of History sitting there. those early 70 memories will be with me til I go. I hope I see the car there again. Ill say a prayer for Ron.

7/28/2015 - Joe Uratchko

Then there was a Red 70 LS6 chevelle 4 speed car. A guy named Dwane had a 427 68 Red chevelle. How about the Redford Speed Willys. These were guys that were there at least every other weekend. Oh, and buy the way. I still have the 65 Chevelle. Man how times have changed.

7/28/2015 - Joe Uratchko

For Ken Ruth. Yes, I remember the Homebrew Falcon. 306 sbc, dual quads on a tunnel ram, 4 speed liberty. 5. 38 gear. I bought 2 of his Crager wheels when he changed over to something else. I ran a 65 Maroon Chevelle with a small block from 1970 to about 1975. I ran GStock, Formula 2. The class winners would run a handicap race for about $40 at the end of the night. Then about 1973, they went to all Bracket Racing. That was the beginning of the end for me. Is your Father still alive? What ever happenen to Big Jim Fulton? He ran a 69 green z28. A guy named Brady, was the head of tech. Jim worked at the Mobile Station on Telegraph at 6 mile. He kept the car there. Here are some names out of the past. Running Bare Pontiac. Red 66 chevelle called Jumping Jack. Rebellyous Dodge. Huston Martins Little Kim. Wayne Fithpatricks 427 67 Mustang. A blue 427 Mavrick.

6/5/2015 - Angela Marie Payne

Hello, My Grandfather is Larry Payne and I was wondering If you would mind If I copied the photo's you have of his dragster Gang Green? I'm not sure which house is in the photo's, if it's my Great Grandparents (his parents) home in Royal Oak, his first house when he married my Grandma Carol on Charleston ave in Detroit when my mom Donna was a baby, or Sterling Heights when my mom was a little girl. My Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom have all passed on now so there are no sources to ask here. I was hoping that I could show my Aunt Dottie(my Grandfathers sister) and ask her if she knows which house. I would like to add them to my collection of family photo's if it would be okay with the owner. I would be very appreciative, I miss all of them very much and photo's can have a way of making loved ones feel closer. Sincerely, Angela Marie Payne.

1/18/2015 - Jason Flames

DANIEL GROSS. Still looking to get a photo of Butch Flames Hemicoffin 65 Dodge S/S. I tried your email several time with no luck. Give me a call if you can. 419-308-4zerozero8. Thanks!!.

11/13/2014 - Scott Harris

I'm looking for information on my '64 Dodge Polara Gasser that was raced in AHRA events in 1965 through 1972 i believe. Was owned by KEN SIELOFF of the Detroit area way back and it's been sold a couple times. I now own it in Hartland, MI and am taking it to SC for my retirement years.

8/26/2014 - Tom Nelson

I am looking of info and pix from 1965 / 66 of Dodge Darts that ran out there back then I had a dark blue 65 Dart that sometimes i had Little Bear on the side. We also ran a D Dart in 66 that was called Meat Ball #1 if you have any info or pix please get with me.

7/7/2014 - john saum

To carlos I remember your 68 roadrunner. lt belonged to Marty Selvidge. The hemi went into Jerry Millers 66 belvedere. Hope this helps.

6/15/2014 - David Dillon

Ok after a little investigating it was the '65 summer nationals at Detroit Dragway that Fred Dillon beat Shirley Shahan.

6/15/2014 - David Dillon

If I remember correctly, it was 1963, Detroit Drag Way, at a NHRA sanctioned event, my dad, Fred Dillon, beat Shirley Shahan, The Drag On Lady, to take the class. Rick Ketchum was part of his pit crew and Fred Zincraft drove the stock car. 1957 Ford Fairlane, 292 CI Alter Ego I and II Fred went on to stock car racing shortly after, running the same car, 1957 Ford Fairlane. Fred Dillon passed away on April 19th, 2014.

4/13/2014 - M Askew

Was at Detroit Dragway many times in the mid to late 70s. Remember seeing a Dodge Bodied Funny Car on a shake down run, come out of the hole front end up and just then, an oil line broke, the car turned on the left rear slick and headed towards the the right side bleachers, (where I was) and then down turned back to the track now facing the starting line and shut down. It left an impression. laugh.

