Old Oswego Drag Strip Footage and History

[Bill Pritchard]

Last night on a local cable access station I watched a one hour program which was by and large the history of Oswego IL Drag Strip. Production was definitely amateur (to be expected on local cable access, I guess) but the vintage video footage and still photos were priceless - especially so for those of us who grew up in the area. Roughly half the program covered other, somewhat related drag racing topics, but it was still pretty cool. I'm working on getting further info on the program for anyone who might be interested.

[Mr70]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
What station & time was it on?

[Bill Pritchard]

Channel 17 at 9 pm. The station has no advance programming schedule that I know of - it is not listed in the regular TV Guide that comes in the Newspaper and the on-screen TV Guide only lists the programming as 'Cable Access' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Mr70]

That's why I always leave a Blank tape ready in the VTR. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Can you call the local station to see if they will rerun it,or get a copy?

[Belair62]

Yeah Bill......that would be cool to see....

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Can you call the local station to see if they will rerun it,or get a copy?

[/ QUOTE ]

I know someone who is supposed to be getting a copy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Will keep you all posted....

I laughed pretty hard seeing at least one Nash and one Hudson in the staging lanes http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[DarrenX33]

Wow! And to think I let my wife have control of the remote last night. Let us know Bill! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Steven J]

I have satellite tv so no chance of seeing it. If someone can make a spare copy, I would appreciate it.

[Steven J]

Photo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/Oswego1.jpg

[DarrenX33]

Thank you sir may I have another! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Steven J]

My first car, SS RS L-78 Camaro.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/OswegoCamaro.jpg

[Belair62]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Looks like it was just about time to go home and get in the cellar !!!

[Supercar_Kid]

Way cool Steve! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Was that L-78 frost green?

[Mr70]

No S#### AUNTY M! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
Steve,is the first from an old 8mm? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[DarrenX33]

Steve what year is that photo with your car?

Keep goin' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif cause I am waiting to see a pic of my car in there. Pictures of the refreshment stand, bathrooms. Whatever. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Steven J]

No tornado warnings today ! My second car, LS6 Chevelle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/OswegoChevelle.jpg

[Steven J]

I'm kind of fumbling with the scanning/photo touch ups/photo size. They are old 35 mm photos, the originals look better than what I'm posting here. The Camaro was frost green with dark green vinyl top and interior. The Camaro photo is from 1971. The Chevelle photo is from 1973. I have more, but mostly race cars, no supercars.

[hvychev]

Very cool!

[Belair62]

You should be able to scan just the image and not the whole page...it's a pain with some scanners though.

[Steven J]

One more. Darren, I don't have any of your car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/OswegoCamaro2.jpg

[Steven J]

[ QUOTE ]
You should be able to scan just the image and not the whole page...it's a pain with some scanners though.

[/ QUOTE ]

My wife scanned the first one and it worked, I did the rest, that's why the whole page is coming through. I don't have a clue .... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Mr70]

One of us needs to post the pix we took of Oswego recently. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[hvychev]

You can't beat this Oswego racer! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Photo taken at Oswego circa 70-71. Courtesy of Dan Hornback

[camarojoe]

Steven, your first camaro looks a whole lot like my first camaro! Too bad mine wasn't an L78... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/125497-rsss002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/OswegoCamaro2.jpg

[Mr70]

That Telephone pole w/anchor support behind the Draggin Deuce is literally the only identifying landmark still there.
Otherwise you'd barely know it was the same place today.
It's a Tree Nursery,so Trees are everywhere.

Bill P. CALL THAT CABLE STATION!

[hvychev]

Isn't the AHRA stamp still on the ground? I recall seeing your pictures of that.

[Mr70]

No,thats at US30 in Indiana.
Oswego only has slight areas of Yellow boundary lines that outlined the lanes back then.Barely visible.

[Chevy454]

Yep, you're thinking of US30...

http://www.lostindiana.net/assets/images/dragstrip1small.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

I have no clue how to call the station...don't even know what station it is. The guy who tipped me off to the program initially is getting me a copy of the show. Don't know (and really don't care!) if it will be on VHS or DVD, but don't worry, I will keep everyone posted here. On the show, they alluded that there may be a 'Part 2' coming. I hope it has some later footage from the 60's or 70's.

[DarrenX33]

Bill just tell us when to come over and we will bring the refreshments. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

To the untrained eye, this looks like a piece of plywood with stars painted on it. The truth is that this is the ACTUAL door to the Oswego Drag Strip starting line shack. It was 'appropriated' many years ago in a late night visit to the track (just after it had closed for the last time), while in a "substantially refreshed" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif state. As best as I can remember, the stars had been painted on for the Bicentennial celebration http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif in 1976.

Steven J, is the statute of limitations up on this act of larceny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Salvatore]

You are my hero Bill. Vintage drag strip stuff at its best! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Steven J]

Joe, VERY nice Camaro. I've always liked frost green, although it's not popular with most people.

Photo, Sept 1980

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/Oswegoclosed-tower.jpg

[Salvatore]

Great Photo Steve! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Steven J]

September, 1981, scene of the heist. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/Oswego-line.jpg

[Steven J]

1971.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/FunnyCar.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

Steve,
The "scene of the heist" picture isn't working http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif The other pictures are great!!!

[Steven J]

Someone's trying to eliminate the "evidence".

[Steven J]

Darren wanted a photo of the restrooms ???

March, 2003

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/Oswegooldbuilding.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

As long as we're reviewing pictures of Frost green with dark green vinyl top and interior 69 Camaros...here's mine at Rockford Dragway in September 73 (sorry I never took any pics when I raced it at Oswego).

