Quote: Street racing was and still alive in NYC,as well as Detroit and other states across the States'. The only difference between racers today and the "pro's" back then, when I was younger is that most guys knew the cars capabilities on and off the track. And cars then, were 90% pure muscle, with nary a power adder other than supercharger. AS time went on it was the drivers who were dependent on "their own power adders", and that's when things got out of hand and dangerous. The "pro's" were there to do business, while the foolhardy were there for the idea of running each other with no safety or respect of the sport (automotive craftsmanship). By the way, does anyone know what the outcome of a race in NYC, on the Nassau Expressway in Queens. Back in 71', I think. A Rat-Motored 68 Camaro squared off there with a 69 Road Runner w/HEMI. BIG MONEY was passed around that night. I believe the guy driving the Bird', is still a legendary driver with the last name of Cook. If anyone knows the true scenario, set the record straight please.
I don't know the "scenario" but I do know the driver: it was 1980 Stock Eliminator world champ Ray Cook who, unfortunately, is no longer with us.
Here's a picture of Ray doing a burnout and his racing partner--both on and off the track--Artie Leong (near the right rear quarter panel) during happier times:
Here's another good link to a thread talking about the action on Connecting Highway and other NYC street racing hotspots back in the day: