I lived in Hempstead, LI as a kid and watched this live every year. I watched some bad accidents as this was dangerous, but this was probably the greatest hot rod, slash skill event I ever watched. Here is to the Flukes, the Hornets, The rascals, The Flying Dutchman. You were my heroes when I was a kid.
It's a lot more safer these days. Sturdier arches, majority of race wear helmets and knee pads, and stronger metal fences. And sometimes if the officials see people standing directly next to the fence the announcer at the arch will make an announcement.
The opening Wide World of Sports brings back so many great memories watching this with my dad. On this particular episode we watched it at the local fire house with all the firemen
I haven't seen this since the day it aired in 1977! THANKS! ...Anyone else think it's ironic that the Allstate ad runs over the top of Evel? (you're gonna need it in a few seconds, buddy)
Great footage..wondering why the Darlington footage wasn't left intac--the main reason I watched WideWorld,,other than Islip's figure 8s. Imagine this type of event done today without the glitterdome effect that is so popular.
This is bizarre...the place is Michaels Airfield (now abandoned) in Cicero,N.Y. .I should know I graduated from Cicero-N. Syracuse high. This air strip was about 8 min. from where my family was living at the time.