4/5/2014 - jeff ballard

back in 1979 i bought a 69 coronet r/t that had a decal in the window that said detroit dragway champion the car was bronze with a tan vinyl top. it was a 440 4spd car. sound familiar?.

3/24/2014 - John S. Foss

It's sad to to pass on the word of the passing of Dick Smith. Dick was well known for his Firebrewed AFX Dodge and his GT Dart funny car. He was a fixture at Detroit Deagway and around the midwest. Dick moved to Idaho in 1983 and began farming and raising trout for consumption. He died Mar 6,2014 and will be missed by many.

2/16/2014 - james mead

For Jim richer. I have 8 mm film copied to video of the Bob ford thunderbolt posted on you tube. Go to you tube and do a search for jmead66. There, amongst 15 or so videos is one of Detroit dragway.

9/30/2013 - Mike

Looking for info (pictures) of a 55 chevy. When My dad and I bought a 55 chevy in the early 80's, it was painted white, had f/gas on the quarter panel, had an injected small block with 10% set back, stock front suspension, Pontiac rear with a 617, leaf springs and traction bars. It also has a glass frontend and had American racing wheels. On the door under the white paint read Mid west auto parts. Drivers name over the side windows on the roof I believe said frank ?????. The car has been cut up some more with tubs, aluminum floor and fire wall.

8/8/2013 - dave lemke

my dad raced a 68 charger rt between 69 and 72, looking for old pics of dads car, was gold metal flake w/ black rt stripe, and yes his name is dave lemke also, I know he won a few races back in the day but I have no way to gedt any info or pics for my dads scrap book hes working on.

8/7/2013 - dave lemke

6/4/2013 - Dave Penney

Raced at Detroit Dragway in 65 with a Kona blue Mustang fastback. Had a friend named Stan that raced a 63 1/2 Ford Galaxy called Ramductshun sponsored by Tom Larkin Ford from Flat Rock. Had many great Saturday nites racing there. Saw Kenny Voigt with the Yellow Canary thunderbolt and many others. Usually ended up on Northline road after it was over till all hours of the night. Great times.

11/7/2012 - Sammy Myers

Back in 1967 I won a jacket racing at the speedway and was wondering what the value if any would be it is in good condition.

6/5/2012 - Perry

My brother, Bob Hunter used to race his 55 or 56 ford there. he called it tri-power. we saw all the big names there in the 60s. garlits, kaletta, ivoe, ram charges, hemi-under-glass. good times.

4/9/2012 - Kenny Vogt

To Jim Richter. Jim, I too have been busy and not checked this site for many months. but I am so sorry to learn of Len's passing. Len and his sidekick Bill Holbrook were good friends with me and family, back in the day. and of course you know the story where I got Len's Thunderbolt in 1965, as Ford moved him up to a newer car. In so many ways, this all seems unreal. like it was really not that long ago. I was only 20 at the time (1964) and always looked up to Len. as did so many others. RIP. Kenny.

4/3/2012 - John Ash

Trying to locate pic's and info on a 64 Comet supposedly raced in that area in the 60's/70's. 289 4speed car. Looking for history. Is a barn find car with zero rust. Want to track history.

2/19/2012 - Jim Richter

To Kenny Vogt: Kenny, sorry I didn't get back to you. I haven't checked the board for a while. I regret to inform you that Len Richter passed away on Friday. He was always a great fan of racing and all things Detroit Dragway and the racing community. We will miss him greatly. I know the whereabouts of the fully restored Bob Ford T-bolt. If you want to contact me, I would be happy to chat. Jim Richter.

1/30/2012 - Bob McSwain

Looking for audio clips from R. I. F. raido in 80s.

1/3/2012 - ken ruth

i can remember 4 cars racing at once with aflag man i was at detriot dragway dam near every weekend with my dad ron ruth home brew i had great time out there.

11/20/2011 - Kenny Vogt

Hi John. my old good friend. my goodness that was a long time ago for us. back in early to mid 60's. Woodward Ave. you were always a great guy John. Kenny.

11/14/2011 - john politzer

Looking for Kenny Vogt BOB FORD THUNDERBOLT DRIVER.

