History Early drag racing photos

Hello,

It was a long 2 plus hour drive one way. We had to be there on opening gate hour to be able to get the good look at all of the top racers showing up for the march meet in 1960. Long Beach to Bakersfield is 150+ miles away and we had to leave when it was dark from our house in the Westside location.
Early morning pits arrival
Other huge numbers of drag racing teams, spectators and race cars were all heading towards the 2nd Annual Bakersfield Smokers March Meet. The first one was held in the same place one year ago and my brother and I missed it. It was the first showing of Don Garlits and his famed “Swamp Rat” hemi powered FED from Florida to the teams and spectators out West.

He had set a record of the top speed in the fuel dragster class and most out West doubted those times. So, the anxiety built up until he raced and lost in the first round at the first March Meet in 1959. But, within

9 months and the help of So Cal drag racing industry + some top mechanics/racers, the FED was rebuilt and he was feared race car, after his tour of California dragstrips. YRMV

Jnaki

But, when we saw the same FED in March of 1960, guess who was driving?

 

40Rag..........is post # 4085 in Australia?.........Riverside in Melbourne, Victoria?

 

Ooops.....I meant # 4084......duh.

 

I'm pretty sure it's Australia.

 

Fullsize the picture and you can just make out the steering wheel on the right side.

 

super cool pics!

 

Old Friday Art post
Hello,

The bright orange roadster is/was owned by Dave Marquez . It was an outstanding build and won “America’s Most Beautiful Competition Roadster” at 1956 Oakland National Roadster Show.

The old photo color found has been washed out. The color of Fluorescent Orange and white could be a little brighter. It was difficult to bring it back to the original color.


Jnaki

The orange and white roadster is/was outstanding back then. But, if a version were to be built today, the roadster would be quite notable in its own history. It definitely would deserve a coveted spot in any hot rod/drag race museum main floor, just like in 1956. YRMV

Dave Marquez Photo by Pete Garramone

Dave Marquez with the Motor Monarchs Car Club out of Ventura, CA, at the first NHRA National Event in Great Bend, Kansas. The engine is a fuel burning flat head with an Ardun OHV conversion. This car was immaculate in every detail...

 

It doesn't get much older than the original 4EVER4 mid engine club dragster at Santa Ana in 1954. Club member Vic Kings Midnight Oil is on loan to the NHRA Museum. The Hiso Special ran 1/2 of a 1920s Hispano Suiza 1,120 cu.in. OHC V8 aircraft engine. It was restored but lost in a fire in 2019. The club members were running several Banger powered dragsters in the 1970s.