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on Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 at 6:03 pm. CZ Guy wrote:
Whazzup Jeff? The pic of REX on a CZ (#24) is NOT '78 but is in fact 1975 where he led R.D. (#2) most of the first moto until that paint shaker broke the motor mounts. I don't recall any CZs in '78 and they didn't have coffin tanks. Don't know about the blue shirts but '75 is the year. I am and will always be THE CZ GUY. Right behind BERTUS anyway. Later... Lee.
Leave it to my friend Lee Holth (aka CZ Lee, aka CZ Guy) to point out our TYPO on a photo with a CZ in it! Thanks Lee. So much changed between 1975 and 1978. That is a BIG typo. Thanks for the wake-up call, Jeff.
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Another USGP shot from Tommy Nugen. The bike, the riding style, and all that hair scream it’s the 70’s.
The blue track marshals' shirts verify 1978. (Not--see comments above.) |
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November, 1964
National Dragster Publication highlights race at the Carlsbad Raceway Grand Opening
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John Taylor started the annual Brad Lackey Christmas GP in 1987 and by its 3rd year it already had over 500 entries. The 17th and last Christmas GP was in 2003. A rather conspicuous rider would sometimes appear… Is it World Champion Brad Lackey or World Famous Santa Claus?
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I really was lucky to drive at Carlsbad, and I remember times there with great pleasure and nostalgia. I took this picture at a SCCA event in 1983. It’s the end of the dragstrip turning back up the return road hill. The "Awful Yellow" car was owned and driven by Ted Gildred and seems to be the prototype for the 1967 Shelby Trans-Am cars.
I appreciate your efforts in keeping the memory of the track alive. I have the same kind of thing going for Riverside International Raceway: http://home.roadrunner.com/~fsheff/rirnew_0.htm
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Frank Sheffield |
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Thanks to Tommy Nugen for this shot. Can you tell what year it is? #2 is a big hint.
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This photo of The Fuzz racing at Carlsbad Raceway was taken as a slide by Joe Kerr of Escondido. My brother-in-law and I bought The Fuzz from the Cantwells in Rancho Santa Fe with the stipulation that we couldn't race it as The Fuzz so we repainted it a metallic charcoal gray and replaced the Hillborn injected Hemi with a 440 c.i. engine which included a high rise manifold and 850 Holley double pumper.
Does anyone have any close up photos of The Fuzz?
We would sure love to get some copies! --Stan Wolfe, San Marcos, CA |
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Almost every year near the beginning of summer, Herbert Schmitz comes to CA and stays with his and my good friend Craig Leonhardt. During his stay, either I fly out to Fullerton for lunch at the airport or, as we prefer, Herbert and Craig drive my way for another look at the Vintage Bike collection and a little drive for lunch at a winery in Temecula.
Herbert is on his way out this month and I just came across a 1978 Cycle World magazine USGP article. Thought it would be a good post since the final results had to go to the time clock that year… with Herbert just barely missing out to Heikki for 1st overall.
If you want to see Herbert ride again, he’ll be racing June 24th at Milestone with CALVMX. He’s still in great shape and riding fast!
--Jeff
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We bracket raced Southern California. These photos are
from one of our trips to Carlsbad raceway. Good times,
great memories,thanks for your website.
Roger & Ann Brown - "WILDFIRE" Fiat.
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Raceway Note: Look at the plywood divider we were experimenting
with at the time to prevent the drivers from seeing each other's green lights on the tree. |
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| The Drop Off - 1981 |
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Program from 1968 Easter Sunrise Service at Carlsbad Raceway
(click photo above for full-size version) |
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In 1967, Austin Coil joined up with John Farkonas and Pat Minick to form the Chi-Town Hustler team. Coil's tuning ability led the team to National Championships in 1982 and 1983. In 1985 Coil joined John Force and within a few years, Force became national champion. Ron Lewis
(From the book FUNNY CARS by Genat) |
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I want to thank you for keeping the Carlsbad Raceway memories alive. When I was just starting college, in the early '80s, Carlsbad and OCIR were my hangouts. Every couple weeks, I would head south with others from my car club. Driving my '72 Chevelle down the 5 freeway was always a challenge because of the rear gear, but it was worth every moment spent on the highway to get to Carlsbad.