11/9/2011 - Jason Flames

Does anyone remember a 65 Dodge Super Stock named Hemi-Coffin driven by Butch Flames? He raced in Detroit and Milan but mostly Toledo. Would love to get an old photo or something. Thanks.

11/7/2011 - Jay Howell

Kenny Vogt: Guilty as charged I remember you as well. Yes, those were the days. I'll be 70 next year (crap) and now live in Vero Beach, FL.

11/6/2011 - larry malski

Kenny,you might want to check out Fans of the old Detroit Dragway on FACEBOOK. Jay and many others are on this site,including photos of some of your old cars.

11/5/2011 - Kenny Vogt

Hey Jay Howell. I remember you. When you were with Loghe Stamping. you built the tube chassie front end on my 1966 Mercury Comet funny car. remember? I do. because you did a great job! How old are you now? (I am 67. live in North Palm Beach, FL). Jay, weren't you with Fisher Buick in Birmingham before Loghe. seems I recall. I went to high school with Jay Fisher and we use to street race on Woodward after school. his 63 409 Chevy. against my 1957 Ford (with a 406 in it. later taken off the street, sponsered by Bob Ford, Inc in Dearborn. ran in B/G and BFX until I got Richters Thunderbolt in 1965. those were sure the good old days. fine memories. Hope all is well with you. Kenny.

11/5/2011 - Kenny Vogt

Hey Jim Richter. I knew your uncle Len Richter well from our days together on the Bob Ford race team back in 1963-65. In 1965, Ford gave me Len's Thunderbolt which I raced in 1965. until I got a contract with Lincoln Mercury Division to drive an SOHC Mercury Comet for the 1966-67 season. I was at many a meet with Len and his friend Bill Holbrook who raced with him. Great guys both of them. Are they still with us? I was real young back then. am 67 today. living in North Palm Beach, FL. Say hello to Len for me please. Kenny.

10/6/2011 - John

To Jim Richter, I think I've seen that car around Detroit at various car shows (the 64). I'll check and see if I can come up with a pic. I doubt that it is the original probably a clone. I remember the car from DD in the early sixties. John.

9/27/2011 - Jim Richter

What a great site My Uncle, Len Richter, drove one of the original T-Bolts for Bob Ford and later ran the AFX Mustang Pegasus in the early 60s. Anyone have pix of either of these vehicles? Thanks for all the great memories on this site.

8/3/2011 - Patrice Lehman

What a great site this is!! If you like DRAG RACING & 1960's Nostalgia photographs of DETROIT DRAGWAY, MOTOR CITY & MILAN DRAGWAY, AUTORAMA, BOB-LO ISLAND, 60's CELEBRITIES, go to www. JoeStevensPhotos. Com where you can BUY these Historical Detroit Photos, leave comments & share on FB. Check us out on Facebook too at The Joe Stevens Detroit Dragway Photographic Collection (pg. 1 in google search). Hope to see you there. Perry S. Wyatt bought 20 photos from us. Just remember the photos are copyright protected & illegal to copy or use without permission just like any other website.

7/16/2011 - Perry S. Wyatt Jr.

Hello Everyone, I would like to invite you ALL to FANS OF THE OLD DETROIT DRAGWAY on Face Book . There are a lot of names here that are already there and the rest of you are Welcome to come and share your memories and photos of Detroit Dragway and hook up with old friends . Just go to Face Book and search FANS OF THE OLD DETROIT DRAGWAY .

