http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=11915 en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Tue, 19 May 2026 08:09:54 -0500 120 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=11916 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=11915 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=12048 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=12048
Zeke sat quietly behind me, watching the sunset, wondering if he could make a run down the track without me noticing. iPhone 5S.]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:11:03 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=11912 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=11912
The sun sets over the end of the old strip only twice a year. This week is the first chance for 2014. I'll keep trying all week and hope for more awesomer clouds. Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50, 5-shot bracket processed in HDR Efex Pro2 and Lightroom]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=7469 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=7469
At the end of the strip, both lanes merge into a left-handed curve that goes South, then straightens out and heads back East to the paddock area. This is the return road, the road that the dragsters use to get back to where they park in between heats. It was getting dark - I didn't want to walk all the way into the wooded area since I was unfamiliar with the condition of the road, and about halfway back it's submerged in a swamp. Olympus E-M5, Panasonic 20/1.7]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=7460 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=7460
Taken at the starting line of old US 30 Drag Strip. The right-hand lane is clear all the way to the end where it curves off to the left for the return road. The left-hand lane is mostly overgrown with weeds and trees. For some reason, the right-hand pavement isn't as broken up. Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50mm. 3 bracketed exposures, processed in HDR Efx Pro2]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5467 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5467
The concession stand at old US 30 Dragstrip, now overgrown with weeds and trees. I probably am not going to get that hot dog and pretzel I wanted... Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50mm]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5458 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5458
Smokin' US 30 Dragstrip was one of the hottest places to see straight-line racing in the Chicagoland area from the 50's into the early 80's. Located in what was then Gary, IN, US 30 may have been local but was nationally known. Today, the property remains for sale, as it has been for the past 30 years. A lapse in ownership allowed the zoning board to jump on new zoning which prevents it from ever being used as a racetrack again. The left-hand strip is mostly overgrown now, but reasonably fresh tire tracks tell me that every once in a while, someone sneaks out on the right-hand strip and tries to get a whiff of the glory days of hot rodding. I was almost tempted to take the Subaru down there, but I'd need to walk the full 1/4 mile first to make sure there weren't any surprises. Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50mm]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5455 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5455
The logo for the American Hot Rod Association is still somewhat visible at the starting line. I snuck in here about 8 years ago and the red, white and blue paint was much more visible than it is now. I have some photos of that on film - as soon as I find it, I will get it scanned. Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50mm]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5452 http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5452
From the late 60's through the early 80's, the sound of announcer Jan Gabriel's voice proclaimed that "Smokin' US 30 Dragstrip" was open on "Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!" and that it was "Where the great ones RUUUNNNNNN!" US 30 is located in what was once Gary, Indiana, now part of Merrillville/Hobart. Closed in 1984, it remains abandoned and unsold, despite the efforts of several real estate agents. The two 1/4-mile dragstrips are overgrown with weeds, as is the return road and the parking lot. The concession stand is buried in trees. The "30" here is a closeup detail of the main logo painted at the starting line. Olympus E-M5, d. Zuiko 12-50mm]]> Paul Braun photo Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:30:48 -0500