How did you get started in Drag Racing? - Page 6

John Winslow Jr · 02-07-2024, 10:49 PM

Ran tech cards at OCIR in around 1977 when pops was checking cars out, first trip down the 1/4 mile in a Vega on a milk crate when track was closing, first trip behind the wheel I55 1/8 mile in Missouri, ran super Mod in NorCal starting around 1993, stock in 2004 and super stock in 2006, super stock is my favorite. John Jr

David Lee · 02-08-2024, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Winslow Jr

Ran tech cards at OCIR in around 1977 when pops was checking cars out, first trip down the 1/4 mile in a Vega on a milk crate when track was closing, first trip behind the wheel I55 1/8 mile in Missouri, ran super Mod in NorCal starting around 1993, stock in 2004 and super stock in 2006, super stock is my favorite. John Jr

you probably ran a tech card for me then. i had a 340 orange cuda

Tar Heel · 02-08-2024, 11:27 AM

My mom and dad were separated for a brief time when my brother and I were young; maybe in elementary school. My dad has us on weekends and took us to Dragway 42 in Salem, Ohio one time when he had us and it was the coolest thing that we had every seen.

Fast forward to HS when I was working as a stock boy and carrying out groceries as a small grocery store in NE Ohio. A local Stock racer came in with his car on an open trailer and I thought that was the neatest thing I had ever seen. We struck up a friendship despite our almost-to-the-day 30-year age difference. I went to his house to help work on the car and the rest is history. Worked out a deal where I mowed his grass, etc. and he paid for me to get into the races with him (looking back I think he got the better end of that deal ... LOL). That was almost 40 years ago and even though I don't currently class race I've been racing ever since.

AveryMcLawhorn · 02-08-2024, 01:54 PM

Apologies for the long post.

How did you get started in Drag Racing?

I am a third-generation drag racer, soon to be 30, who made my first drag car pass at 18. My late grandfather, Captn Ed (Ed (Bud) McLawhorn Sr.), was more than just a family figure to me. His racing journey began in 1965 when a friend, Gerald Rouse, introduced him to the thrill of the track in a 1963 Chevrolet. From that moment, he was hooked. Over the years, he owned a variety of cars and formed lifelong friendships. My father, Ed McLawhorn Jr., naturally followed in his footsteps, cultivating his own passion for the sport in the family shop. This passion was eventually passed down to me, largely influenced by witnessing the joy and satisfaction it brought to my grandfather and father.

My close relationship with my grandfather, both geographically and emotionally, played a significant role in my journey. I lived with him from the age of 15 to 18, and during this time, I was deeply inspired by his passion for racing. We made a pact that if I could reach 18 without any traffic violations or accidents, I would be allowed to drive the car. This agreement motivated me to stay on track, leading to my first pass at 18 and my first race at around 20.

My introduction to class racing is a cherished memory. My father spent time with my grandfather, traveling and racing in jr. stock and super stock cars. Financial constraints led my grandfather to quit class racing in the 80s, but he continued with local bracket races. I wasn't exposed to class cars until my father decided it was time to return. In 2016, we completed our first superstock motor, creating precious memories with my grandfather before his passing.

The emotional moments shared with my father and grandfather during this process truly ignited my desire to start class racing and more routine racing in general. I would say my actual racing started in 2020, meaning more than one race a year. I owe my racing career to my grandfather, who left behind two cars, and my father, whose drive, knowledge, and patience have been invaluable. My car, a 1966 Chevy II Post, has been in the family since 1981 and has been a drag car for just as long. The thrill of being the third generation to sit in that car, knowing my grandfather is with me on every pass, is indescribable.

