Lions Drag Strip
Lions Drag Strip was a US raceway in the Wilmington district of Los Angeles, California adjacent to Long Beach that existed from 1955 to 1972. The track was named after its sponsors Lions Clubs International and featured many races that were sanctioned by the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA).
As the area surrounding the track increased in population, complaints regarding noise were made to government officials. Subsequently, efforts were made to deny the operators of track continued use of the facility. The track was opened with a 30 notice clause that could be enforced at any time and on November 2, 1972 that notice was given. After the last races took place on December 2, 1972, the track was torn down through the efforts of the Los Angeles Harbor Department to make space for overseas shipping cargo containers which exists to this day at 223rd Street & Alameda Street in Wilmington, CA.
The abandoned track location sat fallow for over 10 years until it was eventually developed into the mega container facility by the L.A. Harbor Commission. The 1971/72 noise issue was a political ruse used to kick the track off of the land. The surrounding area still remains largely industrial to this very day with much the same residential borders that were present in the early 1970s.
Coordinates: 33°49′22″N 118°13′32″W / 33.822654°N 118.225658°W
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