It is time to gear up for the Eagle Field Hot Rod Gathering. Drivers and spectators can register and buy admission tickets online for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. Find forms at eaglefielddrags.com.
Admission or registration is daily or for the entire weekend. Junior Dragsters get a discount, and spectators younger than 14 are free. Please be aware that the Friday event is a special circumstance.
As a result of unforeseeable happenings last May, the Fresno Dragways Reunion Finals were not able to be completed. Accordingly, Sept. 30 has been set aside for final races for the May 2022 participants only. Eliminations will be concluded in three bracket categories. Time only sessions will be limited.
At the Hot Rod Gathering, spectators will see cars that they cannot see run anywhere else in California. Enjoy gassers, dragsters, hot rods, flathead V8s verses 6 cylinders, muscle cars, minibikes and more. The one-eighth mile runway drag racing promises exhilaration for all.
The races are well attended by locals and enthusiasts from around the west. A longtime Lions volunteer Tracy Hall said the jet engine run is the highlight. “There is that special jet pulsing varoom, varoom, that begins and ends the day. Everyone jumps up to see.”
The Dos Palos Lions Club presents the Runway Drag events in our community. They prepare a huge variety of food throughout the day. Their volunteers begin early each morning offering delicious breakfast burritos.
A Lions Club specialty is known as a “heart attack.” The sandwich starts with a huge chunk, not a slice, of fried baloney. That is topped with shredded pork and then coleslaw. Even folks who do not normally like coleslaw rave about it.
One local couple recently bought a camp trailer to stay the night with Lions volunteers. After working all day, they want to sit around the camp and relax. The core group is grateful for all volunteers who come out even for a few hours to give others a break during the day.
Camping is free with each three-day admission. On Saturday evening there is a grand hanger party. Many vendors provide food and beverages and an assortment of souvenirs and vehicle paraphernalia.
Steve Griffie offers antiques and collectibles. New this year, Steve created specially designed Eagle Field Runway Drags metal lazar cut signs. Choose from three sizes, 15-inch, 24-inch, or 36-inch circle designs. These signs are painted and ready for enthusiasts to proudly display.
Steve extends a gracious thank you to all the crew members and all volunteers from the starting line to throughout the whole event. He is especially grateful for Rocky Phillips and his family, adding, “Without these people Eagle Field Runway Drags would never happen. I will always support Eagle Field Drags. Come see me in the Swap Meet area.”
While at the races stop by and say, “Hi!” Steve is at his swap meet spot in a 1960s vintage camp trailer. Look for blue awnings, and you cannot miss him.
Plan for unpredictable weather. It might be hot, windy, or perfectly beautiful. Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
We are cautioned that alcohol and driving do not mix. This is an alcohol free, glass free, family friendly event.
Proceeds go toward the upkeep our area’s very important historical site that is preserved through the efforts of Joe Davis of Fresno. On the website see details to join “Gave to Save the Runway.”
Eagle Field Runway Drags group helps maintain the property. KBK Dust Control Services of Fresno make the runway drag races enjoyable for all.
Eagle Field is located at 11100 W. Eagle Avenue. Navigational systems use “Firebaugh” although Dos Palos has historical roots with the air base.
