My time in Ohio

[stage1scott]

the track of my youth-raced my street cars, parents station wagon in high school, and began my addiction to drag racing there. Met Dick Baker and many other div 3 standouts there as well as they were schooling me with repeated whoopings LOL

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Grew up on that track. First as a spectator in 72 when the Springnationals showed up. In 1973 I would drive my 69 RS Z-28 and bracket race it. The 302 had been replaced with a 427 and 11.80s for a highschool kid was a pretty good gig. Back then NHRA had just switched from Class racing on a weekly basis to bracket racing. John and I ran 'Bracket 1". Later, a 383 package Lingenfelter Corvette that ran 11.50's and got 24 miles per gallon did the duties. By then they had switched from Bracket 1/2/3 to the now popular Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Street. I represented them 3 times at the Bracket finals @ Indy. It was funny over there when the pit stewarts wouldn't let my street driver in the lanes because "Street Class was being run later". (It ran Super Pro). LOL.Then my cousin Wayne Campbell talked me into buying his Superstocker. At that point I was into it hook, line and sinker. That's when I met all you fellers. Since Johns death last year and the selling of the car to the Huntzberrys, I'm still at that track every couple weeks tuning on somebody's fuel injection. I have had a steady diet of NTR all my life. I have to say, it's been a constant improvement the last few years. They are REALLY trying to make it better. You can see changes monthly.

[340Cuda]

I was there with my son in 2016 for Hot Rod's Drag Week.

It was when NHRA still owned the track and it did need some improvements, glad it is getting some love now.

He said it was funny while he did not have any real trouble stopping he said it just felt short. After his first run which he got on the brakes pretty hard he had no issues after that.

[jmcarter]

Some fond memories on Brice Road over 20 years ago during the Mopar Nationals, people in their lawn chairs watching burnouts…at the track in the rainy mud bogs not so much. Suppose I need to wander back and check out the improved version.

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Anyone remember all the tech being done at the now defunct Eastland Mall instead of at the track before the Springnationals?

Pretty cool Justin! I’d like to plan a trip back. Relatives and race family in Ohio, Ky, Tenn and Alabama.
Sounded like you had a good time.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[Shake & Bake]

Remember when the staging lanes (2) were in front of the grandstands?

[Ernie Neal]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

Anyone remember all the tech being done at the now defunct Eastland Mall instead of at the track before the Springnationals?

Jeff, I remember those days. I also remember the springs being a full field of 128, had to qualify to get in.
I always thought it was good teching at those malls, in that it possibly encouraged locals to come out to the track. The downside, more miles and time for participants.

Ernie
SS 354

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Originally Posted by Ernie Neal

Jeff, I remember those days. I also remember the springs being a full field of 128, had to qualify to get in.
I always thought it was good teching at those malls, in that it possibly encouraged locals to come out to the track. The downside, more miles and time for participants.

Ernie
SS 354

Laying back behind the facility is what is left of the old pedestrian bridge that went across the middle of the staging lanes. Across the entire length of the bridge spelled .......
ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE. I can remember saying a few swear words towards Rader as I drove underneath. Awww F* You Rader comes to mind. LOL LOL
(It's now spelled under the short tunnel at the ready line... )

[Craig Dawson]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

Anyone remember all the tech being done at the now defunct Eastland Mall instead of at the track before the Springnationals?

I do remember that...worked there with a buddy of mine in 1978 greeting the racers and showing them which lane to get in for their class. Joe Dill asked me if I would work the tech lines a couple of weeks earlier when I went to Bowling Green for the Sports Nationals. Joe was working the scales that day. Met many racers but the one I have a vivid memory of was Judy Lily!