7/12/2011 - Chuck Rupprecht

Hi Mike VanCleave, My name is Chuck Ruprecht. I was surfin the web and came across your post here. I to grew up in Lincoln Park in the 60's. I don't recognize your name but just a couple years age difference back then would put us in a completely different group. I have several younger siblins and one olded brother, maybe you knew one of them. Also, my parents owned the Diary Queen on Dix near Sears for 25 years. I remember hearing the cars to, and the blasting in the salt mines under us lol. My buddies and I would hitch-hike to the track on Sat afternoon and stay till it closed, then hitch-hike home. When I was about 16 or 17 I got a job there working for Jim Capen from Allen Park, then the track manager. We'd be out there early spring breaking the ice in the drainage ditches on either side of the track so it could drain for opening day. Then as the season started I pretty much held every position at one time or another. I'd be teching at the entrance, pumping Sunoco 270 at the pump, driving the tractor sweeping the track before eliminations, chasing supplies in the red Ford Econoline/ambulance. I even worked the time shack handing out time slips. My favorite Job was during the national meet I sat on the starting line driver of the speedy dry truck. Pinks All out wasn't the first to run 4 lanes either. Back then would have so many cars Sat night we had to run 4 lanes just to get everyone run before the 2 oclock noise curfew. I'm sure there were a lot of Dads that didn't know where there Children were lol. I only regret not having a camera with me all those times pretty much seeing every big name and exhibition car that ran there at the time.

6/11/2011 - BRUCE ELLENWOOD

anyone know where danny doyle is these days ??.

5/13/2011 - BRUCE ELLENWOOD

HI RAY & EARL,BRUCE HERE. I DON'T HAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS TO RESPOND BACK TO YOU. THANKS BRUCE ELLENWOOD.

5/5/2011 - Ray Harshberger

Bruce Ellenwood, drop me an e-mail. Ray Harshberger.

4/29/2011 - BRUCE ELLENWOOD

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AND EARL RAY. I HOPE I ALWAYS GAVE YOU GUYS GOOD INFORMATION AND SERVICE. YOUR WERE GOOD FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS,ANS YOUR CARS RAN WELL.

4/27/2011 - larry malski

DETROIT DRAGWAY UPDATE!plans for the 2nd ANNUAL REUNION are shaping up well. The Midwest Gassers org. will be attending and putting on a terriffic show. There are many funny cars that will also be running. Guests include Jon Lunberg,Detroit Track annoucer,Roger Lindamood,Dave Lyall,the FIREBREWED A/FX dodge,much more. Match races between local revivals are also planned. MAY 21 at MILAN DRAGWAY,SATURDAY!.

4/20/2011 - Ray Harshberger

Hi to Bruce Ellenwood and Earl Lancaster. Fond memories of Detroit dragway and the Ramchargers on Allen road. Drifty Dozen forever.

4/19/2011 - dave demick

I grew up at detroit dragway my grandmother lived across sibley almost to allen rd. My fond memorys were working part time for Sox & Martin pro stock team when they would come to town. This was years 69to 71. I also raced my own car there winning a couple of trophys. I understand the dragstrip they planned to build on the old dd site ended up the one in chicago.

3/22/2011 - Earl Lancaster

Glad you are doing well. I'm live in sunny South Florida, fat and happy.

3/11/2011 - Jon Lundberg

Boy, those old radio commercials are great! For your other viewers. the iconic two-voice-screamer commercial was developed by the PA announcers at DD in 1962. I'll tell that story at Milan Dragway on Saturday, May 21st. BE THERE!!! BTW. what's this old stuff. Geez!.

3/9/2011 - Skip Powelson

Hello Everyone, Racing at Detroit Dragway were some of the best times!!! The photos really show just how cool it was back then. Looking through the photos down toward the end is me in my 1966 Lemans and my friend Bob in his 1969 GTO Judge. The photo's were taken by Outlaw Photo and I have the 10 x 13 shot on my wall in my memory room of racing stuff to prove it. That is the coolest thing to see the picture here and know that I have the original one. Thank's Mike Anyone that loved that era should try and make a point to come out to Milan on May21st for the second annual reunion. Although my car has an updated paint scheme I will have my 66 Lemans there turning some really fast times with a little more horse power than it had back in the day.

3/4/2011 - larry malski

I have heard there are plans for a 2nd annual Detroit Dragway Reunion,May 21,2011. Old track annoucer Jon Lunberg has been invited to give some play by play race history of that era. Truely a history making time at one of the countries most respected tracks. A/FX and early funny cars from around the nation would make a stop at Gil Kohen's DD. Top fuelers were there as well,including Kallitta,Ramchargers,The Greek,Prudhomme and of course Big Daddy Don. Please list info as you here it,SUNDAY,SUNDAY.

