October 21, 2025

Straight Line Speed - the History of Niagara Dragway (Dean Johnson & Jim Oddy)

1 hour 35 minutes

Niagara Dragway was one of the most popular and iconic drag strips in New York State from the early 1960’s to 1974. “SUNDAY…NIAGARA” commercials boomed from superstation WKBW during that period making Niagara THE PLACE TO BE for maximum automotive excitement! During Niagara’s tenure, icons of the sport – Garlits, Muldowney, Prudhomme, McEwen, and many others rocketed down the Niagara quarter-mile. This presentation features track promoter, Dean Johnson and longtime competitor at Niagara - Jim Oddy – who is a member of both the NHRA Division 1 and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Sit back as we relive that history with stories, photos, and memories of those wild Sunday’s at Niagara!

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00:00:00 The Birth of Niagara Dragway

00:04:52 Early Days and Challenges

00:07:23 Memorable Races and Innovations

00:11:49 Sponsorship and Community Involvement

00:23:48 NASCAR and NHRA Sanctioning

00:34:52 The Art of Promotion

00:38:22 Innovations and Safety in Racing

00:44:25 Drag Racing Classes and Competitions

00:51:04 The Business Side of Racing

00:57:08 The Legacy of Niagara Drag Racing

00:59:47 Jim Oddy: The Beginning of a Racing Journey

01:00:43 First Taste of Victory

01:00:56 The Indy Nationals Experience

01:01:30 Building and Racing the Anglia

01:05:04 Transition to Double B Gas Class & The Opel GT Era

01:06:55 Challenges with Funny Cars

01:09:01 Return to Competition Eliminator

01:15:39 Pro Mod Success and Hall of Fame Induction

01:19:43 Reflecting on the Drag Racing Community

01:26:16 Skyline Drag Racing Revival

01:32:10 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.

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