I remember the first time I came out from the staging lanes and backed into the waterbox. Someone in a '65 Mustang was in the other. We were close all the way, but in the end, I took the win. It was also the first time I beat someone in a "legal" drag race.
Carlsbad Raceway will be forever missed, but always in my memories.
--Robert Briggs |
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| I didn't see any pictures of Quad racing on your website, so here is a picture from a race I was in at Carlsbad Raceway. Many large events happened there that brought in lots of professional riders. This was a great place to race at with many great memories. Too bad my son will never have the opportunity to experience the race track. Thanks for keeping the history alive. --Anthony Murguia |
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For all who remember the Raceway’s Mascot, Honey:
Glen's dog, Honey, became the Raceway’s Mascot when she displayed her
keen instincts to welcome Racers as family and chase Trespassers like cats!
In Feb. 2004 she got a chicken bone stuck her throat. Glen chose to spend the $5,800
it cost to save her believing she’d be around a long time.
Tim,
who Honey used as Trespasser Chasing Training
took it upon himself to make a Donations for Honey’s Surgery Jar
and put it at the ticket booth while he sold tickets.
SSeveral racers chipped in. We wanted to thank you again.
Honey was about eight years old at the time. She lived another eight years to
this January when it was time to let her rest. Right up to her last day,
she could still muster a good bark and growl at the command,
“Get the trespasser!”
Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.”
Glen, thanks for taking care of Honey – you chose well.
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| Remember the Sunday Night Division 1 Speedway races from 1985-1987? |
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This sign above shows commercial move-ins were ready in the fourth quarter of 2007.
That was three years after we closed and it's been another four years to fourth quarter 2011.
Hard to believe it's been seven years. Thanks for continuing to visit our site. |
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| The Drop-Off Claims Two More |
In 1975 my new bride and I drove from Fayetteville Arkansas straight through to
Carlsbad Raceway to watch the 75 Hang Ten US Grand Prix.
We arrived late, but just in time to watch Marty Smith and Tommy Croft freighttrain around the track, then watched as the 500's started. We watched as Roger Decoster, Gerrit Wolsink, and the rest of my motocross idols made their way around the track. We saw Roger Decoster's shocks give way, possibly costing him the race. It was a great day of racing that I will never forget. We took still pictures and some super 8 movies that I still pull out every now and then to watch. Your track was great and made for one heck of a honeymoon for this Arkansas boy. I saw Roger Decoster at the motocross of nations this year and told him the story about driving from Arkansas to watch him race and he graciously told me I was crazy.
--Shane Mhoon
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Can YOU help?
I recently purchased this dragster. It does not look like these pictures now.
I would like to return it to original.
It was driven at Carlsbed in the 70’s, and the driver's name was
Dennis Leyer, The Pennsylvania Dutchman
I would like any information anyone has on this car.
If you have photos or other information, please email us at Carlsbad Raceway
We will pass the info on....
Thanks! |
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| Thanks to John Taylor for the MX photo from 1970. |
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| The Last MX and Dragrace 8-8-04 |
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Ed Dufrene's trophy from the late 60's. Photo was taken at Jim Wanger's 80th birthday party.
Yes, Ed, we deliberately cropped you out of the photograph! |
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| Did you get it right? It was the 1971 Inter-Am. |
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| Above: Entrance to Carlsbad Raceway in the early 1970s |
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| 1983 SCCA Patch - The shape of the car is a map of the Sports Car Circuit with the Dragstrip being the straight line from the rear to front wheel. |
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Sure do miss this track. A lot of good times and great people!!! Thank You, Lisa Standley | Woody spraying the track (below)
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So the Standleys could do this. (below)
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The year 1985 -- Mercedes Gonzales easily winning her motos in the regular (mens) 125 Intermediate class was a familiar sight. (below)
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Approaching drop-off....
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It's Saturday morning and I was waxing nostalgic for the line-up and the pit road and some Test & Tune action to pass the time on a day off. Bummer. No place to go anymore. And the car is still sitting up on stands in the garage. An expensive paperweight.... Anyhow, I have a bunch of Carlsbad pics I look through from time to time. I even sent you one before. Here's another (below) --the view downtrack from the bleachers next to the tower. It's funny, but the track never seemed that w-i-d-e when you were making a pass.
Enjoy.
