Eagle Field Runway Drags

TURN BACK THE CLOCK

Words by Tim Marshall
Photos by Jamie Shores-Fraijo and Tim Marshall

(Tim Marshall photo)

Has anyone been to Eagle Field? We hadn’t, but it turned out to be one of the most fun nostalgic events EVER! It was held May 20-22 at Eagle Field landing strip near Firebaugh, Calif., an actual runway that was used by the military way back when. Rocky Phillips and all of his volunteers have created this awesome event, more or less in memory of the old Fresno Dragway.

Without question some of the highlights included two of our sport’s most decorated 90 year olds: Ed Iskenderian (94) and Elmer “Unsprung” Snyder.

“Isky,” the original cam grinder and owner at Iskenderian Racing Cams, actually got out on the track after watching Starter Earl jumping with his famed flag start routine, and jumped off the ground, making a safe landing. Great job, Mr. Iskenderian! (Jamie Shores-Fraijo photo)

Elmer, who had three generations of his family on hand, is remembered for awesome flathead and small block Chevy dragsters. Everywhere Elmer ran he was always a threat to take home the trophy. The central Californian was celebrating his 90th birthday this weekend.