This was Bob "Whitey" McDonald's second dragster, flathead powered just like his first and just like the one he races today. The spectators don't look any too warm. Must have been early spring or late fall. For those of you familiar with Wichita International Raceway today, notice that the bleachers are built on a berm. This area is just west of the second return road which can just barely be seen in these pictures between the fence and the "push down" road. Man, I loved those push starts. The cars would glide quietly along and then the clutch would be let out. You could hear the motor start to turn and then the driver would hit the mag switch and the engine barked to life. Well, usually the engine barked to life. Push starts may have been more romantic, but I have to admit that electric starters are a lot handier. After all, you had to push them even to run them in the pits.
