The Tracks of Death Week – Famoso Drag Strip
The third track on the epic adventure known as Death Week is also the one with the most history – Famoso Drag Strip, and we will visit it on Wednesday, October 25th in the later afternoon / evening.
Located in Bakersfield, California, Famoso Drag Strip held its first event in December of 1952. The track can trace its origins to the Bakersfield Smokers Timing Association, who conducted drag races at a different location in 1951 and 1952, until they moved to the present location.
Famoso immediately got a reputation amongst the increasing number of race tracks in Southern California as one of the ‘widest and cleanest’ drag strips. The quarter-mile track would regularly attract racers and spectators, and its popularity led to the inaugural March Meet race on March 6-7, 1954, an event that continues (now twice annually) to this year.
On November 6-7th, 1954, a two-day event was held at the track known as the Pacific Coast Drag Race Championships. One year later, that same two-day event again was renamed to the California Championship, and over 6,000 spectators.
Famoso Drag Strip also became the place for record speeds with front-engine dragsters, starting with Bill Crossley. Behind the wheel of Ernie Hashim's dragster, Crossley posted a track-record 170.45 mph run on August 3rd, 1958, becoming the first man in the history of western drag strip racing to reach the 170-mph mark.
“To be able to race at Famoso Drag Strip in Bakersfield, California is an opportunity I never thought I would have,” Tom Bailey said. “It’s a venue that is so historic and so important to the sport of drag racing.
I know all of our Death Week racers are looking forward to getting there after we drive through the Sequoia National Park! Racing is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. so everyone in Bakersfield should come on out after work and check out some of America’s quickest street cars.”
As mentioned by Tom, just under an hour drive time is all it takes to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Sequoia National Forest.
The Brewery Trail, encompassing a dozen local breweries, is based out of Kern County, about 30 minutes from the track. The gives visitors a chance to sample local offerings while making a fun activity as well. There is also a Wine Trail option.
Downtown Bakersfield is also about 30 minutes from Famoso Drag Strip, and the city offers several options from restaurants to local shops.
Famoso marks the third track we’ll visit on this once-in-a-lifetime drag-and-drive known as Death Week.
Two drive days, a visit to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and a return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park marks the second half of Death Week. Are you ready? It all starts in just one day!
Written by Derek Putnam.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com