tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post9190695453489106196..comments2024-03-17T07:39:21.234-07:00Comments on Orange County Memories: Santa Ana Drag Strip at Orange County AirportSteve Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254867681706917705noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-50215932273141240282013-01-11T10:41:56.648-08:002013-01-11T10:41:56.648-08:00does anybody remember 'the beanfield racers... does anybody remember 'the beanfield racers' down around the Zoo at macauthur and coast highway? what about flat heads forever?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09361716522246512384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-64892980554557513052012-12-08T21:29:43.147-08:002012-12-08T21:29:43.147-08:00Started watching the drags at Santa Ana about 1953...Started watching the drags at Santa Ana about 1953, those were the "good old days" of drag racing. '48 Plymouth 64.53 MPH, can't remember the et, musta been up there though. Never outgrew the sounds & smells of the track. Still go to this day although it's doesn't seem to be as much fun.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-25863170349944967752012-09-07T19:51:12.650-07:002012-09-07T19:51:12.650-07:00Eric DeBord... I am Jim... I announced for your da...Eric DeBord... I am Jim... I announced for your dad at Muncie Dragway for well over a decade. I dont have many heroes... Doug is one of them. Muncie Dragway is still going strong. You and your brother Mike were very young then... Doug got into raising beagles and left... we continued running the place (mostly Bob Grimes and Bill Moser) until it was sold in the early 70s to another group. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-993756562873639032012-07-07T11:18:41.116-07:002012-07-07T11:18:41.116-07:00I was running a 1957 FI Chevy 150 at the time, man...I was running a 1957 FI Chevy 150 at the time, managed to win the super stock division at Santa that year. Young, dumb, broke, no money to support my hobby, have't raced since 157<br /><br />Tom ColeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-76917435629289911692012-06-02T22:53:28.603-07:002012-06-02T22:53:28.603-07:00My father-law is. Rebuliding a croslyMy father-law is. Rebuliding a croslyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-86767654744925732042012-05-09T07:42:02.217-07:002012-05-09T07:42:02.217-07:00My father worked for the airport from 1952 to 1965...My father worked for the airport from 1952 to 1965. He pumped gas to all of the airplanes. On Sunday he would pump 100 octane for the drag racers. I would go over with him some times to watch. I never got the drags out of my system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-81168474993364747432012-04-09T11:12:57.689-07:002012-04-09T11:12:57.689-07:00I wonder if anyone has pictures of the painters fo...I wonder if anyone has pictures of the painters ford pickup that ran in the early to mid 50s. It was painted yellow with black strips on the sides of the hood, this hid the air inlets to the engine. At a time when a lot of dragsters were useing flatheads this ford used a dodge red ram v8 with a 6-71 blower and two carbs fead cold air through flex tube in the hood. I know that they held the B gas record at least once maybe twice. They stopped running at lions because it got too scary to run. I had pictures of this truck, unfortately they were stollen menu years ago. I would like to know if anyone even knows of this truck because it was really ahead of the rest of vehicles running at that time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-22497147061453508912012-03-13T22:53:44.167-07:002012-03-13T22:53:44.167-07:00i spent a lot of time at the Santa Ana drags ,my b...i spent a lot of time at the Santa Ana drags ,my brother was a member of the Outlaws car club i've often wondered what happened to Chuck Jones i worked for chuck at meridian antique auto ,we were converting maserati's to left hand drive. was supprized to see a post from Chuck (remember me) i'm Kent's brother Mike animalmike@charter.net would love to talk to youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-48041515222874018902012-01-20T08:11:58.821-08:002012-01-20T08:11:58.821-08:00Several years ago I created a video documentary on...Several years ago I created a video documentary on Lions Drag Strip, titled "Lions - The Greatest Drag Strip". I'm now in the process of gathering home movies, artifacts, etc., for a history on Orange County Int'l Raceway. I want to justly give credit to the track's creation, which includes the efforts of the Orange County Timing Assoc. Would really like to gather any and all info regarding OCTA, especially items depicting the OCTA logo (plaques, jacket, etc.), to be able to show while being discussed. Any info greatly appreciated. Don Gillespie (dgillespie02@hotmail.com)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-75460302433175421652011-12-10T22:13:25.591-08:002011-12-10T22:13:25.591-08:00I'm in the process of doing a video documentar...I'm in the process of doing a video documentary on the history of Orange County International Raceway. Several years ago I completed a three-DVD set on the history of Lions Drag Strip ("Lions - The Gretest Drag Strip"). First will be a "discovery" phase, to try and dig up as much film, photos, history and other artifacts as possible. After reading some of these posts, I'd really like to find out if anyone has an original Orange County Timing Association (OCTA) patch, or any other club materials. Want to be sure this group is given proper credit in laying the foundation for a drag strip in Orange County. I can be contacted at: Dgillespie02@hotmail.com.