| As I was listening to our oldies station, they were | | | | that luxury. Maybe some areas of the country do, but |
| talking about the big June event in Modesto, with all the | | | | here in California for the most part it is gone. Not the |
| old cars, music groups, car shows and cruisin down | | | | tracks, but the ability for the average Joe to use them |
| the main drag. For those of you who don't know | | | | for fun. The police here have curfews and don't want |
| Modesto is where the inspiration for American Graffiti | | | | any kind of cruising activity to take place. Drags have |
| came from and that movie brings back memories for | | | | been outlawed on the roads, as well they should. |
| all of us who love cars. | | | | However, the raceways (the ones that are left), won't |
| Between hearing the info on that event and reading | | | | even accommodate those who wish to drag race. |
| about drag and bracket racing, made me think back to | | | | They are strictly for those with the big bucks and the |
| my high school days, I know amazing at my age that I | | | | big buck drag racing cars. |
| can actually still remember them! | | | | What a shame, as I know of many kids who would |
| While no one ever condoned street racing we all | | | | love to have an outlet or place to go to show off their |
| know it took place. Even more than street racing, I can | | | | car and their skills as drivers. Like so much else today, |
| remember spending all day Saturday, washing, waxing, | | | | it is just another bastion we have lost. Very sad to |
| polishing and cleaning the inside of the car so it was in | | | | those of us who grew up in an era when all of this |
| tip shop shape Saturday night to cruise with. | | | | and much more was available. |
| For so many of us back then there were places to go | | | | So for those of us who have the memories of what it |
| and show off our cars. We had streets to cruise on | | | | used to be like, be sure to share those with the youth |
| and show off our cars. And yes, we also had those | | | | around you today and let them live vicariously through |
| places where we drag raced them. But we also had | | | | you. |
| tracks you could go to and drag race on. I can | | | | We would love to hear your stories, drop us an email |
| remember, Central Islip's and National Speedway to | | | | so we can put yours up on the site today. |
| name a couple. Today's car lovers don't really have | | | | |