Detroit Dragway opened in 1959 in the middle of a farm area in a rural city about 25 miles south of Detroit. It was instantly a hit with crowds filling the bleachers or milling around the pits. The close, friendly atmosphere became a family for many and a perfect opportunity to try out new automotive creations in racing and finally a legal place to do it. Before the strip opened, competition for the fastest car would take place in that same area's back roads and at the time, another popular place to race was Woodward Avenue. This gallery, from the original negatives taken by Professional Sports Photographer, Joe Stevens, shows those people and their race cars from that decade, the 1960's, of the front engine dragsters, gassers, funny cars, street rods, stock cars, dealership sponsored race cars, local corner engine shop or garage creations, from self made, custom to altered, modified, kits, inventions of the early days of racing. Mouse over a photo on the right & click on the 3x size from the drop down menu to view all of the photos 3 times the size. There will be small arrows at the top of the pg. to go forward & back to continue viewing in 3x size. You'll enjoy them much more.. -----------------------------------To BUY click tab to right above picture
A front ended dragster being held onto at the line in this beautiful sunny picture over 50 years ago. Some of these old time dragsters had to be push started or held so they didn't jump off, either way there was always somebody holding onto the back of them. I wish I knew who this driver was. I'm sure he was very well known. If you know somebody that would be familiar with this era, could you please ask them to look & write it down below in the comment section. I would be eternally grateful.& even give you a free photo of your choice.

A front ended dragster being held onto at the line in this beautiful sunny picture over 50 years ago. Some of these old time dragsters had to be push started or held so they didn't jump off, either way there was always somebody holding onto the back of them. I wish I knew who this driver was. I'm sure he was very well known. If you know somebody that would be familiar with this era, could you please ask them to look & write it down below in the comment section. I would be eternally grateful.& even give you a free photo of your choice.
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filename: Detroit Dragway blue dragster 1960 |