<br />Thanks.... Don GillespieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-82258460759862353632011-07-26T18:28:53.339-07:002011-07-26T18:28:53.339-07:00I am Jack DeBords - founder of OCTA - youngest dau...I am Jack DeBords - founder of OCTA - youngest daughter. My dad passed away early this morning with photos of his dragster "Agitation" by his side......thank you for mentioning him in prior posts, he would have loved that.....jodyd@jsapa.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-59965297788149539382011-07-04T17:39:38.122-07:002011-07-04T17:39:38.122-07:00We had a Cessna 195 at SNA and we would come back ...We had a Cessna 195 at SNA and we would come back from a trip on Sunday to have to drag the strip so they would shut down the drag races so we could land. This was circa 1956. Fond mmories.Richard Halavaishttp://www.2igi.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-56333842539778178242011-01-12T15:08:20.184-08:002011-01-12T15:08:20.184-08:00I came to OC during the late 80's and I really...I came to OC during the late 80's and I really had no idea that John Wayne Airport used to be the hot spot for drag racing. That's really something. <br /><br />I agree with other posters that there should be a drag strip in OC. Too many people are just racing in the public streets endangering other folks and that's just not cool at all.Used Cars Orange Countyhttp://www.allenautos.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-25800819277819887762010-12-04T22:15:55.216-08:002010-12-04T22:15:55.216-08:00I am Eric De Bord who is the nephew of Jack De Bor...I am Eric De Bord who is the nephew of Jack De Bord and son of Doug De Bord who ran MUncie Dragway! Please share any stories about Jack or my Dad (good or bad!!!!)<br />Thanks!<br />Eric<br />eric.debord@protential.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-79325672571795839132010-10-17T23:33:43.662-07:002010-10-17T23:33:43.662-07:00stop talking about the past and lets build back an...stop talking about the past and lets build back another drag strip in ORANGE COUNTY! THis county needs one, especially since all this illegal street racing is goin on, we need a track to be built here!! Petitions, anything, etc.. whatever it takes this county should have a strip! the Irvine company should get their head together and have one..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-72486284730504467552010-09-24T14:19:57.795-07:002010-09-24T14:19:57.795-07:00I ran a 1954 olds in 1954 top speed 85 mph we also...I ran a 1954 olds in 1954 top speed 85 mph we also ran a crosly with a blown cad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-23055109980538202122010-06-17T16:09:54.554-07:002010-06-17T16:09:54.554-07:00Wow, just pulled up your site. I lived in N Long B...Wow, just pulled up your site. I lived in N Long Beach. went to the drags often, drove a 32 ford roadster with a cadilac flat head. Would turn 110mph, was there the day the "Beast" beat the "Bug's" record. If my memory serves me correctly Chet was there tuning (mock)his HARLEY and did in fact beat the bugs time. Seems to me it was 142+ MPH not 129 as previously mentioned, a fraction of a second faster. I was next in line to run my roadster when they interupted the activities because they had a special event.Chet had the Beast rolled out, came out in his wheel chair and began to appear as though he was tuning the carbs, Watching the beast disappear before me at about, my guess 10 flat (the new way to time events}, it was a site to remember.<br />Continued events until drafted in the Army in 1953.<br />Many, many fun times at the old drags, no ET crap just the speed of the rod and skilled drivers. it's got to complcated and scientific, bring back the old street drags speeds of 100 to 150. Much more fun for the little guys and their familiesTom Barriernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-88400462538682942682010-05-20T12:58:07.541-07:002010-05-20T12:58:07.541-07:00Just found this bit of history today, brings back ...Just found this bit of history today, brings back great times. Grew up on an orange and cattle ranch 3miles East of Orange off Chapman Ave, wen't to OUHS graduaTED IN 1950. D.D. Lembke and I took home a trophy from C J Hart's opening day summer of 50. Later I ran my Sidewinder dragster with Jack Chrisman on occasion at Santa Ana. We set the the top speed and the lowest E.T. ever ran there the on the day the strip finally closed, i958, I beleive. 