LIFE Magazine at Cordova Dragway, Circa 1955

LIFE magazine photojournalist Grey Villet wasn’t a drag racing enthusiast by any stretch – Heck, I don’t know if he even liked cars at all. But there is no doubt the man had an excellent eye for composition and storytelling, and in the 1950s and ’60s, Grey was considered one of the best and earned the title of “Magazine Photographer of the Year” in 1956. LIFE sent him on assignment to capture the racing at Cordova Dragway shortly after they opened, and I thought I would share the images below. For one reason or another, LIFE never ran these in the magazine, so they only live in their online archive. Thought you might enjoy!