Charlestown Dragway

According to research by Brian Lohnes, the Southern New England Timing Association held two test events in 1956 on a closed runway at an active Naval Auxiliary Landing Field on the coast of Block Island Sound, at the southern end of Rhode Island. The runway was near Ninigret salt pond. Other research dates the first race to September 2, 1956. The Connecticut Automobile Modifiers Society got the use of a runway at the base. In March 1958 the Navy turned down the Timing Association’s request for six races that season, citing general opposition to drag racing among Charlestown residents. Racing came back in 1959, on the first Sunday of every month outside winter. Hot Rod reported in January 1960 on a 1959 NHRA regional there that drew 317 entries, won by the Miller-Gatti A/D from Long Island. Seven events ran in 1960, and in 1961 races were held May 7, June 4, July 8-9, August 6 and October 1. A race on September 15, 1963, featured a Plymouth factory experimental car touring New England strips. Old racers called it Charley Town. Runways still exist at Charlestown, but one old-timer said the runway used for racing may have been broken up and turned into bike paths and walkways.