Abandoned Airstrips That Are Now Used For Drag Races

Abandoned airstrips are perfect for drag racing. Since drag racing involves cars, usually two, competing side by side to run a short straight race at maximum speed, old runways have proven to be ideal for this purpose. Most of these runways are either at old airports that fell into disuse or decommissioned aircraft bases, primarily after the second world war. And here are some of the abandoned airstrips that are being used for drag races.

Gimli, Manitoba

Photo Credit: wikimedia.org

In August 1972, the Winnipeg Sports Car Club conducted the first drag race event on one of the abandoned airstrips of RCAF Station Gimli. Thereafter, in 1973 this abandoned airstrip was allocated for drag race exclusively. Way back in 1983, an Air Canada flight had to make an emergency landing on an abandoned airstrip in Gimli, that was used for drag racing then. Apparently, the airplane was out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing.

Onawa, Iowa

Photo Credit: facebook.com

Onawa, which is famous for casinos is now using its abandoned airstrip for conducting drag races. According to the authorities there, racing is not just a sport but a celebration as people from all walks of life come together. They all participate and celebrate the victory together.

The Cholavoram or Sholavaram Airport

Photo Credit: en.madrasmotorsports.com

This airport is an abandoned airstrip and is located in Chennai. It was earlier used during World War II by the Airforce. After World War, it was abandoned and is now used as the airstrip for drag races. The abandoned airstrip was later revived by the Indian Army, as it was illegally occupied by residents. They later used the abandoned airstrip for scrutiny and vigilance. It was in the year 2020, the airstrip was acquired by the Government of India to construct a new airport under the UDAAN scheme.

Lutong Airport

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com

This airport in the state of Sarawak in Borneo belonged to the Royal Dutch Shell. Unfortunately, it was shut down but the strip was used for drag races until the abandoned airstrip was not considered suitable for any more races.

Cattaraugus County-Olean:

Photo Credit: enchantedmountains.com

This place in New York had repurposed its abandoned airstrip for drag races in 2018, much to the excitement of locals and drivers. The annual events of this drag race go back to June and August 2018. A lot of bright smiles were showcased during the event, especially from the members of the Niagra Falls Car Club.

Onawa Airport, Iowa

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

The vast empty spaces of the American Midwest are perfect for hosting drag races. That´s what the Onawa city council thought when they shut down their airport citing lack of air traffic. The place was then converted to host drag races 3 years ago and they haven´t looked back since.

Drag races are enjoyed by many and a lot of abandoned airstrips can still be used for these events as such places are relatively secure and fun.