Festival to honor Legends of Drag Racing

The 1st Annual Legends of Drag Racing ... Reunion, Races, Music and Art Festival will be held this weekend, June 12-14, at Union Grove, Wisconsin. Activities will center around the legendary Great Lakes Dragaway, billed as the world’s longest operating drag strip, established in December 1954.

The legendary “Broadway Bob” will be on hand to meet and greet visitors. “Broadway Bob” is the only drag racing promoter inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Some of the famous racers to be honored include: Butch Leal, Bill Shrewsberry, Fred Sibley, Doug Rose, Jess Tyree, Arlen Vanke, Big Willie…King of the Street Racers, John Wiebe, Dick LaHaie, Pat Minick, Larry Reyes, Tommy Grove, Dick Brannan, Tommy Ivo, Gas Ronda, George Montgomery, Arnie Beswick, Bruce Larson, Ed Rachanski, Tony Christian, Hubert Platt, Earl Wade and Kenny Youngblood.

A pre-1972 Invitational will include Top Fuel Front Engine Dragsters, Nitro Burning Funny Cars, Blown Gassers and Altereds, Super Stockers, A F/Xers, Jet Cars and Wheelstanders. Also, Motorcycles and Hot Rods.

This is a “Run What Ya Brung, And Hope Ya Brung Enough” event.

Also on hand will be Jack Chrisman’s Comet, the world’s first Nitro Burning Funny Car, owned and driven by Jim Barillaro.

This event will also include a car show, swap meet, vendors, Bench Racing With The Stars and a Pin-Up Girl contest. In addition there will be carnival rides, a drive-in movie, a model car contest, onsite camping and music. On Friday night, spend an evening with Jimi Hendrix featuring Randy Hansen. Taking the stage on Saturday night will be the Jan and Dean Show, featuring Dean Torrence, playing favorite Jan & Dean and Beach Boys songs.

For more information go to www.oldschooldrags.com, or call the Race Hot Line at 847- 359-3232.