In this weeks installment of Lost Dragstrips we will be featuring York U.S. 30. Located in Thomasville, Pa opened in 1959 and ran strong through the sixties with some great highlights in motorsports history being made. The strip started out and served a dual purpose as a airport throughout it’s life and continues as local air hub to this day.
Blown Pontiac GTO tearing down the York US30 Dragway.
Photo Courtesy of Pontiacheaven.org
In the “Good Ole Days” it was common place for Saturday night crowds to reach in excess of 10,000. In May of 1972 the US 30 crowd would be treated to a first in history when promoters would initiate to have topless beauties at the Funny Car Nationals meet. The ladies would be working the VIP areas and handing out time slips and trophies throughout the event. This was the largest event of its kind located on the east coast and had a purse of $75,000. This kind of money was unheard of at the time. The event was held over two days and had a 64 car field.
Legendary header manufacturer Jere Stahl and performance guru Bill Stiles pose with there 1966 Belvedere
Photo courtesy of Yorkblog.com
Other than its promoting there were many a legendary racer to grace the 1320 at York US 30. The likes of Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, “Dyno” Don Nicholson and a strong contingent of Super Stock cars. The evidence of the popularity that the Super Stockers created is evident in racing today, Division 1 NHRA has a strong contingent of racers that were influenced by the forefathers of the sport. Unfortunately like a lot of tracks it started see a decline in crowds in the late 1970’s. The track ultimately closed its gates in 1979.
Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins' only Mopar powered entry
Each year a group of racer’s and historians gather on the York Fairgrounds for a reunion. The event features a display of many famous cars and there is even a nostalgia race held at Beaver Springs Dragway. Each year for the race promoters bring in funny cars and nostalgic hot rods come from miles around to participate in the festivities.
Dyno Don's Ugly Ducking 427 Comet station wagon
Photo's courtesy of Yorkus30.com
A flashback to the "Good Ole Days" at US30
For more info on the tracks history visit Yorkus30.com
Last edited by Matt@TMKPhoto; 12-01-2008 at 03:26 PM..
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