In essence, my love for drag racing was ignited by witnessing the passion my grandfather and father had for the sport. It was less about the racing itself and more about the memories, camaraderie, and time spent with them. What keeps me in racing? The friendships formed, the continued camaraderie with my father, and the memories we continue to create. The sport's unique spirit, where competitors assist each other despite being rivals, is truly special. I've formed lifelong friendships that I wouldn't have otherwise. The most significant motivator, however, is my soon-to-be-born son. The thought of him having the same opportunities to bond with his grandfather and me, just as I did, is truly heartwarming.

goinbroke2 · 02-08-2024, 02:58 PM

I'll try to be short...

I grew up in a whole family (cousins etc) that all raced stock cars at a local track about 3 miles from my uncles. I started driving stock cars at 14. After building a car (for 3 months) that was quicker than anything in my class by almost 2 seconds, first evening running it it was destroyed by someone else's mistake. (Car in front checked up, I slowed and the guy behind me tapped me and spun me sideways where another car ran over my nose destroying the car) I was so mad I decided then and there I will never run or even watch another stock car race. Then in grade 11 I had an automotive teacher (Mel Moir) who had us build two cars for the "school boy competition" where schools all over the province built and drag raced their car against other students. I was hooked and have been drag racing since.

(this is still a thing and when my youngest got out of juniors he went and was the only NS car competing against all the NB cars. He got 3rd)

My kids story is, I bought him a junior for his 10th birthday and he drove it until 17 where he went on to sportsman but has since been too involved in the military to race much.(an excuse as far as I'm concerned, lol) We ran against each other in the Miramichi last year and I had a .018 light to his .030 and dumped him at the stripe, lol.

Travis Buth · 02-08-2024, 04:52 PM

My first time I remember going to the track was in 1997 when I was 5. My brother started racing his Jr. Dragster that year. I was instantly hooked and have been racing since 2000 when I turned 8 and was able to run Jrs. Starting my 25th season in about a month down in Gainesville!

427FE · 02-09-2024, 07:45 AM

My cousin would take me to Englishtown when i was 12-13 during the 5.0 mustang craze. It was fun reading about all the fast Mustangs in the magazines and then being able to see them all at Englishtown. Reading about Project Stocker by Evan Smith made me fall in love with Stock.

340Cuda · 02-09-2024, 02:33 PM

A friend I had in high school's (Steve Christian) father (Weldon Christian) had a 63 Plymouth Max Wedge race car. I went to the old Tulsa North Dragstrip to watch it run and was hooked. I ended up racing my 1957 Plymouth once or twice at that track.

They later had a 64 Plymouth Max Wedge lightweight and had several other cars ending with a Pro Stock Duster. Steve and I along with other friends traveled all over Division 4 and 5 racing in the summer.

After they quit racing and I got out of the Army and friend and I build a 67 Dodge Dart then later a 69 Barracuda that still have.

I certainly have acquired lots of great friends I would have never known otherwise.

Bill Lamb

BILL TAYLOR · 02-09-2024, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Here ya go Keith, your words. I guess that you should get credit for this thread!

It's 1965, I'm in 10th or 11th grade working after school & saturdays for a building contractor. One saturday after we get done, he says to me "what are doing tonight". I said I'm going to Cecil County to watch the racing. He says. heck take my car and see what it'll do. Brand Chrysler 2dr I think Newport. Popped off the hub caps and fender skirts and won my first lap on a track, 17.90et if I remember right. My d*** was so hard I couldn't blink my eyes.They were the days!

Mike Schwartz · 02-10-2024, 01:07 AM

As a kid, I was into cars and drag racing, though I remember seeing it on TV only rarely. In 1970, I got my dad to agree to take me to the AHRA race at NY National Speedway for my 12th. birthday. Unfortunately, it rained on Sunday. So instead we went to the Wednesday night Funny Car race at Englishtown the following week. Despite living only 22 miles away, we managed to get lost on the way to Raceway Park before arriving on time to see the show.

My next race to attend was one year later, at the inaugural 1971 NHRA Summernationals. In 1972 I got my NHRA membership at the age of 14. I continued to go to one event per year, the Summernationals, until I graduated in 1976. For 21 of the next 22 years I bracket raced around the New Jersey region. Afterwards, I moved from NJ, and have only raced occasionally.

