CORDOVA, THE WORLD SERIES OF DRAG RACING…THEN & NOW

The 2011 edition will again be highlighted by the feature of the DRO AA/FC group sponsored by this magazine and Mickey Thompson Tires!Cordova World Series, 2010: A current photo of 2010 ‘series’ winner Mike Savage, in the Candies & Hughes tribute Funny car, now campaigning from Tucson, Ariz. Unlike many national races this season, the fans packed the stands at Cordova for the DRO Funnies! (Photo by Jeff Burk)

My first ‘Series’ was ’57 when Don Garlits & Serop Postoian squared off  for the final run between carburetored Top Fuel contestants, Serop won, and defended his title at the  ’58 ‘Series’! 

Following is my perspective on the ‘Series’ which has run at Cordova, the week prior to Labor Day, for some 54 years.

World Series of Drag Racing, 2010: Defending Champion Tim Frees will be set to defend his title when the ‘series’ opens in a few days. This ‘60s era Mopar wagon is indicative of the many mid-sixties muscle cars which dominated early ‘series’ events.  (DRO file photo)

From ’58 through ’66, our group from Kahoka, Mo. brought 3 to as many as 25 race cars to the World Series!  As a headquarters, we also provided a large tent, rented from a firm in Keokuk, Ia. and erected by racers of Tri State Dragway! My efforts included a wide range of Pontiac powered cars which allowed me to become friends with Arnie Beswick.