Over a decade ago, longtime Upper Midwestern drag racing fans began working to put in motion an event showcasing the same kind of race cars they enjoyed watching in the golden era of drag racing. With the rest of the drag racing world engaged in a move to bring back nostalgia racing to the modern world, the need for an event to fill this desire became more and more apparent.
Six years ago, the inaugural Meltdown Drags debuted at the iconic Byron Dragway outside of Rockford, Illinois. The first event was a small gathering and has since grown beyond the expectations of its organizers. This season's event attracted 580 race entries, 500 show cars, scores of vendors and the largest spectator attraction ever.
The Meltdown Drags, over the years, has showcased the enthusiasm for the vintage drag racing culture while presenting a pressure-free environment.
Eric Koopmieners, Paul Zielsdorf and the rest of the Meltdown Drags Association leadership team conduct the pre- race drivers meeting. The event was run with precision while adhering to three very simple rules. “Be safe, have fun and no f’ing whining.”Bill Piekarz of Itasca, IL drags his garage find 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 to another 15 second ET. The fully restored, 4000 pounder sports the original 390 now bored .060 over and built by Legend Racing.
“I drive it 5000 miles annually including to and from the track,” said Piekarz. “It’s a great car.” Byron Dragway owner BJ Vangsness, General Manager Randy Simpson (below) and the entire Byron staff have been instrumental in assuring the success of Meltdown Drags.
Meltdown Drags believes in honoring the legends of drag racing. This year gasser icons brought The Grove Boys, Jack Merkel, and International Drag Racing Hall of Famer Barb Hamilton, who all brought their cars to Byron.
John Grinwald’s A/FX Dodge Coronet was part of the extensive Factory Experimental contingent. A big hit with the fans, the quicker FX cars such as the "Gold Digger" ran low nine-second ETs. The area behind Byron’s West grandstands were chock full of vendors selling everything imaginable, including project cars, vintage parts, model kits and artwork. A steady stream of show cars also provided a nice diversion during downtime though out the weekend.
Bob Buckley’s “Rock n Roll Express” AA/FD is an interesting combination of old and new. Powered by a Buckley-built vintage Chrysler 392 HEMI and topped with a Dyer’s Blower, the rest of the car was built by Keith “Rooman” Burgan in his Indianapolis shop. Together they rocked mid 7 second ETs.
Every classification of Gasser towed into Byron and they put on a good show. The Ohio Outlaw Gasser Association and Scott Rods brought in a show complete with big blocks, blowers and Back-Up Girlss with big hair.
The wildly popular Miss Meltdown Pin-Up Girl pageant is contested on a vintage flat-bed truck in front of an enthusiastic crowd. L to R, 3rd Runner-Up – Illinois’ Hannah Belle of Illinois, 1st Place - Wisconsin’s Lacey McGillicudy, and 2nd Runner-up – South Carolina’s Miss Cassandra.Over 40 American States, 3 Canadian Provinces, and 8 other nations represented at the Meltdowns.
Over a decade ago, longtime Upper Midwestern drag racing fans began working to put in motion an event showcasing the same kind of race cars they enjoyed watching in the golden era of drag racing. With the rest of the drag racing world engaged in a move to bring back nostalgia racing to the modern world, the need for an event to fill this desire became more and more apparent.
