Re: Island Dragway is done
 

[QUOTE=Rich Biebel;360331]Unpaid Taxes......Septic issues......is what I have been told....and also that there are some people trying to find a solution ......BUT that might be just wishfull thinking...
Heard the same ,from a good source.The septic issue was a local problem they could have solved ,but the tax issue is supposedly Federal.

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

I am sure the federal government does not want to own a dragstrip and doubt that the place could be sold to anyone for just about anything other than possibly sod farms. The existing sod farms are already covering a huge swath of land and I seriously doubt that market is what it once was a few years ago....My understanding is that the present owner is willing to let it go into whatever process happens for unpaid back taxes......and I would guess this would include the home and barn building up on the hill......

Sure not a good way to end the families run of that property and I personally hope something is worked out.

Really sad to see a place I spent so much time at go down this route....and I sure hope someone can step in and turn it around....


Very doubtfull Jimmy Hoffa is buried there but there is definately parts and pieces from a lot of famous drag racers cars.....Don Garlits included.....as well as many others.....

I made my first run down that racetrack.....around 1965 or 1966.......and it was in my street driven '58 Pontiac......My legs were shaking I was so nervous and I remember it well....

Oh and Cousin Brucie......yes Bruce Morrow the DJ was there one day around that era and I was asked if I would let him drive my car so he could race Ed Kowalick.....the tracks owner... in a match race.......I said no.....I thought he would break it.....LOL They did race best 2 outta 3 and I think Ed won.....

I have zillions of stories from Island......

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

i too made my first pass there in 1974 in my brother chips 63 impala. we were there for the div. 1 car club meet.( remember those?) my bros. were racing joe delorenzos old 57 chevy in s/s.

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

Would love to see IHRA purchase Island...would make a great 1/8 mile track....Good Luck

joe mocci

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

Yeah, then you don't have to worry about driving over the railroad track... Wait, the railroad's gone too.

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

Funny thing is I became an IHRA member back in 2000 based on the rumor that they were going IHRA and 1/8th mile. 12 years later...

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

I would totally support a move like that.

They ran 1000' last year and it was fine.

I have run 1/8th mile there and if you drive a fairly fast dragster like I do....you feel a lot safer even at 1000'

They would really need to get rid of the "can opener guardrails".......I try not to look but if you get out of the groove a little and near one.....it's hard not to notice.....

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

It' a shame to loose Island .
With all its problems and quirks it was still a great place to go , at least while Mrs K was still alive.
Nothing like the smell of rotting cabbage and racing fuel!
I got my first Modified Production win there , and raced against future Pro Stock racers like Bob Benza ,when NHRA still had the D1 car club races there.
Saw Garlets and Ivo match race there with Ivo setting the metal fence and the entrance road on fire from a fire burnout !
The number of D1 Champions and standout racers who cut their teeth at Island is probably unequaled by any other track in the Division.
I havn't raced there in several years ,but it's sad to think we'll probably never get the chance to again.

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

I ran my first Points Race at Island------1967

Re: Island Dragway is done
 

I started racing at Island in the '60's, untill 1985. Went back for a visit in 2006, and couldn't believe how many of the "old" cars and drivers were still there. Hank and Duke, also.