--Jack Sweet
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I grew up in Carlsbad and began riding MX there in the late 70's early 80's. I attended when Moates won...was on the Drop-Off ...and I was 12 years old. My first outdoor race EVER but I didn't get any pics.
I took pics the year Magoo won. I have more but here's a few. I was at Magoo's van while he, girlfriend, mechanic, and Roger DeCoster drank the victory Big Champagne. Yes I was there, at his van while staring at the Ribi Link Honda 10 feet away leaning on a Honda van. Still ride sorta, race, and do MX photography . Website www.azmxpix.com. I actually have one on the
Drop-Off of Andrew Jefferson...the highest ranked Black rider prior to James Stewart.
He was on Pro Circuit Husky. |
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Note the 4’x8’ sheet of plywood missing from the bridge. For load-safety reasons, these signs lined the bridges to prevent spectators crowding on the bridges for the view. I remember having to go out in the middle of the 2nd strait-a-way and get that sheet of plywood off the track after those clowns kicked it off the bridge. Thank God it didn’t hit a rider and that we got it off the track before it caused a crash. The fans were dedicated weren’t they? Thanks to www.azmxpix.com for the quite vivid memory! Jeff |
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Here’s a pic from the Antique Drags, circa 1997. Damn shame about Carlsbad Raceway. As is usually the case, you don’t know how good you’ve got it until it’s gone.
Tim DiMasi
San Diego, CA
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 Turn 5 exiting dragstrip pit area |
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Don't forget the SCCA road racing that went on at Carlsbad. I raced there in the early/mid 80's and probably have a few pictures that I can send you, if that would be of interest to the site.
I was lucky enough to race there a few times….including my SCCA drivers school to earn my racing license in 1983. I have great memories of “hanging a hard right in turn 5 and heading down the hill into the “rubber room” (turn 6, as it was affectionately known).
Thanks for keeping the memory of this facility alive!
Thanks,
David
David Duffy
Director
Sales & Marketing
MSV - Miramar Strategic Ventures |
 Turn 7 the dragstrip starting line. |
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Below is a 1996 picture of the ‘65 Plymouth Satellite my son and I bracket raced for many years at Carlsbad Raceway. It ran low 11’s with a mild (but stroked) 440.
Thanks,
Dave Conley
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Request for Information:
Hi,
I am trying to get ahold of Michael Brennan. My dad has a 1967 Camaro Funny Car that I believe was his at one point. As far as I know, Michael sold it to George D. Brown Jr. At one point the car was supposedly a pro dragster, but I would like to get some info on it. If you can help me that would be great.
Thanks,
Tiffany Marzano
Note: If you have information for Tiffany, please contact us at carlsbadraceway at carlsbadraceway.org (use the @ symbol and remove the spaces) and we will pass the information along to her. Thanks!
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Our old 1947 Luscombe -- Either my dad or I am landing at the end of the dragstrip under the powerlines
(circa 1984).
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I, took these pictures in May 2002 at the Battle of the
Imports. I do not know who the people driving are except the VW
Paradise dragster at Carlsbad Raceway May 2002. Modest exhibition run
at 185mph. I'm pretty sure Kris Lauffer was driving it that day. -- Chris Fish
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I'm not sure how to title this text, so many memories by all these great mx names I grew up watching and reading about.
It's great and it hurts a little to miss it so much. I raced an nhra pro/stock bike in the late 80's and early 90's. we would sneak down to your place to practice and tune. I had a rush of some very fond memories from that time that I had forgotten until coming across this site. thank you.
I now own what is believed to be Sandy Belond's first dry lakes roadster. A car he built and raced before the war.
I was hoping someone might be able to help me with some questions I have about it and some about Sandy. For instance I see he is a SEMA Hall of Fame inductee but there is no photo of him available. I would like to remedy that and I have a few friends at SEMA that could probably make that happen but it is almost impossible to get a photo of the man.
I am currently writing a bio for another early dry lakes pioneer, Jack Mickelson, to be posted on Wally Park's son's site the Society of Land Speed Historians. I already have a lot of info on Sandy put together and it would be so easy for me to work the text into a bio if I can simply gets some dates and places aligned.
Any help would be greatly appreciated and if none is possibly thank you again for the wonderful memories.
--Michael Brennan
Got info? Send it via the contact page, and we will forward to Michael
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I am in need of pictures of Brad Lackey's 83 YZ490 that he raced in the USGP.
