Ghost Tracks.... (2 Viewers)

[ricko999™]

D Mac thanks for the input on legendary the DIMS track. The track was totally graded over and gone by the late 1980's.

The last bit of Green Valley Race City was developed over (houses) more than two years ago. FYI, Google maps and or Live local maps are at least 3 years old.

Cool stories tho! Old Caddo Mills race track(airport) still exists north of Caddo Mills TX.
RP

 

[Rajunz]

Are we entirely sure that the first track shown in Louisiana is still not running sanctioned under the other HRA? Just kidding, but, hard to imagine that it is still sitting there vacant for all these years - and suprisingly looks pretty good!

The Southland track in Houma, Louisiana was my submission. I took the picture of C&H in 1971, the others were taken in 1984. It's all torn down now, but the track surface is still there, although completely overgrown with weeds.

Mark Oswald moved down there after the track had shut down.

Google Earth Today:

1984:
View from Grandstands:

View from top of Tower:

 

[Rajunz]

Houston International Dragway, also know as Gulf Freeway Drag Strip. I remember going here on a warm summer night in 1977 and watching Johnny White kick some Funny Car Booty his "Houston Hustler" Mustang II. NHRA also ran the Sportsnationals there for a few years.

Today there's a WalMart and Best Buy there.

Stephens & Venables Dragster Restoration by Rip & Natalie Wiley

 

[Andy]

My contribution is Aquasco Speedway. I've been working on a story about it, won't have it ready until Winter though. But I'll share my pictures.

Aquasco Speedway today - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

Aquasco Speedway today - Control Tower - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

Aquasco Speedway today - control tower, starting grid - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

Aquasco Speedway today - bathrooms - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

Aquasco Speedway today - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

Aquasco Speedway today - Southern Maryland Online MultiMedia Gallery

If you have a sharp eye, you'll notice my avatar is an old shot from Aquasco. Richard Petty racing against (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong I don't have the enlarged picture and caption in front of me) Gene Mori.

Aquasco ran NASCAR Drag Racing and some NHRA. It closed in the late 1960s. Budds Creek became the big track in town ever since. Any attempts to reopen the track would fall flat. It's in terrible shape now, would take millions to rebuild and would never be able to return to prominence because MIR has become a world class facility.

I have a few interviews on it along with other content that I'll be uploading when I'm done. Like I said, it's something for the offseason but it'll be featured in ECDN and on my site.

 

[Rajunz]

Did someone mention Green Valley raceway?

Stephens & Venables Dragster Restoration by Rip & Natalie Wiley

HECHO EN TEXAS: Green Valley Raceway

Google Earth Today:

 

[winr]

Niagara Drag

Here it is. Went there prob, 5 years ago.What a great place even in its current condition.

We have an anual Niagra Video reunion in March, Some of the original racers come. Dean Johnson (the owner) is always there as well. Its always interesting to watch the vids and see the legends race. Dean usaly has a storie or two as well

 

[Rajunz]

And I spent a few Sundays at this place as well, the 1st CajunNationals were held here, LaPlace Dragway:

Google Earth Today:

This is cool too, decals from all of the old strips:
Decals:

 

[go]

And I spent a few Sundays at this place as well, the 1st CajunNationals were held here, LaPlace Dragway:

Google Earth Today:

This is cool too, decals from all of the old strips:
Decals:

That picture of the Competiton class with the Freeman dragster in it with the black dragster in the far lane was our old car. That is also the same dragster in the NHRA website with the photo at Green Valley. The pictures of the Houston and Green Valley track are mine, because when I did the website for Stephens & Venables we had enough server space for me to add some other Division 4 stuff. I was also at the 1st Cajun Nationals at LaPlace, if you browse through that site you will see many pictures of Houma, LaPlace, Green Valley and Dallas as they scattered throughout.

 

[Boo]

Like Lance I virtually grew up at Southland Dragway and DMAC is right when those Fuelers or Funny Cars would run if you were sitting under those covered grandstands it was almost unbearable......almost! ... Now at the site of the old Laplace strip is a car dealership. If I'm not mistaken parts of the strip is still there. I too have a good bit of photos from the old Soutland strip which I have posted here from time to time. In a way its sad that these great old tracks are mostly gone, but it sure is fun looking back!

 

[Boo]

A few more from Southland!!!

 

[Reese]

Thanks Gary and Lance. I can't remember which track I went to first Southland or LaPlace. But I do know I have fond memories of both.

 

[Toejam]

Here's an aerial photo of Beeline today. I attended my first drag race here and have lots of memories from there.

Bobby, did they knock down the Tower? Don't see itin that satelite pic!

 

["Dr. Dirt"]

The tower still stands. It's the tiny speck directly under the 87 on the highway. If you look closely, you'll see the shadow as the photo was taken around 10:00 AM or thereabouts.

 

[Toejam]

The tower still stands. It's the tiny speck directly under the 87 on the highway. If you look closely, you'll see the shadow as the photo was taken around 10:00 AM or thereabouts.

Your right, I see it now. You really have to look for it though! The day I was out there I could NOT see anything resembling pavement or a track, but on the image you see exactly where the track was.

 

[.]

More Beeline Dragway.

 

[none]

Man, I just love threads like this!

Here's a terrserver image of Green Valley, to compliment Lance's contribution. I never learned how to post an image in a thread, so you have to use the link.

Microsoft TerraServer Imagery

Thanks for all the posts, and memories, guys!

 

[Rajunz]

Here's another one that is still around, Austin Raceway Park, although not for long. There is a brand new building just built there called the Racetrack Building.

Live Search Maps

 

[.]

Not all of these are ghost tracks but still an interesting site.

Name That Track

 

[Rajunz]

Thanks Gary and Lance. I can't remember which track I went to first Southland or LaPlace. But I do know I have fond memories of both.

Here you go Armand and Gary, this will bring back a ton of memories.

Biloxi Dragway - Dragways From The Past

Tons of Bee Line photos here:

Vintage Drag Club Presents The Bob Snyder Photo Collection

 

[Toejam]

Here's another one that is still around, Austin Raceway Park, although not for long. There is a brand new building just built there called the Racetrack Building.

Live Search Maps

Lance, that Return road looked like a scenic Tour!