MELTDOWN DRAGS REPORT
After years of procrastination, my buddy Mark Bracewell and I finally followed through on a trip to the Meltdown Drags held at Byron Raceway in Byron, IL. What started nine years ago as a local club vintage drag race with 30 cars has turned into the biggest 1966 and earlier vintage drag event in the world. Now 600 entires, car show, speed equipment vendors, and a swap meet. We somewhat seriously discussed going half’s on a 61 Falcon gasser that was in the swap area, and priced right!
As you would expect, the racers are very approachable and love talking about their super stocks, altereds, gassers, and rails. More than one owner was the builder…50 or more years ago! Chatted with Ed Iskenderian, the Camfather, at 97-years-young and going strong.
This is heads-up, 1/4 mile racing on a track that opened in 1964, looking much like it did when it hosted NHRA in it’s heyday. Just like the HAMB Drags, you’re up close and personal with the tire smoke and unburnt hydrocarbons. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Cliff
