The Biloxi Dragway was a NHRA/AHRA-sanctioned Quarter-Mile Drag Strip located in Biloxi, Mississippi, United States and operated from August 18, 1957 to July 1, 1967.[1] [2] [3]
Many drag racing pioneers raced at Biloxi. "Big Daddy" Don Garlits,[4] Tommy Ivo, Art Arfons, Chris Karamesines, Ronnie Sox, and Mr. Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge. Locals, Paul VanderLey, Candies & Wale / Hughes, and Joe Teuton. 101 Hall of Fame associations are currently documented with the Biloxi Dragway.
Built by Earl C. Nolan for $30,000,[5] the strip operated under the name of the "Gulf Coast Drag Strip" from 1957-1964.[6] On May 8, 1960 an incident took place with a dragster crashing in to the fence toward Hwy 67 caused the ownership to change hands, with events being canceled in 1962. From 1962 Harvey & Bill Walther operated the venue till its closure in 1967.
Early on Keesler field men under the name "Keesler Coasters" competed in a dragster representing Keesler Air Force Base.[7]
On Dec 22, 1963 A Nationally Ranked Match for Drag News took place for number 4 in the United States. Albert Waits vs Vance Hunt.
Many Championship Events were held at the dragway, such as the yearly Mississippi State Championship, three Gasser Championships, and a B/Stock Championship.
Classes included: Motorcycles, Gassers, Super Stock, Funny Cars, and Dragsters[8]
Since 2006 Gulf Coast Historian Michael "Cory" Evans[9] [10] [11] [12] has extensively researched the history of the Biloxi Dragway. Local and national racers have since shared there experiences[13] [14] for the website, and upcoming book. In 2018 Cory Evans recreated the Biloxi Dragway for the video game BeamNG.drive as it appeared in 1967.[15]