KITSEP COUNTY AIRPORT - BREMERTON WA
This was an airport converted into a race course for this event in 1957. It was a 9/10 mile track where races ran up the road course front straight; and made a hard U-turn and came down the pit lane as the back straight. Organizers expected spectators to see 30-40 of the West’s top drivers. Similar races held previously in the area drew 15,000+ onlookers. Kitsap race organizers had high hopes. They announced about 3,000 reserved seats would be available for $3 each while general admission was priced at $2 California racers Eddie Pagan and Lloyd Dane, ranked among the Top 5 nationally, were scheduled to compete. Race organizers publicly worried about traffic problems. The Civil Air Patrol
arranged to have buses shuttle spectators to avoid traffic tie-ups. Despite all the preparation, and expectations, the race was a flop. Only 14 drivers and about 2,500 spectators showed up. A young Parnelli Jones would claim his first Cup win; leading only the final six laps after Danny Graves led the first 74 laps and then blew a motor.
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