History The complete story of the last drag race at Lions..

I'm not sure if this was posted before, but it was cool to read.. Enjoy! http://www.northernthunder.com/lastrace.html

 

It is a cool read, thanks for posting.

 

Your welcome!!

 

Thanks for the stars guys!!

 

How great this story is. I saw my first night drags there in 1959 and was blown away with all the flames and the great atmosphere. Thanx for sharing this super classic verbage. ~Sololobo~

 

Your welcome Solo! I stumbled onto that story while searching for some pictures of "Spirit" brand finned valve covers for a 426 Hemi.... I never did find those pictures..

 

I bought some magazines this summer and read this artcle about 3 weeks ago- I thought to myself- sombody should post this- THANK YOU .for educating the public.

 

No problem Stan!

 

Ya just took me back years !!!
I was there through the whole deal
What a night !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Anyone have pictures of the event??? If so, please post'em.... Thanks!

 

Great post . . . grew up in LA, but wasn't old enough to race until 1975. Raced at Irwindale and Orange County. I remember driving past Lions with my parents on Saturday nights -- could see all the tire smoke and hear the cars. My family wasn't into racing until I got into it, so never attended a race.

 

The only person I could think of that would have photos would be Mazooma1.
Hopefully he has some and will post them!

 

Cool!!

 

Thanks Mazooma!! You can hijack this thread anytime you want... Those are some cool pictures you posted.... Thanks bud!

 

Thanks, what a way to start a lazy Saturday!

 

The famous Fiat shots were from the last night?

 

I will check with the old man...He and Dennis Barker ran Racing Safety..They were both at the last drag race..Dennis cut Garlits out of the wreckage..the old man was fire watch. Unfortunately we lost Dennis a couple of years ago but I will see if his son can send me some pics..I remember he had alot. He was the Hurst tool guy at all the big races in So. Cal...

He wasnt 100% sure but thought it was Gene Snow that won the Funny car class..He told Dennis and the old man to be right on his tail when he passed through the lights because he was tipping the can heavy with the nitro ...He went into the sand traps on fire....The old man and dennis put him out..
I know I have a photo of my mom leaving the lights in her 57 Chevy
I will see what I can dig up.........

 

I knew if I lit the "Mazooma1 Signal" you wouldn't disappoint!

 

That National Anthem story is awesome. We need more folks like Pappy Hart these days!

 

Tman<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_5489803", true); </SCRIPT>

AMEN Brother ...

I'll second that 100 %....

 

Thanks for the history. I went there twice. They would have test and tune night racing during the Winternationals. So we spent the day at Pomona and then went to Lion's in the evening.

 

WOW-great stuff Mazooma-is that a tumbleweed in the third pic you posted? Lots of symbolism and irony there.

 

Run what you Brung Wednesday nights were fun too.
My big brother and I would borrow Mom's '64 K series 413 for a Shakey's pizza run and head to Lions, turn some 13s on street tires.

 

I miss Shakeys Pizza!

 

Thanks Mazzoma1, for all to see!!! Living in Torrance (177th & Prarie) from the start of Lions, I could hear the start of each race from my back yard!----Until we moved in 1968. As you have posted, there was a lot of history made at Lions, but until now I never heard the FULL story of the beginning---Thanks!
One guy at the early drags (don't recall his name) used to run a hemi powered 54-56 Ford pickup with ladder racks & paint cans in the bed, like he just came from work, he always was a crowd pleaser & turned good times,----Those were the FUN races, BEFORE commercial racing started at Lions.---------Don

 

Raced at the Beach back in the late 60's early 70's myself. Great place, great times indeed.

 

I recall reading a comment made by Gray Baskerville that this was one of the best drag racing photos ever.

Great stuff ... keep it coming. Unfortunately, it's a reminder of how far organized drag racing has drifted from its roots....

 

Loose main cap bolts???

 

Here's an original programme from the Last Drag race. I was there that night with some close friends; I felt I had to go as it was my 'home track'.



Damn, I how I hated to see the place close down...

 

It amazes me every time I wear a Lion T shirt to see how it still lives in peoples minds. The majority of people dont even follow drag racing or own any Hot Rods, Classics, what have you. There just people that went with freinds. Girlfreinds with there High School boyfreind that raced, a body that went because he was invited. This Drag Strip has really left a lasting mark in all that I talk to.