Vintage Gateway International Raceway footage

[Crossbones Dennis]

From Bret Kepner, Enjoy this vintage Gateway International Raceway footage, (when it was known as St. Louis International Raceway), shot entirely during the 1970 season courtesy of lifelong GIR racer Dave Koch!

This Super 8 film was shot at St. Louis International Raceway during 1970 and Alton Dragway during 1971. Dave Koch, now an employee of the American Drag Racing League, (ADRL), attended these events with his father, the legendary “Indian Rich... See More” Robinson. The SLIR footage is located from the start of the video to 1:37 and from 6:06 to 8:13. It’s important to note SLIR was an eighth-mile track at the time.

For those who thought drag racing four abreast was something new, check the four-wide Super Stock match race at 6:43 and 7:33; both rounds were won by current GIR Hall of Famer Bill Rowe, Sr., in the Speed Factory ’65 Mustang!

How many SLIR/GIR stars can you spot? There’s at least one more Hall of Famer in there.

Thanks to Brent Stille for assembling the final product.

[grabber1]

Wow, that is some good stuff! Didn't know drag cars could draft like that! Of course I'm partial to the Alton footage, thank you very much. I have very little info on the day I think this video was shot. On March 28, 1971 Gene Snow and Jungle Jim had a best of 3 match race. You can tell it was early in the season because all of the fans were dressed warmly, well except the one little girl. Snow took all 3 races, setting a track record at the time of 6.7 seconds. Anything anybody has about Alton send it my way. Mike

[Crossbones Dennis]

I knew you would enjoy that one.
Here's another.

[evilasp]

i wonder how many of the cars in the video and pics are still out there, wether it be in a barn or garage or field, makes ya think

[idahorob]

Jan 17, 2011 20:31:54 GMT -6 evilasp said:

i wonder how many of the cars in the video and pics are still out there, wether it be in a barn or garage or field, makes ya think

I just bought a 1955 Chevy and has three old stickers from Alton. I did see an orange 55 in the above video. The car is now sporting a straight axle but this looks to be a more recent add on. It does have an old roll cage and appears to be an old drag car by looking around it.  Also has a Gateway Motorsports Park sticker on the roll bar.  If anyone knows anything about this car or the old owners, I would greatly appreciate it.

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