Biloxi Dragway

The Biloxi Dragway was a NHRA/AHRA-sanctioned Quarter-Mile Drag Strip located in Biloxi, Mississippi, United States and operated from August 18, 1957 to July 1, 1967.

History

Many drag racing pioneers raced at Biloxi. Don Garlits, Tommy Ivo, Art Arfons, Chris Karamesines, Ronnie Sox, and Mr. Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge. Locals, Paul Vanderley, Candies & Wale, Joe Teuton, Around 55 Hall of Fame Drag Racers currently documented.

Built by Earl C. Nolan for $30,000, the strip operated under the name of the "Gulf Coast Drag Strip" from 1957-1964. On May 8, 1960 an incident took place with a dragster crashing in to the fence toward Hwy 67 caused the ownership to change hands, with events being canceled in 1962. From 1962 Harvey & Bill Walther operated the venue till its closure in 1967.

Early on the Keesler Coasters competed in a dragster representing Keesler Air Force Base.

On Dec 22, 1963 A Nationally Ranked Match for Drag News took place for number 4 in the United States. Albert Waits vs Vance Hunt.

Many Championship Events were held at the dragway, such as the yearly Mississippi State Championship, three Gasser Championships, and a B/Stock Championship.

Classes included: Motorcycles, Gassers, Super Stock, Funny Cars, and Dragsters

References

• Grand Opening Flyer, Biloxi Daily Herald Sep 7, 1957
• Quarter Mile Notes
• My Life: My Fault: A Personal History
• SMSgt Ret. Victor Javan Oder, Jr - Keesler Coasters
• Super Stock: Drag Racing the Family Sedan
• High Performance: The Culture and Technology of Drag Racing, 1950-2000
• Don Garlits - Tales from the Drag Strip: A Collection of the Greatest Stories Ever Told
• Hemi Muscle Cars

External links

• Official Site