Famoso Dragstrip

Members of the Embers car club of Southern California attending a race at Famoso Receway in 1959. The Corvette in the foreground belonged to Sonny Padilla.

A Bakersfield Smokers Program from April of 1959. Photo courtesy of Bakersfield Smokers Drag Racing.

1959 Bakersfield Drags - In 1959 Don Garlits was invited to prove his 180 MPH in this East meets West Bakersfield Drags. He did, disproving what was believed at the time, that because gravity held us to the ground for traction we couldn't go any faster an falling out of a plane the that distance. This was taken by: Jerry M. Hughes a member of the King's Men Car Club with his $55 Brownie 8mm.

The Boudakian Bros' running their 1932 Ford Four-Door at Famoso Raceway in 1959. Photo courtesy of Neal Jennings.

The Souvenir Program from the 6th annual United States Fuel & Gas Championships. Photo courtesy of Bakersfield Smokers Drag Racing.

Bakersfield Showdown!! A clipping from Hot Rod Magazine May 1964.

Steve Scott's Uncertain-T drawing a crowd at the Famoso Raceway. Copyright Sherm Porter.

Steve Scott's Uncertain-T was much more than a spectacular show car and a very cool street-driven hot rod; it was really something to see in action! At the end of the 1965 Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships at the Famoso Raceway, right after Don Garlits won Top Fuel, Steve started out slowly in front of the stands after passing the starting line... then kicked it and really moved out! He remembers seeing the looks on people's faces and the wild cheers as he sped down to the finish line to give Don Garlits a ride back to get his trophy. Copyright Sherm Porter.

Another photo of "The Uncertain-T" at the 1965 Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships at Famoso Raceway. Steve recalled that Don Garloits enjoyed riding around the parking lot and pits so much that he wanted to keep driving around instead of getting his trophy. Copyright Sherm Porter.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

John Force in action with his Brute Force Funny Car at Famoso in 1977. Photo courtesy of Jim Philipson.

The 18th annual California Hot Rod Reunion was held October 16 - 18, 2009 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California.

Marky Idzardi's Purple Peope Eater getting ready for a run at Famoso. Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

The legendary Swamp Rat III built and campaigned by Don Garlits was the worlds fastest dragster back in 1961, running 7.88 sec / 198.66 mph. Seen here, is the restored version at the 2012 California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Speedway in Bakersfield, running 10.00-16” Racemaster Dragster Slicks. Photo by Henrik Forss.

Randy Winkle always builds extremely sharp-looking race cars. Like this one, the Famoso Speed Shop "MOB" digger, rolling on polished Americans. Photo by Henrik Forss.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

The Anderson family owns and campaigns the iconic Vagabond FED, which has been racing since the 1960s. It is looking better than ever and sure is healthy. Here seen at Famoso Raceway outside of Bakersfield, California. Notice that their 1955 Chevy push car is also equipped with American Racing wheels. Photo by Henrik Forss.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Recommended Reading: Lost Drag Strips: Ghosts of Quarter Miles Past by Tommy Lee Byrd. Click here to check price and availability on Amazon.com-

Show & Go - Kustomrama's Guide to the Cragar S/S Wheel

From Strip to Street - Kustomrama's Guide to American Racing Torq-Thrust Wheels. Click here to check it out.

Famoso Dragstrip, located just outside of Bakersfield, is arguably the most renowned racetrack in the region. It has gained significant attention due to the numerous races it hosts, especially the highly popular "March Meet" and "Hot Rod Reunion" events. These events have transformed into a massive international gathering spot for both competitors and visiting enthusiasts.

History

The Bakersfield Smokers Timing Association organized the inaugural race at Famoso on September 9, 1951. However, this race was not held at the current location. After its first season, the venue was moved to the Famoso site, which is still used today. In the early days of the racetrack's history, drag races were held bi-monthly.

Famoso Dragstrip quickly earned a reputation for being the widest and finest racetrack in California. Like many other tracks of its time, it was established on an abandoned military airfield. The races attracted approximately 100 competing teams and around 2,000 spectators in its initial years.

Today, the popular races at Famoso Dragstrip draw tens of thousands of visitors.

The first "March Meet" race took place on March 6-7, 1954, but it was then known as the "West Coast Championship Drag Races." By 1955, a two-day event at the track drew 6,000 spectators, solidifying the racetrack's status as a major highlight in California. Races have been held at Famoso Dragstrip for over 70 years, and there's no indication that they will cease anytime soon.

Significance

A significant factor contributing to the success of races at Famoso Dragstrip is its proximity to Los Angeles, which is just a little over two hours away. It's a quick trip over the mountains, making it feasible for enthusiasts to visit for just a day and immerse themselves in the racing atmosphere. Like many other tracks, Famoso Dragstrip is situated in the countryside, making it a worthwhile visit that might just change your life.

For more information visit: www.famosoraceway.com