Santa Ana Drags facts for kids
Santa Ana Drags was the very first place in the United States where people could race cars on a special track called a drag strip. It was started by C.J. "Pappy" Hart, Creighton Hunter, and Frank Stillwell. This exciting race track was located on an extra runway at the Orange County Airport in southern California. It was open from June 19, 1950, until June 21, 1959.
The Start of Drag Racing History
Many important people in early drag racing got their start at Santa Ana Drags. Racers like Art Chrisman, Don Yates, Calvin Rice, Joaquin Arnett, and George "Ollie" Morris often competed there.
The drag strip began with just $1000. Both people watching and people racing paid 50 cents to enter. Ten percent of this money went to the airport owner. Santa Ana Drags was special because it had timing clocks. These clocks let racers know exactly how fast they went. The track also had a special area for cars called a pit area. There were restrooms, a place to buy snacks called a concession stand, and simple seats for fans. There was also lots of parking. The track closed in 1959 because of disagreements among the founders about how the business was run.
Santa Ana Drag Strip Reunions
Even though the drag strip closed a long time ago, people still remember it. Reunions are held twice a year, usually in April and October. These events take place at Santiago Creek Park in Santa Ana, California. For example, a reunion was held on April 14, 2012. Leslie Long now organizes these fun gatherings. Before Leslie, Bill and Marie Jenks organized them.
See Also
- National Hot Rod Association
- Wally Parks
