The History Of Motor City Dragway

Motor City Dragway was a legendary drag racing spot in the U.S., running from 1957 to 1997 in New Baltimore, Michigan¹. It opened in 1957 as the first member-owned strip, 35 miles northeast of Detroit¹. Over 40 years, it saw muscle cars evolve, professional racing grow, and Detroit’s auto scene change.

The track was started by the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA), a group of passionate fans¹. In 1951, 20 clubs joined the MHRA, creating a space for drag racing fans to meet and plan events¹. The first legal drags in 1953 were held at a GM site, supervised by police lieutenant Robert Baumgartner¹. These early events set the stage for Motor City Dragway, a center for high-performance vehicle lovers.

To build the dragway, the MHRA held the Autorama Car Show, a big event in the car world¹. The Ramchargers team, started by Chrysler engineers in 1959, was a big part of Motor City Dragway’s success¹. The dragway hosted many famous events, like the NHRA Nationals in 1959, drawing 783 cars and 30,000 fans¹.

Key Takeaways

• Motor City Dragway was one of the most iconic drag racing facilities in the United States, operating from 1957 to 1997 in New Baltimore, Michigan.
• The track was established by the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA), a group of enthusiasts who played a pivotal role in shaping the sport of drag racing in the region.
• The MHRA organized the annual Autorama Car Show to fund the construction of the dragway, which became a renowned event in the automotive community.
• Over the years, the dragway hosted numerous prestigious events, including the NHRA Nationals in 1959, which attracted 783 entries and around 30,000 spectators.
• The Ramchargers team, formed by Chrysler Corporation engineers in 1959, was closely associated with the Motor City Dragway and helped drive the popularity of the sport.

Origins and Establishment of Motor City Dragway

The story of Motor City Dragway starts with the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) in 1951². Local car lovers formed this group to bring drag racing to Detroit. They started the Autorama Rod and Custom Car Show in 1953 to raise money. This show was a hit, helping them buy 42 acres in Ira Township, Michigan².

The Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA)

The MHRA was key in creating Motor City Dragway. It was a big deal for hot rod clubs in michigan. Thanks to the MHRA, the first drag racing facilities owned by members were built².

Fundraising and the Autorama Car Show

The Autorama Car Show was vital for raising money. It helped buy the land and construct the motor city dragway. This show, full of hot rods and custom cars, became a Detroit favorite².

Thanks to the Autorama, the MHRA made Motor City Dragway a reality in 1957. It became the center of drag racing in Detroit for many years².

Motor City Dragway: The Heart of Drag Racing

Motor City Dragway was a big deal in Detroit and beyond during its prime³. It drew in stars like Don “Big Daddy” Garlits and Shirley Muldowney. They set records and competed in events there⁴. In 1959, it hosted the NHRA Nationals, a major drag racing event.

The track was also a testing ground for muscle cars. The Chrysler Ramchargers team used it to test their cars³. This made Motor City Dragway a key place for innovation and speed.

Motor City Dragway closed in 1996³, but its legacy lives on. Local stars like the Detroit Tiger Monza funny car race at Milan Dragway³. Milan Dragway hosts events all season to celebrate Michigan’s racing history.³ Racers from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and more come to these events³. They keep the spirit of Motor City Dragway alive.

Conclusion

The closure of Motor City Dragway in 1978 ended an era for Detroit’s drag racing scene⁵. Yet, its legacy lives on in the automotive world. Drivers like Bruce Litton and Paul Lee left their mark with record-breaking times⁶. Their performances show the high-energy spirit of Motor City Dragway.

The facility’s history is rich, from being a dragstrip to a multi-use racing complex⁷. This history shows Detroit’s deep love for motorsports. It’s a big part of the city’s culture.

Motor City Dragway’s closure was a big loss for Detroit’s automotive scene⁷. But its impact on drag racing is huge. Innovators like Jay Howell helped shape the sport. They made Detroit a center for drag racing innovation.

Even though the future of drag racing in Detroit is changing, Motor City Dragway’s spirit remains⁵. It inspires new racers, builders, and fans. The closure was a setback, but its legacy will keep inspiring for years.

Source Links

1. Detroit’s lost dragstrips – Hagerty Media – https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/detroit-drag-strips/
2. Motor City Dragway New Baltimore MI – WaterWinterWonderland.com – https://www.waterwinterwonderland.com/dragway.aspx?id=1334
3. Nostalgic straight-line racers keep Detroit’s drag strip flame alive – Hagerty Media – https://www.hagerty.com/media/motorsports/nostalgic-straight-line-racers-keep-detroits-drag-strip-flame-alive/
4. Detroit Dragway Brownstown Twp MI – WaterWinterWonderland.com – https://www.waterwinterwonderland.com/dragway.aspx?id=1335
5. IHRA MOTOR CITY NATIONALS – SAME DAY COVERAGE – https://www.competitionplus.com/drag-racing/race-coverage/7379-ihra-motor-city-nationals-same-day-coverage
6. Gateway Motorsports Park – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Motorsports_Park
7. The life and times of Jay Howell – https://www.nhra.com/news/2009/life-and-times-jay-howell