WORLD SERIES OF DRAG RACING THEN AND NOW

I received a newsletter from a collector guy the other day published by the Automobile Timing Association of America (ATTA). It was called “Quarter-Mile Notes” and it contained an article in advance of the first World Series of Drag Racing to be held in Cordova in 1957. Wow what a treat!
Below I have made some caparisons between the 1957 World Series and the World Series of today.

1957 – Quoted from the newsletter
“The Strip is 3700 feet long with 60 feet of asphaltic concrete reaching all the way. The spectator area will be oiled to keep down the dust and lots of seats are available with concession stands handy the full length of the quarter”

2011
The strip is now 4150 feet long and has a 300 feet concrete starting line pad that was poured and laser leveled.  The spectator areas are pretty much paved, sealed or rocked. Concessions are located in key high traffic areas.

1957 – Quoted from the newsletter
“The return lane, inspection area, and a large portion of the pits have all been surface treated to keep away from the plague of dust. The remainder of the pits will be a grassy area to make pitching of tents and other camping gear easier. A garage area has been set aside in the pits and paved to make the heavy repairs often found necessary a little more bearable. Stanchions will be set up for you to hang your chain hoists and the whole area will be floodlit for working at night with outlets handy for small tools”.

2011
The return road, tech area and a large portion of the pits have now all been paved. Many pit roads have been added, some paved and others with asphalt chips. Some of the paved pits include electrical outlets as well. The track and pit area have stadium lighting.

1957 – Quoted from the newsletter
“A restaurant tent will be located in the center of the pits with hot meals for less than a dollar and open 24 hours a day. During the daylight hours refreshment stands will be open closer to the track so you won’t starve to death while watching the races”.

2011
We now a main concession stand located near the grandstand area and close to the main pit area. The building in the center has been remodeled into the current “Pit Café” which is open during major events. Meals are slightly higher than a dollar now but it’s likely no one will starve to death.

1957 – Quoted from the newsletter
“Additional restrooms are being put up and showers will be installed for competitors camping in the pits during the meet”

2011
The restrooms that were built in the 1950’s are still here today. However, the current restroom on the pit side will be converted to a Men’s only restroom once the construction is complete on the state-of-the art women’s facility. Once all construction is completed the Women’s bathroom will have four showers and the men’s bathroom will be remodeled and have three.

1957 – Quoted from the newsletter
“Out on the strip itself a dual lane timing system has been completely built in to make for lots of accurately timed runs against certified clocks and on a certified quarter-mile.

2011
The modern timing systems today are very accurate in which Cordova has the “compulink” system. The system includes auto start plus a variety of programs not even thought of in the 1950’s.