"But I do believe that "awesome" picture if taken in 1954, would have to be very late in the year. I think that's a '55 Ford in the far lane supporting a 272 Y-Block."
It's been verified to be 1954. You youngsters don't realize that often in the late 50s, that often the first trip with your new car was to the local drag strip. New models usually came out in September, so no problem there.
It's being beaten (if it's racing at all) by a flathead Ford 6. Notice that there's no E.T. light on the starting line. And as to why the officials are camped on the line, rather than by the grandstand, beats me. I'd guess the timing "tower" was not built yet as they had no timing of their own. Winners were signaled by judges at the finish line.
{By the way, same roadster in my avatar (and in my garage).}
Now, back to our one-mile subject . . .