I am building a replica bike and need all the photos I can get so that I will not miss any details.
I am hoping that maybe you guys can pass along my request.
Thanks
--Lendon Smith
If you have pics send them to us via the contact page and we will forward to Lendon.
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Johnny O' smoking the 250 support class @ the 1985 USGP.
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Ron Lechien riding that 500cc Honda like a 125, pulled a big lead in 2 laps then swapped out.
Wow was he fast!! 1985 USGP.
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David Thorpe riding well @ the 1985 USGP.
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Magoo looking good on the KTM. (above) |
Warren Reid in the pits @ the 1985 Four Stroke Nationals, and then riding an ATK @ the 1985 USGP. What a talented and versatile rider! (below)
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Thanks to Dave Martinez for the above photos.
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Comments:
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Dude, this is so cool. I would go to Carlsbad with my dad for the outlaw motorcycle bracket drag race series. It was an atmosphere and collection of individuals like no other. I’m so glad I found this site. I know our participation took place at the tail end of the life of the track, but it still found a place in our hearts. That “ol’ broken down hill billy” track was perfect for cutting teeth and learning the ropes of doing a proper run down a ¼ mile. I do say that as a term of endearment. I learned how to do my first burnout there. If this email address is still up and running, shoot me back a reply when you have a moment so I know this isn’t ending up in outer space. Your efforts are admired and respected. -- Harly Legowski
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I am from tucson and attended all the usgp races, boy can i remember. The sign off the freeway heading north saying motocross, very cool. Open beachs no mass developement. The euro feel going inland to the track all the farmland. We had a track in arizona same fate, arizonacyclepark huge uphills and downhills, completly lined with snowfence and believe it or not the most rich black no dust loam you could ever ask for, the city of phoenix dumped all there organic matter there it was unreal. I over heard Willie Baurer think thats the correct spelling, any how he was talking to Perrie Karsmakers and stated this was the best soil he had ever ridden on. Any way I only rode carlsbad once. The freeway up hill and long fast downhill what a rush.I don"t know but when the open or 500 class went away as far as I was cocerned motocross died. Now with the beheading of two strokes. Its a real shame. I was able to get the full vip treatment when the Bowmans and Roger Decoster brought the usgp for its short run at glen helen in the early 90s The Bowmans lived in scottsdale and really gave it a try. Now we have notting. I"m not even sure if unadilla gets its 250gp any more. Carlsbad will always be king , I walked down into where the track use to be some years back and after I got chased out I almost cried. I contacted sports illustrated and the gone wide world of sports to try and find out how or if they had usgp cds. Hardly new what I was talking about. I have some footage but would like to upgrade for the future. Thanks -- Bill Peel
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My dad and I flew up to the Reno Air Races again last Sept. (something we never got to do when we were having our own races). As usual we stayed with my good friend, former Raceway employee, high-school buddy and MX local, Jess Harmon. Going through a bunch of old photos, we came across these prints of his high-school racing days. --Jeff Grismer
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Raced at Carlsbad many, many times. Wish I had kept my time slips. Any chance of getting a decal or any other forms of memorabilia? Thank you! --Tyler Ciena
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If you have any memorabilia, send an email through our contact form and we'll pass it along to Tyler.
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As Woody can tell you, I was a VW guy, that was there the day Carlsbad
opened, and because I was covering a VW show in Denver for the magazine
I worked for, I had to miss the last day at Carlsbad....This photograph
was taken by Glenn Miller, of the most famous VW racecar of all time,
the EMPI Inch Pincher.. see that gangly kid sitting on the front end
loader tire? That's me....I'm guessing here, but I'm gonna say 1966 or
1967....
-- Dave Cormack |
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Below is a photo of my 1991 Camaro Z-28 at Carlsbad Raceway in the fall of 1990. The 91's were released in April of 1990 and this was one of the first and few to hit San Diego streets with the competition package.
I sure do miss the Carlsbad Raceway. I lived south just over the hill and on the nights I couldn't go to the track, I could hear the cars running! Many of the people on my street were also racers and ran at Carlsbad at one time or the other. The weekends were spectacular as Palomar Airport Road was like a parade of race cars on trailers or being driven to the Raceway.
Thanks for the memories and all the great times.
Bruce Schryver |
