Hot Rods HISTORY: Help Identifying a ca-1958 Dragstrip / Event

Sorry if this is formatted poorly, it is my first post. I've recently found a cool collection of snapshot photos of a ca-1958 (give or take a year or two) dragstrip which I believe is the Cordova Dragway outside near the Illinois side of the Quad Cities (IL-IA border).

There is a note to one of the photos, identifying a Van Senus Speed Equipment-sponsored (a speed shop located in NW Indiana near Chicago) Chrysler dragster running a 176.215mph standing 1/4 mile.

Anyone recognize the location or could recommend reference material that might help me? Thanks!

 

The biggest starting point for answers might be the Don's Speed Shop dragster. That is Don Garlits. If he was there it was probably a major event.

 

Garlits running without a blower puts this event before his fabled California debut, maybe this event ocurred during his trip out there. What do the license plates tell you?

 

Thanks for the info. The license plates are all too blurry to make out.

There is a distinct photograph of the Centennial Bridge over the Mississippi River which connects the Illinois side to the Iowa side of the Quad Cities, which leads me to believe Cordova.

Here are some more photos.

 

In the picture of Honest Charlies T bird , the man in the dark shirt who appears to be writing something is Honest Hisself ( his nickname), the late Charlie Card.

 

Cordova might be right. Seems Garlts first raced there in 1956 and was there in years afterwards

 

Pictures were taken before March 1959 as that is when Garlits switched to a blower.

 

Thanks a ton! The World Series of Drag Racing in August of 1958 seems a strong candidate.

 

the 34 coupe is the buntline from detroit

 

Based on the timing tower and sign next to it, Cordova appears correct. Also, same car as in your picture seems to be parked next to tower.

Edit: Should have stated picture is of Stan Lomlino at Cordova in 1958. Maybe even same event.

 

Hello,
Garlits came out West without a blower in 1959. He lost at the March 1959 Bakersfield Smokers 1st March Meet. Within a week, on his continued West Coast tour, he added a 671 and started winning his races. Kingdon was his first big win with the 671.

Jnaki
The rest of his West Coast history is in most publications and definitely on the internet.

 

The white background on the license plate dates it to 1958, they were white and purple that year. ‘57 had a red background and ‘59 was brown, with those having white numbers.

 

Thanks for the info!

I've got this book on my reference shelf and it has a detailed chapter on this period.