2/27/2011 - Carly Lynn Rodo

My name is Carly Lynn Rodo. Daughter of Fred Rodo. (Driver of: Its Quick & Double Trouble) I am currently trying to get a hold of Derek Smith, I believe he is now the owner of the GP-110. Can anyone please help me out on how to do so? I would give anything to see my dad's old boat again. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2/26/2011 - John S. Foss

What a walk down memory lane reading these posts. I used to race a 63 Dodge Super Stock 426 wedge w/aluminum front end call the Flag Jumper out of Town and Country Dodge in Farmington. We raced it locally and even towed it out to California and raced in the 63 Winternationals. Reading some of these posts I think I can help some of these old racers out. First one of my best friends raced the Mystery Mover and I will contact the fellow with the questions about it. I also help Dick Smith build the Firebrewed funny car and might have pictures of the build. I contact that fellow too. I am still a car guy and make it out a couple times a week to some cruise ins most of the old drag racing stories are lost on the younger guys. You all keep posting and we'll all feel young again John.

2/21/2011 - BRUCE ELLENWOOD a.k.a. RAMCHARGERS

hello to jay howell,earl lancaster and all my other friends,longtime customers,and racers. i just came on to this sight and will take time to read more of it. before joining the ramcharger group in 1968 my farther and i raced a 1962 black ss/a dodge from ed carpenter dodge out of wayne michigan so i new alot of the racers,jack gray,bill sidwell,paul stafanski,fast eddie cantor and many many more. the list could go on and on. just wanted to say hi. BRUCE ELLENWOOD.

2/13/2011 - Bill Howard

Looking for any information on a 1970 Cuba that race under the name Magnum Force. Thanks.

1/17/2011 - Wayne Tex Darnaby

Jay Howell. the sail boat sounds like a deal. When I retired in '98, I toyed with buying a sailboat and traveling the oceans. instead I ordered a new 40' bus and traveled all over the US, Canada, and Alaska. Put over a hundred thousand miles on it before settling in a stick and mortar house in central Florida. Been here since 2001 and tied down with several parrots, so that ends the traveling. What kind of sailboat do you have? I had a small 26' footer on Lake Dallas after I stopped racing in '67-68. A bad storm sent it to the bottom in a slip. Then it belonged to the insurance company and I didn't replace it. Be careful out there on the water and don't get caught in a storm. They're no fun. Take care. Tex.

1/9/2011 - Derek Smith

I was happy to come across these Detroit Dragway shirts. I like the old vintage look of them. www. cafepress. com/drivingshirts. 499120565.

12/31/2010 - Jay Howell

Ken: Yes, still alive and kickin. Presently in the Bahamas on my sailboat for the winter. I'm still messing about with my street rod. It's a 32 Ford Victoria, Downs body, Lobeck chassis, 347 Ford (Booth-Arons ).

12/27/2010 - Earl Lancaster

Hey Jason, is Bruce still at the Ramchargers. ????? I had alot of work done there on a race Hemi.

12/20/2010 - Jason Hallman

He y'all. my name is Jason and I was part of the Super Shops crew. I worked at both Taylor as well as the Livonia locations. What awesome memories I have of that track! Somewhere I must have hours of video taken from the pit side as well as the hill side. I will never forget the dip near the end of the track that all of the guys with the fast cars (9's and 10's back then) would complain about. I no longer live in the Detroit area but I will NEVER forget all my friends and the excitement of getting off work and driving as fast as I could all the way down Telegraph to Sibley on a Tuesday night for test and tune.

12/15/2010 - Ken Dennett

Hi Jay, Good to see your still around, Jay. Back in the day. I believe you were involved in the building a Stage I (super pro) chassis for us when you were with Logghe. It was built in 69 and it was built for a F-T corvette body. We ran A/FC with it for about 3 years. Also, you were a neighbor of one of my co-workers (Don Kelly) at GM. Just wondering if your still rodding or not.

12/13/2010 - Jay Howell

Hey Wayne: Glad to hear your still alive and kickin.

