{"product_id":"lions-drag-strip-1955-1972-drag-racing-in-the-1970s-2-book-set","title":"Lions Drag Strip: 1955-1972 \u0026 Drag Racing in the 1970s 2 Book Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eHot rodders and the “drag” cars that they raced in unsanctioned\u003cbr\u003eexhibitions had become a nuisance with law enforcement\u003cbr\u003ein Los Angeles, California. So, in an effort to make racing\u003cbr\u003esafer, C. J. “Pappy” Hart (founder of the Santa Ana Drag Strip),\u003cbr\u003eNorris Poulson (mayor of Los Angeles), John Chadwick (member\u003cbr\u003eof the Wilmington Lions Club), and others collaborated to\u003cbr\u003ecreate the world-famous Lions Associated Drag Strip. With an\u003cbr\u003eapproved proposal, shovels sunk into the sand in August 1955\u003cbr\u003ein Wilmington, California, christening the birth of the world’s\u003cbr\u003egreatest drag strip.\u003cbr\u003eMickey Thompson was hired to operate Lions Drag Strip\u003cbr\u003e(also known as “the Beach”), quickly turning it into Southern\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia’s wildest venue to watch drag racing. Innovations,\u003cbr\u003eincluding staging lights, track lighting for night racing, and concession\u003cbr\u003estands, made Lions Drag Strip the place to be.\u003cbr\u003eThe world’s greatest drag racers, such as Jack Chrisman,\u003cbr\u003eTom McEwen, Art Chrisman, Don Prudhomme, Chris Karamesines,\u003cbr\u003eConnie Kalitta, and Don Garlits, as well as a cast of\u003cbr\u003ethousands of others, descended upon Lions Drag Strip for exhibition\u003cbr\u003eand match racing. Fabled East-West showdowns, Fuel\u003cbr\u003eAltereds, Funny Cars, and Jet cars broke attendance records\u003cbr\u003eand set national records throughout the 1960s. In addition,\u003cbr\u003ethrill-seeker Evel Knievel leaped over 13 cars at Lions Drag\u003cbr\u003eStrip to the excitement of 14,000 fans in December 1970.\u003cbr\u003eSadly, Lions Drag Strip closed on December 3, 1972, due\u003cbr\u003eto the location being valued as industrial real estate and the\u003cbr\u003eapproaching urban sprawl.\u003cbr\u003eLions Automobilia Foundation Museum volunteer Lou Hart\u003cbr\u003ebrings forth this year-by-year illustrated history of Lions Drag\u003cbr\u003eStrip’s most memorable events with never-before-seen images\u003cbr\u003ein Lions Drag Strip: 1955–1972!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• This is the first book ever that chronicles the entire\u003cbr\u003ehistory of Lions Drag Strip.\u003cbr\u003e• Lions Drag Strip was Los Angeles’s most famous drag\u003cbr\u003estrip.\u003cbr\u003e• Over the years, millions of fans visited Lions Drag\u003cbr\u003eStrip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003ch1\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s: A Sensational Decade of Speed and Innovation\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Step back into the thrilling world of the 1970s with this captivating book that chronicles a \n    groundbreaking decade in drag racing history. While drag racing began in the 1950s as a fledgling \n    sport, it experienced extraordinary technological progress during the 1960s. By the 1970s, the \n    sport reached new heights of sophistication, ushering in a new era of professionalism. As larger, \n    well-funded teams dominated the national stage, smaller, budget-conscious teams were often forced \n    to step back or compete in lower-cost classes.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Despite these changes, the 1970s proved to be one of the most dynamic periods in drag racing. It \n    was an era of innovation, with exciting new classes and technological advancements shaping the \n    sport. Funny Cars transformed from altered-wheelbase doorslammers of the 1960s into full-fledged, \n    tube-chassis, fiberglass-bodied machines by 1970. This evolution paved the way for the creation of \n    the Pro Stock class, a fan-favorite that brought fierce rivalries and direct ties to Detroit’s \n    major automakers. In the name of safety and performance, Top Fuel cars shifted to mid-engine designs, \n    becoming faster and more aerodynamic. By the end of the decade, Funny Cars had nearly evolved into \n    full-bodied versions of their Top Fuel counterparts. Many of these 1970s developments continue to \n    influence NHRA racing today.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e, written by veteran racing historian Doug Boyce, offers \n    a comprehensive, chronological look at this exciting decade. Packed with vivid photography and \n    insightful commentary, the book dives into the cars, classes, and iconic drivers that defined the \n    era. Readers will uncover the rise of big-money sponsors, the transition to professionalism, and \n    the role of lower-budget classes like Modified Eliminator and Super Stock. This richly illustrated \n    tribute is a must-have addition to any drag racing enthusiast’s library.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe first book to focus exclusively on drag racing in the 1970s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFeatures rare, never-before-published photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCovers the birth of new classes, legendary drivers, and unforgettable stories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Doug Boyce’s passion for drag racing has spanned a lifetime. From turning his first wrench at age 8 \n    to attending his first race at age 10, Doug was hooked by the adrenaline-filled world of burning \n    rubber and roaring engines. By his teenage years, he was fully immersed in building classic cars \n    and indulging his passion for the sport. Balancing a career in the automotive industry, Doug also \n    dedicated his free time to documenting drag racing’s golden years through club and magazine articles. \n    His deep knowledge and ongoing love for the sport have culminated in several acclaimed books, \n    including \u003cem\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGrumpy’s Toys\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJunior Stock\u003c\/em\u003e, and \n    \u003cem\u003e1001 Drag Racing Facts\u003c\/em\u003e, among others.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Whether you’re a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer looking to explore its rich history, \n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compelling read that captures the essence of one of \n    the most exciting decades in motorsport.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50514071585048,"sku":"KIT9781613258538\/9781613258422","price":58.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97816132585389781613258422.jpg?v=1772256344","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/cs\/products\/lions-drag-strip-1955-1972-drag-racing-in-the-1970s-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}