Event Coverage Vintage MoKan-The Dave Hightower Photo Collection

I have been entrusted by Dave Hightower to post his collection of historic drag photos. Dave has worn many hats since we became friends some 50 years ago. He has long been considered one of the best pinstripers and sign painters in the country. He served as track photographer at the fledgling MoKan Dragway during the early 60’s, where he took many of these shots. He also served as the flag starter there in the pre-tree days. Today, Dave’s artist expression is found in the creation of collectible pinstriped Panels and I will show them in subsequent postings. Dave pioneered that art form decades ago.

 

Wow. Just, Wow.

 

Nice! Some high powered names behind more than a few of those diggers.

 

I knew Dave aloonngg time ago. He was a good guy.

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Owner Jim Wilbert always had a talent for bringing top names.

 

Mo-kan has a rich and long history.

I miss going there in the old days. Top names and full 1/4 racing back in the day.

I understand going down to 1/8 mile but it doesn't seem as exciting. I remember Garlits and gene snow almost getting into a fist fight on the starting line at Mo-kan back in the very early 80's, that was almost more entertaining then watching their grudge match racing !

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Hallowed ground for sure.

-Abone.

 

Nice! thank you

 

These are Great photographs you're sharing and are approx. the date of when 3 members of The Draggin' Derbys Hot Rod Club and I traveled from the Chenango Valley (upstate NY) to see the NHRA drag races at the 1960 Detroit Nat's... unfortunately 2 of my pals have passed away.

Here's the video ...

1960 NHRA U.S. NATIONALS - DETROIT DRAGWAY - YouTube

 

Thanks, Tom. Your friend, Dave is Definitely multi - talented!!

 

Thanks for sharing these vintage photos.

 

Them were the days! Thanks

 

I'm gathering stories from Bill Wilbert. Bill was 14 years old in 1961 when his 21 year old brother
borrowed money and support from his Dad to build the track. RIP Jim Wilbert. Bill is still affiliated with the track as he has been for the past 61 years.

 

I remember Dave Hightower taking photos right by the starting line in the 60's wasn't he also a flagman some of the time? My older brother ran an X\FD with a Pontiac 194c.i. four in the mid 60's and the Wilbert's lived a couple of blocks from us when I was a kid. My brother is the one on the right and the Buick hearse in the second picture was his push car, the pictures are from MoKan in the mid 60's.

 

That’s a nice looking Modified Roadster, Willys front axle and spindles, blown hemi with a Speed Sport scoop and attention to detail. The scoop makes me wonder if the car was part of the Speed Sport team or maybe the scoop was a gift from Red Greth.
And did the kid watching dad follow him in the sport?

 

Dave Hightower

 

Dave Hightower pinstripe panel 2012

 

The early 1960's photos remind me of my local home track in Oswego, Illinois.

 

Stuckey’s ‘63 car, one of my favorite chassis of that era. He built a twin of that car for the Greek.

 

Great stuff Tom .Love the pinstriped panels.

 

Lions in '63. Rod's '56 wagon.

 

No one knows who captured this iconic shot!