12/3/2010 - Wayne "Tex" Darnaby

Hey all y'all. I raced there in '65 running my 65 Ply Temptation Funny Car I had a match race with Arnie The Farmer Beswick. I ran the car out of Dick Branstner's shop, home of Color Me Gone. Jay Howell, Bud, Jim, Roger Lindamood, and Walt Ulric built my car. I was the first funny car to run fuel. Working out of that shop then were Don Gartlis and Bill Flynn and his Yankee Peddler. While there I worked on Cotton Owens Cotton Picker driven by David Pearson. Reading all this sure brings back a lot of memories. Thanks for the trip back in time. I have some reading stuff on The HAMBY lists. Some of you oldsters might remember the car. Gil Cohen was running the track back then. Google my name for more info. I live 10 minutes from Don Gartlis and his museum. Wayne Tex Darnaby '65 Ply Temptation.

11/21/2010 - richard ketch

I raced at detroit dragway from the mid 60's to the closing. I drove a black 57 chevy with carlings raiders on the side from lincoln park. I saw the pictures on this site and the name clyde blair was on some of them. clyde if you are still around please emil me, we were friends back in the day, I lived on mill st. too.

11/16/2010 - Earl Lancaster

In the late 60's and early 70's I drove a Race Hemi Plymouth there call the LiveStocker. I have grand memories of that track.

11/11/2010 - Ed

During high school, my buddy and I worked a couple of summers at Detroit Dragway for $1. 00 an hour parking cars in the field behind the grandstands, then chasing down kids trying to jump the fence. The upside to this was we got to see all the top racers in the country, access to the pit area where all the real action took place (saw some good fist fights among teams) and best of all during the NHRA Summer Nationals, circa 1962, we actually chatted with Linda Vaughn, Miss Hurst Golden Shifter. She wore a gold sequined outfit. Wow! She was unbelievably gorgeous. For a couple of teenage boys. this was like dying and going to heaven. What great memories.

10/15/2010 - Tom Wester

Does anyone know of a website where photos of the Ramchargers Candymatic cars are available for purchase?.

8/4/2010 - Eric Belinc

Man this brings back great memories, my dad use to take me and my brother here to watch the races. My dad worked at the warehouses right next door to the drag strip. He told me that him and the guys he worked with use to get on the roof of one of the warehouses to watch the races, goodtimes...

4/18/2010 - Phil Dersam

All the talk about four wide racing just starting is bull. We ran four wide at Detroit Dragway back in the '60's. Was wondering if anyone else remembers and if there are any pictures available?

4/15/2010 - David Paine

There is a very nice 2 page story about Della Woods in this weeks National Dragster By Phil Burgess with many photos. My first trip to Detroit Dragway was the big funnycar show in 1970 . I would like to have a list of all the F/c s that night. How could I find that? Thanks Dave

3/2/2010 - Janice Covey

My husband has a red silk (original) Detroit Dragway jacket, size large. He was there quite often watching the races. I used to go to Detroit Dragway with my cousin, Jerry Chouinard, we had an absolute ball. It's a shame that it isn't open for our kids to enjoy. :-(

2/15/2010 - Nancy

I saw this link on facebook and couldn't help but check it out b/c it brings back so many fond memories for me.
My Dad used to race his car there, his everyday, go back and forth to work car, an Oldsmobile 98! Then my hubby, his best friend and my Dad all pitched in a bought a '67 289 hypo Mustang and they raced that car there.
I'll never forget one of the best memories I have is of me waiting in line with my Dad for his turn to race. I was really too young to understand everything about racing, except this: you did NOT red light! And of course he did, once and it was devastating! He was waaaay too excited. That was the only time b/c I would constantly remind him to wait until he actually saw the green light! Me, a 15 year old daughter telling her Dad how to race!
I still have a picture of my proud Dad with his tiny trophy, taken after we got back home and you can still see his numbers written on the windshield.
Ahhh, those were the days and each time I drive past where the dragway used to be, I remember, fondly and give a wink up b/c my Dad has been gone since '93. Cancer took him at 61, way before his time.
I love you Dad...Happy Valentine's Day!

12/11/2009 - 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!

11/4/2009 - Tom Burden

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.

10/2/2009 - Shane

Does anyone have any info reguarding the 007 Center Line Auto Parts Chevrolet? It used to race back in the late 60's.

8/24/2009 - 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!

