Irwindale 64 funny cars

[Lionsdsisbest]

It was I think the 74 but probably the 75 race at the "dale" that was really something to see. At this stage of going to the drags my dad would usually only go to the major events of tradition like the winters and the march meet as he was slowing down . Also in the 70s things were rather "sporty" in the stands so he would sometimes pass on some of the Saturday specials. He was still so very broken hearted as was I over the loss of our beloved Lions Drag Strip. At Irwindale the action was good as there motto was "The Action Strip" and it was as the shows were good and the seats were close though not as close as the "Beach"
This night I believe in April was one of their true monster promotions and one of the "TRUE" 64 funny cars promotions. Check this lineup.32 fuel funny cars with all the "MAJOR" names.16 BB/FC's and 16 injected cars for a true total of 64. At Irwindale there was plenty of parking but due to the configuration it was somewhat tight. So myself and a few buddies headed out early. The gates did not crack until 2 but we got near the track at 1:30 and watched the nuts at the go-cart track on the other side of Irwindale avenue till opening. We would park were a easy exit after the races would be.
With all the races that night I can't remember to much but I do remember 2 things set in my mind.
Picture this as Irwindale was original in this, all 64 cars on the track one hour before the race. Just put this next in your mind. All cars were fired at once after I think Steve Evans had whipped the packed stands it to a frenzy. Here is the wild part,all cars are fired to a standing crowd in awe, in the middle of the cars that are running "Wild Bill Screwsberry" is doing wheelstands down the track "BETWEEN" the cars and then to the crowds amazement on the return road on the pit side right in front of the seats a non-firesuit wearing "Jungle Jim" did two unreal burnouts towards the starting line!!!!!
The other highlight among many was Tripp Shumake in Johnny Lopers Arrow putting the "Snakes" Army car out with I think his first 5 .
The BB/FC battles with Veney,Armstrong,Gasperelli, and "Wild Wilfered Boutillier were flat incredible,all this done by 11. Als Irwindale had the best burgers at any track as they were the forerunner of In n OUT of today. And then even with a good spot the traffic jam was on.
A hot show at a good track,

[draglist]

Another great job. Thanks for the memories... bp

[Lippy]

Another great look into the past of drag racing!! Wow, 64 cars firing up at once!! Thanks Lion!!

[wheelzman]

Lions you are a story teller supremo. I was getting excited just thinking of that wonderful view and of all the cars firing at once. Oh and you mentioned my favorite burger joint.... In-N-Out. I got hooked on them when I went to San Diego last fall. I am now addicted to those cheese burgers. Yum-Yum.

[Rapid Randy Baker]

WOW!!!!

[jim sanders]

[Lionsdsisbest]

That race also had one of the last appearances of Clarence Baileys "King Boogaloo". Remember him?

[Lionsdsisbest]

At Irwindale to get those great burgers they had 2 stands,one was on the spectator near the starting line but the one I went to was on the pit side at the top end,it was a little less crowded. We would make a beeline to that stand after putting up our race blankets. You could enjoy your burger and fries sitting in those great top end seats.

[jim sanders]

Ialso became a professional spectator in the 1980-1990 time frame driving to INDY, the Mid-South's and the Topeka events. never having an advanced ticket (s) depending on mood alone and who wanted to go! load up the suburban pull in the gate by the crack of dawn and scrabble for a top row general admission seat at half track and set up camp with 2 1971 NHRA twin bed spreads that my uncle Curt got me for Christmas when i was 15... 2 coolers that fit perfectly on the step of the grandstands, lay down and nap untill the festivities began and always leaving someone to guard the seats while i was off in the fuel pits for first warp ups to get my fix after driving overnight.... mid day it would be time for an Italian saussage loaded with everything.. a friend was into funnelcake with a heavy load of powered sugar... top row is the best as while there is down time you can people (girls) watch as they stroll thru the midway carrying their bags of handouts and souveniers etc. i never had a camera so these are just great memories of mine from some good times... thanks Lions for opening up the vault in my brain

[draglist]

That race also had one of the last appearances of Clarence Baileys "King Boogaloo". Remember him?

Do you mean the Cougar or something? I saw Clarence race at OCIR in 1977. Ran a Duster. Ran 6.70 at 212 which he basically could have dialed in and bracket raced with because every time I read about him or saw him, he ran that same number! Eventually got into one of those 78-80 Dodge Challengers... bp