Hot Rods drag strip 50th reunion at TRI-CITIES DRAGSTRIP

here it is - the 50th anniversary of the tri-cities dragstrip in binghamton ny......read on and hope to see many of you there - TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!


Tri-Cities Dragway 50<SUP>th Reunion Planned
"A Blast from the Past" is the theme for Tri-Cities Dragway’s 50th reunion scheduled June 10th & 11th at the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott, NY. The Drag Strip operated on Saturdays at the airport from 1961 through 1970. The original promoter of the track, Bob Connelly, got the idea to have a reunion after attending a reunion at Pocono Drag Lodge, located in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania. Bob has been on the Board of Directors of the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club for many years and presented a proposal to their Board to hold the reunion as a fund raiser for both of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Broome County. Both Boards unanimously approved the idea as did Village of Endicott.
The first drag race was sanctioned by TANA (Timing Association of North America) and was run on a Saturday evening in 1961 with portable lights and as it got darker, a lot of headlights too as it didn’t finish until 2 AM. In 1962 the track was sanctioned by NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) and started to race every Saturday from May through the end of October. In 1964, the track went ‘High-Tech’ and eliminated the flagman and replaced him with a traffic light. Thousands attended the races ever week and watched as nationally known racers dragged down the quarter mile track. Don Garlits, Shirley "Cha Cha" Shirley Muldowney, the Backup Pickup, Lime Fire and the Hurst Hemi Under Glass are just a few that did exhibition racing at Tri-Cities. Plus there were plenty of ‘locals’ who made national acclaim.
On Friday evening there will be a parade of cars, starting from the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome’s parking lot, traveling along Main Street to the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club at 90 Clinton Street. Local car clubs, motorcyclists and some of the old race cars from Tri-Cities Dragway will make up the parade. A 1960’s style sock hop, hosted by radio station Cool 100, will be held following the parade in the parking lot behind the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club.
On Saturday, June 11th from 9 AM to 3 PM, the reunion will be held at the airport. This is a nostalgia reunion; no alcohol and no racing will be allowed. Hopes are high that many of the old race cars will be on display. Trophies and dash plaques will be awarded in several categories. There will also be two flea markets, one regular flea market and one with car parts for sale. Food, including a ‘Pig Stand’ type sandwich will be for sale by the Boys & Girls Clubs.
All proceed from this event will go the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broome County. This is an all volunteer event. For more information or to get involved, call Bob Connelly, 607-722-3544 or email: [email protected].

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ok, here is the latest on the 50th anniversary reunion of tri-cities drag-way....friday june 10th will feature THE RIP CHORDS in concert - only 10 bucks each, party 7-10....saturday june 11th will be the main show, swap meet, flea mkt + at the old tricties airport 9am - 3pm - site of the original drags - hope to see you there!!!