Caddo Mills

In 1951, the Chaparral Roadster Club of Dallas, Texas decided they needed a venue to solve some long standing performance arguments between members. They got together with the cops and local officials and talked them all into handing over the keys to the Caddo Mills Airport – an old defunct WWII airstrip. On August 19, they held their first event and the fellas were elated with the $1 entry fee they got from each of the 56 cars that attended.

The track went on to earn it’s spot on the national schedule and became the first NHRA track in Texas. Thundercats were certainly go and the boys in Texas had it made. Want proof? Here’s a selection of photos from the early days:

For more images from the times, check out David Ray and Bill Strouse’s photo collections.

Coincidently, I recently received a program from an event held at the strip in 1961 (Thanks Casey!) and couldn’t help but post it as well. Pay particular attention to the little article featured on page three – “Why Hot Rod?” It’s incredibly thought provoking considering our times.

“Most hot rodders possess a certain degree of derring-do. This quality, if turned into wrong channels can be dangerous and evil. Yet, it is the very spirit, this love of speed, power, and mechanical knowledge which makes American fighter pilots the best in the world. It is this spirit – or attitude, if you prefer – which gives us the finest armored divisions. The elements which make up an enthusiastic hot rodder are those most sought by the heads of our air force and army.”

RAD.