Straight Line Speed - the History of Niagara Dragway (Dean Johnson & Jim Oddy)
Description
Niagara Dragway was one of the most popular and iconic drag strips in New York State from the early 1960’s to 1974. “SUNDAY…NIAGARA” commercials boomed from superstation WKBW during that period making Niagara THE PLACE TO BE for maximum automotive excitement! During Niagara’s tenure, icons of the sport – Garlits, Muldowney, Prudhomme, McEwen, and many others rocketed down the Niagara quarter-mile. This presentation features track promoter, Dean Johnson and longtime competitor at Niagara - Jim Oddy – who is a member of both the NHRA Division 1 and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Sit back as we relive that history with stories, photos, and memories of those wild Sunday’s at Niagara!
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00:00:00 The Birth of Niagara Dragway
00:04:52 Early Days and Challenges
00:07:23 Memorable Races and Innovations
00:11:49 Sponsorship and Community Involvement
00:23:48 NASCAR and NHRA Sanctioning
00:34:52 The Art of Promotion
00:38:22 Innovations and Safety in Racing
00:44:25 Drag Racing Classes and Competitions
00:51:04 The Business Side of Racing
00:57:08 The Legacy of Niagara Drag Racing
00:59:47 Jim Oddy: The Beginning of a Racing Journey
01:00:43 First Taste of Victory
01:00:56 The Indy Nationals Experience
01:01:30 Building and Racing the Anglia
01:05:04 Transition to Double B Gas Class & The Opel GT Era
01:06:55 Challenges with Funny Cars
01:09:01 Return to Competition Eliminator
01:15:39 Pro Mod Success and Hall of Fame Induction
01:19:43 Reflecting on the Drag Racing Community
01:26:16 Skyline Drag Racing Revival
01:32:10 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.