Famoso bakersfield drag strip

Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, is often called the mecca of drag racing. With that said, what features of the March Meet do you or would you like the most? Let us know and thanks for sharing. Check out all things Famoso here. Leave a comment. Filed under Polls.

In evolutionary terms what we call Drag Racing today is really a hybrid resulting from a cross between two other forms of racing, dry lakes racing and illegal street racing. In the years immediately following WW II a relatively small group of racers from Bakersfield started a car club know as the Bakersfield Coupe and Roadster Club so that they could be sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association and race competitively on the dry lakes of Southern California. However, the lure of Drag Racing was growing, not only in Southern California and Bakersfield, but across the entire country. Drag Racing had it's formal beginning in Bakersfield in when The Smokers held their first drag race on an abandoned airstrip owned by the Kern County Land Company. That event, more successful than they ever imagined, laid the foundation for what was to become one of the truly legendary events in all of Drag Racing, the March Meet. With illegal street racing becoming an increasing problem nationwide, The Smokers were able to secure a permanent arrangement with the Kern County Director of Airports to lease the current site of Famoso Raceway. At one time that site had been an auxiliary airfield used during WW II.

More than competitors are scheduled to compete this weekend down the famous quarter-mile now in its 51st season. Many believe Famoso is the birthplace of the modern drag-racing era, making it an international destination. For many of them, this is the only place they visit when they come to the States. The March Meet has truly become a world event. Qualifying is set for Friday, with eliminations starting Saturday and finals in most classes Sunday.

Since the beginning of human history, speed has brought us together. From the earliest Olympics, when an Olympic Truce calmed warring nations to ensure that athletes could travel to race in Olympia, to today's phenomenally popular NASCAR events, races are an essential way we get a fix that feeds our speed need. Fleet Feet The stadion race, a sprint of approximately yards, was one of five Pentathlon sports at the ancient Olympic Games. Named for the facility where the event took place, this classic race laid the groundwork for many of our popular contemporary Olympic footraces, as well as the name for where we hold them: stadiums. Today's track events are much more numerous and varied, from the 50 meter sprint to the marathon, but they are no less popular.