8/21/2009 - 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.

7/23/2009 - 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.

6/3/2009 - 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

4/12/2009 - 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

3/26/2009 - Ron

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*&*.

3/24/2009 - 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?

3/18/2009 - 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.

3/3/2009 - 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!

2/2/2009 - 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.

1/24/2009 - De

would like any info/pics/video, on della woods/bernie woods/bernellla brother an d sister/de nichols and ted spehar...

1/23/2009 - 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.

1/23/2009 - Bill Ross

1/12/2009 - 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

1/12/2009 - 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!

1/9/2009 - GENE OLSON

ANYONE REMEMBER THE DRAG BIKE THERE CALLED "BLOODY MARY" , I THINK IT WAS POWERED BY A 327, OR A 350 CHEVY ?

1/4/2009 - 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.

12/24/2008 - Steve

To George Ealem.
Contact me through eBay about a link to the pictures. My sellers name is kenoshaki.
Thank you! Merry Christmas eveyone!!

12/21/2008 - 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

12/17/2008 - 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!

12/9/2008 - 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?

12/6/2008 - 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

11/27/2008 - 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.

11/22/2008 - 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

10/12/2008 - 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.

9/22/2008 - 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?

8/31/2008 - 1red1ryder1

spoke w/ PAUL HATTON his black 39 buick coupe 'went to florida, he hasn't heard of it since'.

8/24/2008 - 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

7/29/2008 - 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.

5/24/2008 - 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

5/14/2008 - 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.

4/24/2008 - 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.

4/20/2008 - ssal

please let me know if you find out any more info on that cd set. I would like one.

4/17/2008 - 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.

4/9/2008 - 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

3/29/2008 - 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

3/10/2008 - 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.

3/8/2008 - 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.

3/7/2008 - 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.

2/8/2008 - 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.

1/22/2008 - 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.

1/18/2008 - 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

1/10/2008 - 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.

1/8/2008 - 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

11/26/2007 - 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

11/13/2007 - 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.

10/26/2007 - 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.

10/22/2007 - 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"

10/21/2007 - 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

10/8/2007 - jeff ballard

to jim ballard: any relation to the ballard bros racing 63 fairlane?

9/11/2007 - SHANE ROMAN

I BOUGHT A COPY OF THAT DRAGWAY DVD AND I REALLY ENJOYED IT. IF YOURE LOOKING FOR THE REAL THING THATS IT.

9/4/2007 - 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.

8/13/2007 - Randy

Charlene, what is her name? was there a name on her car? what kind of car did she pilot? Let us know...

7/24/2007 - eric strobel

when did Detroit Dragway close.

7/17/2007 - 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.

6/25/2007 - 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.

6/3/2007 - 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!

6/1/2007 - Randy

Yea Larry me too...I would really enjoy having a copy of that tape!

6/1/2007 - Ken Sieloff

Larry, how can I get a copy of this tape or DVD? Sounds great ! Ken

5/31/2007 - 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.

5/2/2007 - 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

3/7/2007 - 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.

2/24/2007 - 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.

2/24/2007 - 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.

1/30/2007 - 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.

1/26/2007 - 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

1/23/2007 - 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.

1/17/2007 - John

George, I tried that link to Robert Snyako but it didn't work, any other ideas? John

1/12/2007 - 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

1/11/2007 - 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

1/11/2007 - 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

1/11/2007 - 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

12/21/2006 - 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.

12/10/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald

Try going to the Mt Clemens page to reach Dave.

12/8/2006 - Rob Clary

Does anyone know how to reach DAVE DOBNER? I would like to holler at him regarding his '59 Nats program...thanks!

11/10/2006 - 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

11/9/2006 - 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!

11/5/2006 - 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?

11/4/2006 - 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.

7/7/2006 - 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.

5/14/2006 - 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!

10/9/2005 - 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.

8/25/2005 - Barry R

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....

8/3/2005 - 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.

10/19/2004 - Chuck Kurzawa

Those 1965 shots are from the 59 or 60 Nationals, I was there.

9/12/2004 - 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.

6/6/2004 - 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.

5/23/2004 - Detroit News

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.

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Detroit Dragway - Brownstown Twp MI