02-07-2024, 10:49 PM	#51
John Winslow Jr Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prunedale Ca Posts: 183 Likes: 506 Liked 380 Times in 76 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? Ran tech cards at OCIR in around 1977 when pops was checking cars out, first trip down the 1/4 mile in a Vega on a milk crate when track was closing, first trip behind the wheel I55 1/8 mile in Missouri, ran super Mod in NorCal starting around 1993, stock in 2004 and super stock in 2006, super stock is my favorite. John Jr

02-08-2024, 11:27 AM	#53
Tar Heel Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 21 Likes: 0 Liked 21 Times in 7 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? My mom and dad were separated for a brief time when my brother and I were young; maybe in elementary school. My dad has us on weekends and took us to Dragway 42 in Salem, Ohio one time when he had us and it was the coolest thing that we had every seen. Fast forward to HS when I was working as a stock boy and carrying out groceries as a small grocery store in NE Ohio. A local Stock racer came in with his car on an open trailer and I thought that was the neatest thing I had ever seen. We struck up a friendship despite our almost-to-the-day 30-year age difference. I went to his house to help work on the car and the rest is history. Worked out a deal where I mowed his grass, etc. and he paid for me to get into the races with him (looking back I think he got the better end of that deal ... LOL). That was almost 40 years ago and even though I don't currently class race I've been racing ever since.

02-08-2024, 01:54 PM	#54
AveryMcLawhorn Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Snow Hill, NC Posts: 44 Likes: 60 Liked 75 Times in 17 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? Apologies for the long post. How did you get started in Drag Racing? I am a third-generation drag racer, soon to be 30, who made my first drag car pass at 18. My late grandfather, Captn Ed (Ed (Bud) McLawhorn Sr.), was more than just a family figure to me. His racing journey began in 1965 when a friend, Gerald Rouse, introduced him to the thrill of the track in a 1963 Chevrolet. From that moment, he was hooked. Over the years, he owned a variety of cars and formed lifelong friendships. My father, Ed McLawhorn Jr., naturally followed in his footsteps, cultivating his own passion for the sport in the family shop. This passion was eventually passed down to me, largely influenced by witnessing the joy and satisfaction it brought to my grandfather and father. My close relationship with my grandfather, both geographically and emotionally, played a significant role in my journey. I lived with him from the age of 15 to 18, and during this time, I was deeply inspired by his passion for racing. We made a pact that if I could reach 18 without any traffic violations or accidents, I would be allowed to drive the car. This agreement motivated me to stay on track, leading to my first pass at 18 and my first race at around 20. My introduction to class racing is a cherished memory. My father spent time with my grandfather, traveling and racing in jr. stock and super stock cars. Financial constraints led my grandfather to quit class racing in the 80s, but he continued with local bracket races. I wasn't exposed to class cars until my father decided it was time to return. In 2016, we completed our first superstock motor, creating precious memories with my grandfather before his passing. The emotional moments shared with my father and grandfather during this process truly ignited my desire to start class racing and more routine racing in general. I would say my actual racing started in 2020, meaning more than one race a year. I owe my racing career to my grandfather, who left behind two cars, and my father, whose drive, knowledge, and patience have been invaluable. My car, a 1966 Chevy II Post, has been in the family since 1981 and has been a drag car for just as long. The thrill of being the third generation to sit in that car, knowing my grandfather is with me on every pass, is indescribable. In essence, my love for drag racing was ignited by witnessing the passion my grandfather and father had for the sport. It was less about the racing itself and more about the memories, camaraderie, and time spent with them. What keeps me in racing? The friendships formed, the continued camaraderie with my father, and the memories we continue to create. The sport's unique spirit, where competitors assist each other despite being rivals, is truly special. I've formed lifelong friendships that I wouldn't have otherwise. The most significant motivator, however, is my soon-to-be-born son. The thought of him having the same opportunities to bond with his grandfather and me, just as I did, is truly heartwarming. __________________ Avery G. McLawhorn 2166 Super Stock

