My time in Ohio

Ernie Neal · 12-21-2023, 11:56 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-21-2023, 01:18 PM

Quote:

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... )

Andy Friar · 12-22-2023, 09:56 AM

Justin, cool that you took the time to visit the Col on your trip back east. I have watched the same Diamond P vids over the years.

First time my Dad raced a Nat event in his SC Dragster was at Columbus. in the mid/early 90's. Me, him and his best friend Bill Gerald went down from Michigan. What a weekend. Mechanical throttle stop equipped and still set it at #1 on the qual sheet w/ a 8.900 & .000 rt. The pride we all felt when we we got announced as the #1 qual as he was sitting to make his R1 bye, was amazing. Went 5 rds and put a 2 div champs and a nat champ on the trailer that day. Also remember how funny it was we had to mow out pit spot like everyone else out in the back 40...

JLensch · 12-22-2023, 11:19 AM

Thank you for sharing! I too remember watching VHS tapes of Diamond P NHRA races and being so hype when I actually got to visit a track that I only got to see on TV. My favorite was going to Atlanta the first time and remembering the Bob Glidden crash from the 80’s and it being on “And they walked away” Still mind blowing all those years later!

12-22-2023, 09:56 AM	#3
Andy Friar Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Howell, MI Posts: 250 Likes: 699 Liked 226 Times in 76 Posts	Re: My time in Ohio Justin, cool that you took the time to visit the Col on your trip back east. I have watched the same Diamond P vids over the years. First time my Dad raced a Nat event in his SC Dragster was at Columbus. in the mid/early 90's. Me, him and his best friend Bill Gerald went down from Michigan. What a weekend. Mechanical throttle stop equipped and still set it at #1 on the qual sheet w/ a 8.900 & .000 rt. The pride we all felt when we we got announced as the #1 qual as he was sitting to make his R1 bye, was amazing. Went 5 rds and put a 2 div champs and a nat champ on the trailer that day. Also remember how funny it was we had to mow out pit spot like everyone else out in the back 40... __________________ Andy Friar

12-22-2023, 11:19 AM	#4
JLensch Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 71 Likes: 24 Liked 39 Times in 23 Posts	Re: My time in Ohio Thank you for sharing! I too remember watching VHS tapes of Diamond P NHRA races and being so hype when I actually got to visit a track that I only got to see on TV. My favorite was going to Atlanta the first time and remembering the Bob Glidden crash from the 80’s and it being on “And they walked away” Still mind blowing all those years later!