Montgomery Airport-Dragstrip (Montgomery, New York)

[Paul Ceasrine]

In 1958....they ran 'Monthly' events.

It was such a success, that in 1959 they started off with 'Bi-Monthly'
events.

According to some historical information, the reason they were able
to get use of the track for racing, was because the Track Operators
were donating the 'profits' to the local Montgomery American Legion
for a Veterans Charity.

For 'Track Operation' it was well organized by,
* NASCAR
* Garden State Hot Rod Association
* Empire State Timing Association
* Orange County Street Rodders Club

The United States Air Force (Eastern Sector) approved of the
operation 'Airstip' for Drag Racing use, provided that the racing
was sponsored in conjunction with the American Legion Post #521
(Osborne-Fitzsimmons Post) out of Montgomery.

Basically, the American Legion was used as a 'front', to get access
to the 'out-of-use' Air Force Airstrip for the New York and New Jersey
racers.

The American Legion #521 'track personel' handled the 'Ticket Sales'
and reconciled the receipts, as per the agreement with the Air Force.

All 'monies' went through the hands of the American Legion, who then
paid all expenses 'first', before any funds were deposited into the
'Charity Account'.

NASCAR officials and the Empire State Timing Association associates
were 'paid employees'.

The Garden State Hot Rod Associaton and Orange County Street Rodders Club
donated their time, as 'safety inspectsors' and 'general track personel' in exchange
for 'free racing'.

1958 'gate receipts' could not be found in the archives.

In 1959, the Montgomery Airport-Dragstrip had 'Gate Receipts' well over $60,000
for 6-Months of Racing Events (April thru September), with 'Bi-Monthly Racing'.

A 'total' of 12 Racing Days, with 'Gross Gate Receipts' of approximately $5000 per event.

In 1959, car counts had reached 200+, as that was all the 'track operators' could handle.

Nearly 100 other racers were turned down at each event during 1959.

Stories of racers showing up on Saturday Afternoon, to get in line so they would be able to
participate on Sunday.Drag Racing were the normal routine.

The rule, 'first to come, first to enter'.

This led the 'track operators' to institute "Invitational Meets' and 'Stocker Events', which ended
the problem of an overflow of Drag Race Cars, and unhappy racers who could not enter on Sunday.

The Main Players in getting the Airport-Dragstrip operational;

Edward Otto
Vice-President of NASCAR, who was instrumental in bringing Drag Racing to New Jersey and
New York, and other Northeast Regions.

Merton Gundry (Rochester, New York)
A Race Steward, who also worked for NASCAR, and was part of 'TANA" Timing Association of North America.

Paul Jackson (Savannah, New York)
The Eastern Seaboard Manager for NASCAR, who also owned 'Jackson's Speedway', a Drag Strip in
South Butler, New York. President of 'TANA", and one of the first to institute 'calibrated timing devices'
for Drag Racing.

Commander Andrew Skibitsky (Montgomery, New York)
The President of the American Legion Post #521 (Osborne-Fitzsimmons Post) in Montgomery, New York.
Was the liason between the Drag Racing Group, the United States Air Force and Orange County Officials
in Tuxedo Park, New York.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Art Afrons set the NHRA Top Speed mark { 172.08 MPH } at the
1959 Indy Nationals (September 1959).

In December 1960, the NHRA annpounced that they would
restrict the use of engines as 'automotive only' in Dragsters
for the 1961 Racing Season.

But, that Speed Mark was 'topped' in several non-sanctioned events,
including one at the Montgomery Airport-Dragstrip in 1959.

That was with the Green Monster #5, with the V-12 Allison 1710 'Cubic Inches',
and on 'pump-gas'.

[ss wannabee]

Some time ago...I met Paul Jackson...might have been at a South Butler reunion...

[Paul Ceasrine]

Paul Jackson,,,,,,was 'The Man'.

Some 'Cool Club Names'

* Miracle Riders Motorcycle Club.......from Newburgh, New York

* Motorormounts........ from Maplewood, New Jersey

* Danbury Modifiers.....from Danbury, Connecticut

* The Nailheads..........from Tarrytown, New York

The General Motors Chevrolet Plant in Tarrytown, New York sponsored several
Chevrolet cars in Strictly Stock 'Super Stock'.......S/S 'Stick' and S/S 'Automatic'.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Jimi,

Historical information states that 1960 was a great racing season at
Montgomery Airport-Dragstrip.

But the Orange County Politicians found out that there was 'big money'
coming in.

Seems that once it got big (1960), and the $$$ started to flow, the
'Politicians' wanted in.

Before that {pre-1958}, they had little interest in the Montgomery
Air Force Airport, even when the Air Force offered to give it to
Orange County for nothing.

Seems that the American Legion Post #521 in Montgomery, New York
had connections at the Tuxedo Park, New York (Orange County
Legislature Office), and was able to get the proper permits to
operate as a Racing Facility.

[Jimbo17]

Paul: I did this as a tribute to Montgomery Drag Strip a few years ago.

Jim Hill

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