02-08-2024, 02:58 PM	#55
goinbroke2 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NS CANADA Posts: 832 Likes: 1,306 Liked 319 Times in 121 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? I'll try to be short... I grew up in a whole family (cousins etc) that all raced stock cars at a local track about 3 miles from my uncles. I started driving stock cars at 14. After building a car (for 3 months) that was quicker than anything in my class by almost 2 seconds, first evening running it it was destroyed by someone else's mistake. (Car in front checked up, I slowed and the guy behind me tapped me and spun me sideways where another car ran over my nose destroying the car) I was so mad I decided then and there I will never run or even watch another stock car race. Then in grade 11 I had an automotive teacher (Mel Moir) who had us build two cars for the "school boy competition" where schools all over the province built and drag raced their car against other students. I was hooked and have been drag racing since. (this is still a thing and when my youngest got out of juniors he went and was the only NS car competing against all the NB cars. He got 3rd) My kids story is, I bought him a junior for his 10th birthday and he drove it until 17 where he went on to sportsman but has since been too involved in the military to race much.(an excuse as far as I'm concerned, lol) We ran against each other in the Miramichi last year and I had a .018 light to his .030 and dumped him at the stripe, lol.

02-08-2024, 04:52 PM	#56
Travis Buth Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Trafalgar, IN Posts: 40 Likes: 208 Liked 53 Times in 22 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? My first time I remember going to the track was in 1997 when I was 5. My brother started racing his Jr. Dragster that year. I was instantly hooked and have been racing since 2000 when I turned 8 and was able to run Jrs. Starting my 25th season in about a month down in Gainesville! __________________ Spts/Pro-302P Stock-3653

02-09-2024, 07:45 AM	#57
427FE Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Monroe Twsp, NJ Posts: 191 Likes: 260 Liked 346 Times in 78 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? My cousin would take me to Englishtown when i was 12-13 during the 5.0 mustang craze. It was fun reading about all the fast Mustangs in the magazines and then being able to see them all at Englishtown. Reading about Project Stocker by Evan Smith made me fall in love with Stock. __________________ Pat Clemente #1427 B/S

02-09-2024, 02:33 PM	#58
340Cuda VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,649 Likes: 3,757 Liked 752 Times in 325 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? A friend I had in high school's (Steve Christian) father (Weldon Christian) had a 63 Plymouth Max Wedge race car. I went to the old Tulsa North Dragstrip to watch it run and was hooked. I ended up racing my 1957 Plymouth once or twice at that track. They later had a 64 Plymouth Max Wedge lightweight and had several other cars ending with a Pro Stock Duster. Steve and I along with other friends traveled all over Division 4 and 5 racing in the summer. After they quit racing and I got out of the Army and friend and I build a 67 Dodge Dart then later a 69 Barracuda that still have. I certainly have acquired lots of great friends I would have never known otherwise. Bill Lamb

02-10-2024, 01:07 AM	#60
Mike Schwartz Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 526 Likes: 123 Liked 239 Times in 83 Posts	Re: How did you get started in Drag Racing? As a kid, I was into cars and drag racing, though I remember seeing it on TV only rarely. In 1970, I got my dad to agree to take me to the AHRA race at NY National Speedway for my 12th. birthday. Unfortunately, it rained on Sunday. So instead we went to the Wednesday night Funny Car race at Englishtown the following week. Despite living only 22 miles away, we managed to get lost on the way to Raceway Park before arriving on time to see the show. My next race to attend was one year later, at the inaugural 1971 NHRA Summernationals. In 1972 I got my NHRA membership at the age of 14. I continued to go to one event per year, the Summernationals, until I graduated in 1976. For 21 of the next 22 years I bracket raced around the New Jersey region. Afterwards, I moved from NJ, and have only raced occasionally.