Post by dragnews on Jul 30, 2009 22:24:31 GMT -5
By now you are all familiar with the story of how drag racing has evolved from a late night criminal activity on the streets, and how the Slow Pokes car club was granted permission from local law enforcement authorities to construct a drag strip in 1955. Now some 54 years later Ardmore Dragway has come of age.
The Slow Pokes car club moved it's Drag strip operation to the current Springer location in march of 1960. Club members worked feverishly building cable retaining barriers and portable structures to house race officials, for opening day in April of 1960.
(Above photo of Bill Freeman near lane at first 1960 race)
Records indicate over 30 racers participated at the first drag race
in 1960. No documentation of the winner can be found but many have given credit to David Capps as Ardmore Dragway's first Top Eliminator. Although the drag racers had advanced from the old sod race track at the downtown airport, things didn't work out as
anticipated at the new location. The high horse powered 4 speed cars literally ripped the racing surface off the ground leaving the
Slow Pokes with nothing but a gravel mess.
Club president J.R. Shaw had to act and act fast if there would continue to be drag racing in Ardmore. A special meeting was held and various ideas brought forward on what to do. J.R. decided if the club wanted to race they would have to pay to have the strip re black topped. Only two members agreed to accept this responsibility. Joe Carrell and Dennis Lavers. Soon after J.R. persuaded oil heiress Carol Daube Sutton, to co sign a note at the Exchange Bank in Ardmore on May13 1960. For the sum of $5000 at 7% interest. This loan was used to rebuild Ardmore Dragway.
This was not the end of the Slow Poke car club, but from that point on, Ardmore Dragway would be operated by the Ardmore Timing Association. The organization was operated by J.r. Shaw president and treasurer, Joe Carrell vice president and Dennis Lavers secretary. A new beginning of Ardmore Dragway history had just emerged.
( Above photo of the repaving in 1960 of Ardmore Dragway).
Thats all for now ......See you at the Drags!
(Photo's and story courtesy of the Ragland collection 2009)
The Slow Pokes car club moved it's Drag strip operation to the current Springer location in march of 1960. Club members worked feverishly building cable retaining barriers and portable structures to house race officials, for opening day in April of 1960.
(Above photo of Bill Freeman near lane at first 1960 race)
Records indicate over 30 racers participated at the first drag race
in 1960. No documentation of the winner can be found but many have given credit to David Capps as Ardmore Dragway's first Top Eliminator. Although the drag racers had advanced from the old sod race track at the downtown airport, things didn't work out as
anticipated at the new location. The high horse powered 4 speed cars literally ripped the racing surface off the ground leaving the
Slow Pokes with nothing but a gravel mess.
Club president J.R. Shaw had to act and act fast if there would continue to be drag racing in Ardmore. A special meeting was held and various ideas brought forward on what to do. J.R. decided if the club wanted to race they would have to pay to have the strip re black topped. Only two members agreed to accept this responsibility. Joe Carrell and Dennis Lavers. Soon after J.R. persuaded oil heiress Carol Daube Sutton, to co sign a note at the Exchange Bank in Ardmore on May13 1960. For the sum of $5000 at 7% interest. This loan was used to rebuild Ardmore Dragway.
This was not the end of the Slow Poke car club, but from that point on, Ardmore Dragway would be operated by the Ardmore Timing Association. The organization was operated by J.r. Shaw president and treasurer, Joe Carrell vice president and Dennis Lavers secretary. A new beginning of Ardmore Dragway history had just emerged.
( Above photo of the repaving in 1960 of Ardmore Dragway).
Thats all for now ......See you at the Drags!
(Photo's and story courtesy of the Ragland collection 2009)