Straight Line Speed - the History of Niagara Dragway (Dean Johnson & Jim Oddy)

Niagara Dragway was one of the most popular and iconic drag strips in New York State from the early 1960’s to 1974. “SUNDAY…NIAGARA” commercials boomed from superstation WKBW during that period making Niagara THE PLACE TO BE for maximum automotive excitement! During Niagara’s tenure, icons of the sport – Garlits, Muldowney, Prudhomme, McEwen, and many others rocketed down the Niagara quarter-mile. This presentation features track promoter, Dean Johnson and longtime competitor at Niagara - Jim Oddy – who is a member of both the NHRA Division 1 and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Sit back as we relive that history with stories, photos, and memories of those wild Sunday’s at Niagara! ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 The Birth of Niagara Dragway 00:04:52 Early Days and Challenges 00:07:23 Memorable Races and Innovations 00:11:49 Sponsorship and Community Involvement 00:23:48 NASCAR and NHRA Sanctioning 00:34:52 The Art of Promotion 00:38:22 Innovations and Safety in Racing 00:44:25 Drag Racing Classes and Competitions 00:51:04 The Business Side of Racing 00:57:08 The Legacy of Niagara Drag Racing 00:59:47 Jim Oddy: The Beginning of a Racing Journey 01:00:43 First Taste of Victory 01:00:56 The Indy Nationals Experience 01:01:30 Building and Racing the Anglia 01:05:04 Transition to Double B Gas Class & The Opel GT Era 01:06:55 Challenges with Funny Cars 01:09:01 Return to Competition Eliminator 01:15:39 Pro Mod Success and Hall of Fame Induction 01:19:43 Reflecting on the Drag Racing Community 01:26:16 Skyline Drag Racing Revival 01:32:10 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.