[Bill Pritchard]

Getting gated http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

As I recall, the Oswego rest rooms were not much cleaner when the place was operational http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Steven J]

3/03 mr70 and I pay a visit. At starting line looking down track.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/Stevea454/Oswegostrip.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

Same 69 Z a year later, after several hundred hours of body work & paint. Lookin' much better and now running 11.90's http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Steve,

Can't see the starting line picture and now the rest room picture (which was previously visible) went away, too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[DarrenX33]

Yeah what the heck!? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Where was that photo taken of the Z?

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Where was that photo taken of the Z?

[/ QUOTE ]

Phillips Park in Aurora.

[DarrenX33]

I am liking where this thread has been going. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Same 69 Z a year later, after several hundred hours of body work & paint. Lookin' much better and now running 11.90's http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool day 2 look, but I liked it better in its original frost green http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Mine had a black vinyl top btw. No idea where it ever went.. sold it the day this happened... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif another story in itself!

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Same 69 Z a year later, after several hundred hours of body work & paint. Lookin' much better and now running 11.90's http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool day 2 look, but I liked it better in its original frost green http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Mine had a black vinyl top btw. No idea where it ever went.. sold it the day this happened... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif another story in itself!

[/ QUOTE ]

What happened? Everyone OK?

Nice pictures by the way guys!

[Belair62]

Anyone want to go saw-cut the AHRA ashpalt from US 30 and help mi install it in my yard http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Mr70]

What makes you think that's still there Bob... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
Here is the Oswego Outhouse 3/03.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Oswego20001.jpg

[Mr70]

Lookin back at Oswego starting Line 3/03.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Oswego0001.jpg

[Mr70]

Return Road 3/03.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Oswego30001.jpg

[Mr70]

More
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Oswego30001.jpg

[Mr70]

Not much room left.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Oswego40001.jpg

[Mr70]

Almost the same spot as the earlier Draggin Deuce picture.
Oswego July 1978,right Steve?
Rick Moorehouse Code 45 Green Mist LS6.
See right Background Green Nova..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/mist10001.jpg

[Mr70]

You can smell the rubber.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/mist20001.jpg

[Mr70]

Have a Coke & A Smile. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/mist30001.jpg

[Steven J]

[ QUOTE ]
Steve,

Can't see the starting line picture and now the rest room picture (which was previously visible) went away, too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know what happened. Maybe the pictures were too large ?

[Bill Pritchard]

Rick,

Had to be before July 78, as Rick M. sold the car to Classic Motors in 76 or 77. But thanks for posting those pics http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif If that leavin' the line picture was just a bit clearer, you might see a bit of daylight under that left front tire http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Undoubtedly on its way to another 11.60 run http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[olredalert]

--------Cool pics of the LS6. I almost feel bad taking it back to stock back then. Dont think I would if faced with the decision today. Do you guys remember the 396 emblems? Bet everyone couldnt believe how well that "396" ran!..........Bill S

--------Bill P,,,Was that primer on the front fender of the Z self inflicted????????

[Mr70]

I think it should be summer 1976.
I talked to the new owner of the 4000 mile Moorehouse LS6,& he said he is pulling the engine out to freshen it up,& the compartment too.

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you guys remember the 396 emblems? Bet everyone couldnt believe how well that "396" ran!..........Bill S

--------Bill P,,,Was that primer on the front fender of the Z self inflicted????????

[/ QUOTE ]

Bill,

Yeah, the 396 emblems http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif had people fooled....for a while. After that, only someone from out of town got duped.

I inflicted no harm on the Z - it had been thru the mill before I got it. I bought it in January of 73 for $300, minus engine, trans, hood, and grille. No extra charge for the tons of bondo already in the doors and quarters http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif It did have the Deluxe interior, AM-FM Blue Light stereo (sold it for $10), bumper guards, and a 4.10 posi.


Rick,

Summer of 76 time frame is very believable.

[DarrenX33]

Check out this lineup. Mr. Barnhardt to the staging area! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/dagcostello/top203.jpg

[Chevy454]

That is Sa-WEET! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Wow, Darren, where the heck did you get that poster? I bet the guy making the "History of Oswego, Part II" might like to have an image of that. I am printing it out and will show it to him on Saturday, if that's OK.

[DarrenX33]

Here are the rest of them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/fliers1.html

http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/fliers2.html

http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/fliers3.html

[Chevy454]

COol to see some of those names still around the racing scene...Brannon, Schubeck, etc... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

OK, here's the scoop....

The guy who produced the program (Jay Thompson) visited my house the other day and my wife bought all he had with him - 3 DVD's of the program. He sells them for $15, and I think he also has VHS tapes for $10. He can be contacted at [email protected] , and his phone number is 630.532.3770.

The program also has some vintage footage of the short-lived Seneca IL drag strip around 1957. There are also brief
interviews with 'Broadway Bob' Metzler from Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove WI, and Chris Karamesines.

He is currently in the process of interviewing more people for a second episode, due to the overwhelming response he has had from the first one. He is looking for contact information for people who might have pictures, home movies, or significant information regarding racing action at Oswego, to be included in the upcoming episode.

[Mr70]

I'm dialing the Phone right now.
Thanks Bill. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Seattle Sam]

WOW! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif Some Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif old track pictures on Norb Locke's web site. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/images/me&rich.jpg

...Back in the day BEFORE the day...
http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/images/landys.jpg

Pretty blown Vette.
http://hometown.aol.com/nlocke7458/images/vette.jpg

[Mr70]

I would like to Welcome new member,Jay Thompson, to the sYc website. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JoeG]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif photos Sam--I remember seeing the movie on this first photo--Ben Hur--- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif------

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif--Jay...... http://www.yenko.net/attachments/130894-me%26rich.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
I would like to Welcome new member,Jay Thompson, to the sYc website. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

What did you do, twist his arm Rick?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif
I assume you got your video from Jay???