History
The strip, just east of I-65 on the north side of U.S. 30, was open by 1957 and possibly as early as 1954. It was a flagship track for the American Hot Rod Association and drew Don Garlits, Don Schumacher and Chris Karamesines.
After the AHRA split in 1984 it ran ADRA events for the rest of that season and then closed. Hobart annexed the land in 1994 and rejected a plan to reopen it.
Why it matters: A flagship track of the American Hot Rod Association in the Chicago area.
Timeline
- May 1965Early funny car[1]
Ron Pellegrini claims to have run the first funny car at the strip in May 1965.
- 1984Closes[1]
After the AHRA split, the strip ran American Drag Racing Association events for the rest of 1984 and closed at season's end.
- 1994Reopening rejected[1]
Hobart annexed the land and rejected a proposal to reopen it as a drag strip.
The site today
| Physical status | Standing, unused |
|---|---|
| Surviving remnants | The Goodie Booth shack, light and speaker poles, broken bleachers, the starting line and an AHRA logo painted on the pavement (Lost Indiana, 2001).[1] |
| Mapped location | Approximate historic location |
We have not verified what occupies the site today. Know? Tell us, with a source.
Venue facts
| Location | 7920 Clay Street, Hobart, Indiana, Hobart, Indiana |
|---|---|
| Venue type | drag strip |
| Sports | Motorsports |
| Level | AHRA, ADRA |
| Opened | c. 1957[1] |
| Last used for sports | 1984[1] |
| Physical status | Standing, unused |
Documented details
- Don Garlits, Don Schumacher and Chris Karamesines were among the drivers who raced there.[1]
Sources
- US 30 Drag Strip [Hobart], Lost Indiana. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: closed, coordinates, events, opened, remnants
Research confidence
Some facts on this page rely on a single source or are still being corroborated. Treat specific dates and figures with care. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.
Where sources disagree (1)
- Lost Indiana says the strip was open by 1957 and possibly as early as 1954.
See something wrong or missing? Suggest a correction or submit a source.