Thompson Raceway Park was once known as Thompson Drag Raceway and it ranks very high on our list of personal favorite tracks. The track has been up and running for decades and was one of the central places during the birth of the Gasser movement. This video kicks all ass and does a great job of showing off the track. I was there in 2002 for the first ever Gasser Magazine Gasser Reunion. That event was pretty epic with all the big names of the era there, most of which have passed in the 14 years since that weekend.
The track looks largely the same as you see it in the photos with the addition of walls and scoreboards and stuff. It is one of the few “sunken” tracks in the country, meaning that the racing surface is a few feet down from ground level. This gives a great vantage point for fans and a super cool angle for shooting photos. This video is from the 1960s and 1970s at then track and features lots of cool sportsman racers and famous national pros. A great way to kick off your Saturday!
PRESS PLAY TO WATCH THE VIDEO!
I live about 100 miles from TRP. Its a really cool track, I love the “catwalk” where you can stand over the cars at the tree. Cant wait to go back this summer..
man the sweet sound of powershifting makes up for the car trapped in the garage by snow.
I’d love to see video showing the top end. Supposedly it went down a hill after the finish and the real fast stuff like jets and fuelers caught air going over the crest.