Island Dragway without ear plugs

My son, Jeremiah, and I visited Island Dragway in Great Meadows this past Saturday to watch a points run-off involving some potent machines from street eliminator class stocks to the fast and furious, ear popping, 5+ seconds ET rails. Even the kids (under 17) had their day in the junior division running 2-stroke engine rails clocking 49-55 mph in the traps. I first visited Island when I was 13. My late older brother ran a B-modified Ford with a 389 CI Pontiac engine. I would help swap out the tow tires with drag slicks, hand him wrenches, and generally be a dedicated “gofer.” He would treat me to a burger at the Hackettstown diner afterward. Those were the best weekends and best burgers I can remember.

That was in 1963. “Car guys” (I’m still one of them), and cars have changed. While I appreciated the sounds and power of big-block engines back then, I preferred to drive and rally toss-able, British sports cars. In fact, my first solo cross-country excursion in 1969 was in an MGA (still have one today) and I will never forget the night skies over new Mexico! Gas economy was secondary then, but not now. In the late ‘60’s, domestic automobiles averaged about 12-15 miles per gallon @ 32 cents—not bad, considering the price. Today, 24 miles per gallon at 3.70+ is marketed as acceptable and those gas stingy British imports have been replaced with sophisticated hybrids that can achieve 60+ MPG, and full electrics whose limits are still being explored.

When I watched those racers this weekend, I thought about the days of fast cars and cheap gas, and realized I was watching relics from my past still zooming in a new era. I’m editing the videos while listening to Beach Boys car songs and will post them on Youtube soon.