From the History,
The American Legion Post #521 wanted to stage 'accelerated timing
tests' (Drag Races) at Stewart Airport in Newburgh, New York.
Centrally located, it would have been a tremendous track.
But, there were concerns, that it would bring in the 'wrong element'.
After pressure from the American Legion (Regional Posts), the
Air Force offered up Montgomery Airport, which was a little used
training facility for 'small' Cargo Planes.
Montgomey Airport was an excellent facility, with a smooth concrete surface,
and with more than enough room for 'stopping' for the Dragsters.
Concern was over who would 'manage' the Drag Racing.
The American Legion Post #521 and the Garden State Hot Rod Association
were the 'track operators'.
But for 'inspection, organization, car class designations and 'timing'
for Elapsed Time and Top Speed', NASCAR Officials were brought in
as the 'sanctioning body'.
Give them credit, they were a 'Top Class' crew, and made sure all
the participants passed a thorough 'safety inspection'.
And, they had 'no problem' disqualifying an illegal car, and banning
them from the track,,,,,,,,'forever'.
Opened in July 1958 - with a turn-out of 100 cars.
It was a 'word-of-month' event, and the Airport/Dragstrip was only set-up to handle 100 cars.
Nearly 100 other entrants had to be turned away on 'opening day'.
It was a 'Once-A-Month' event held during 1958 (July, August, September and October).
In 1959, it was expanded to 'Bi-Monthly Events', and 'car counts' soon reached 200+, including Motorcycle Drag Races.
Opening Day
The 'fastest' Rod-on-the-Track Award.
Don Raleigh of Metuchen, New Jersey {12.93 @ 106.39 MPH}
Don later went on to open the 'famous' Don's Speed Shop out of Metuchen, NewJersey.
