Shasta Roadster

Shasta Roadster That search lead to the dusty but straight abandoned runways at Redding Airport. Its racing life started with a blown 394 cu.in.

"It was about 1948 when local hot rodders, including Roger Whipp, first sought a safe place to drag race their cars, and in Roger’s words, “…offer encouragement to be legal”. With support from community elders, including the mayor, city council and newspaper editor, some who enjoyed racing themselves or whose young teenagers showed interest in hot rods, is where the meager beginnings of a long, gr

assroots history of the Shasta Roadsters and Redding Drag Strip began." The Shasta Roadsters were also the first team and owner of the famous RedHead Streamliner, a land speed car that ran at the Bonneville Saltflats. Originally an unfinished project of Romeo Palamides, of dragster fame, it was built by the team formed by Don Hammon, Bob Mc Grath (who was also the driver) and Roger Whipp. Chrysler and a B class record at 249.324 mph, which was bettered the next year, 1963, at 302.812 mph, the fastest record ever set by this car. A one way run at 331 mph in 1966 could not be confirmed for a record by a good return run, due to a transmission failure. Today, the Redding dragstrip is oldest continuously operating NHRA drag racing facility in United States. Redding Drag Strip signed up in the Fall of 1955 to become an officially sanctioned NHRA track, and has run ever since. In the early 1960s, the Redding Dragstrip became the place to race for locals and other Northern California events.

A handful of the original Shasta Roadsters members were honored today at the Redding Dragstrip.
06/10/2023

A handful of the original Shasta Roadsters members were honored today at the Redding Dragstrip.

06/07/2023

Many of the founding and original members of the Shasta Roadster will be in attendance this weekend at the NHRA Heritage Race. Shasta Roadsters is the group who soon after WW2, transformed the bomber taxiway into the first version of Redding Dragstrip back in 1948. 5 years later it became an NHRA sanctioned race track and has been ever since!

Good luck to everyone at the salt this year.  Most of you probably know we lost our leader this year Paul Ogden, owner o...
08/07/2021

Good luck to everyone at the salt this year. Most of you probably know we lost our leader this year Paul Ogden, owner of the record holding 6969 Barracuda, shown here when they received the illusive red hat with Denton Hollifield at the wheel. Paul lived a fantastic life and lived everyday in the fast lane. RIP

A recent article in Hot Rod Deluxe magazine talks about the original NHRA Safety Safari Tour in 1955 and how it's second...
05/01/2018

A recent article in Hot Rod Deluxe magazine talks about the original NHRA Safety Safari Tour in 1955 and how it's second ever stop was at the Redding Drag Strip managed by the Shasta Roadsters.

03/26/2018

An incredible story 50 years in the making. Check out my favorite and the amazing man behind the wheel tomorrow night on the .

Here's a few pictures from today.  It looks like Gary Hattenhauer also made to Speedweek from Redding with his vintage R...
08/14/2017

Here's a few pictures from today. It looks like Gary Hattenhauer also made to Speedweek from Redding with his vintage Roadster. Not much info coming, just pictures. Claude is making some licensing passes today in the 160 Roadster. Pictured is Steve White and John Wilson.

Turbine powered, wheel driven, turn up the sound.
08/14/2017

Turbine powered, wheel driven, turn up the sound.

199 Likes, 1 Comments - HOT ROD Magazine () on Instagram: “Team Vesco's Turbinator II makes its second pass of Speed Week 2017. They're hoping for the first…”

The 160 Roadster is the only Redding Shasta Roadster car to make it to Speedweek this year. Today Herbie is making licen...
08/13/2017

The 160 Roadster is the only Redding Shasta Roadster car to make it to Speedweek this year. Today Herbie is making licensing runs on the short course.

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Redding, CA
96003

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

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