9.04 or so and 164 mph, quickest on gas anywhere at that time. I finished my racing some 50 years later after being involved in SCCA,USRRC,CanAm,Indy, F5000, and finally owned the Ensign F1 team with Mo Nunn. Now I'm 78,living in Florida with my grandchildren.Got to live my dream and it all started 60 years ago at Santa Ana Drags, Sincerly Chuck JonesUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06843967425991130155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-72750552949120020222010-01-07T21:53:05.068-08:002010-01-07T21:53:05.068-08:00Anyone remember the red 1924 t roadster sponsered ...Anyone remember the red 1924 t roadster sponsered by "Moon Equipment" hand painted on the rod that was driven by Hill Alcala and raced at the Orange County Dragstrip in the 50's and 60's. His son Rudy is still involved with dragsters and workes with the Gasparrelli racing team (TAFC) funny car.<br />The Red roadster is still around OC and is run and shown at some of the old timers meets like in Bakersfield.Pat / pbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-76281197368610304892010-01-03T16:26:27.089-08:002010-01-03T16:26:27.089-08:00IF CJ. DONT CREATE DRAG RACING THE HISTORY OF DR...IF CJ. DONT CREATE DRAG RACING THE HISTORY OF DRAG RACING NEVER EXIST..!! THANKS TO CJ. DRAG LEGENDS INC. ONLINE MAGAZINE EXIST..!!<br />FANS SEE US IN myspace.com/draglegends and facebook.com/draglegendsDRAG LEGENDS INC.http://myspace.com/draglegendsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-54897077340536593502009-10-19T09:41:04.802-07:002009-10-19T09:41:04.802-07:00Thanks for all the great memories, I was at OC onl...Thanks for all the great memories, I was at OC only one time but remember when Lyons opened and was able to get a tag-along with my brother to the drags. The wheel standers like "Little Red Wagon" were my favorites and the "worlds Fastest Mustang" with the turbine engine from a Huey helocopter. We had a lot of fun watching those races, thanks for taking your little brother along with you. R.I.P. bro.<br />MARK CRAIGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-70208450118316110972009-09-02T17:46:57.216-07:002009-09-02T17:46:57.216-07:00Tom Brooks was my cousin and one of the smartest p...Tom Brooks was my cousin and one of the smartest people I ever knew. Taught me alot. He passed away a few years back and left me the old family homeplace here in Va. I have his OCTA jacket hanging in my shop. I also have many pictures of the races back when he lived on Chapman. He was part owner of Brooks Fischer automotive.He built his first custom when he was only 15 years old. He chopped channeled painted and did a complete custom uphoulstry job along with a long list of other unbelieveable touches to that Buick ,and it was featured in Custom Car magazine. I will be taking his ashes from Va. to Ca. this year on his 61' Triumph . Really would like for someone to show me around out there. My business # is (804)854-5000 My name is PatrickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-15286438805807282192009-07-16T14:53:56.366-07:002009-07-16T14:53:56.366-07:00One more note on the Orange County Timing Associat...One more note on the Orange County Timing Association: Among those of us who worked along side Jack DeBord to help build a drag strip in Orange County were Tom Hoover and the Robinson brothers who worked at the Anaheim Bulletin. Our goal was to gain public support through OCTA membership, public meetings and newspaper coverage of our progress. My family car was a red 53 Plymouth and written on the sides in white shoe polish was: "Orange County needs a drag strip, join OCTA". Bernie Partidge, Regional Director at NHRA, was one of our mentors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-11915767301053197622009-07-01T12:54:40.580-07:002009-07-01T12:54:40.580-07:00I grew up in Santa Ana (south olive st). We moved ...I grew up in Santa Ana (south olive st). We moved there in 1947 when I was 6, and I went to Glenn Martin Grammer Sch. When I was older, we kids would ride our bikes out McArthur to the airport and climb around all the old planes (B-17, B-25, P-39, P-51, etc.) Later; I took flight instructions with Martin Aviation on the weekends in the days when the tower was closed. (VFR only).<br /><br />Much later, I found that my Father-in-Law was the air base commander of the Santa Ana airport during WWII. I was the field used for the training command of Santa Ana Air Base.<br /><br />Connections?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10397898.post-16372826221395237992009-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:002009-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:00Yes, I remember "The Santa Ana Drags"...Before I w...Yes, I remember "The Santa Ana Drags"...Before I was old enough to think about anything but cars and girls I used to go and watch the races on Sunday...You parked along the strip and watched...I do remember when the wind was blowing you could hardly see the strip or the cars on it for the dust in the air but Drag Racing was just that, Drag Racing and a little wind and Dust didn't stop it...<br /><br />Granddaddy Joe SmithGranddaddy Joe Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14639398174105111495noreply@blogger.com