Auto Racing In Hawaii a look back.

Hawaii Raceway Park

History of Hawaii Raceway Park
Dirt oval opened January 1, 1962.
Drag strip opened in 1963.
Two mile road course operated from 1973 to 1975
1.32 mile road course opened in 1992.
300 foot sand drag strip opened in 2002.

Hawaii Raceway Park


The entire racetrack shut down in 2006 after their lease with the James Campbell Estate ran out.
In June of 2008 the 65.8 acre industrial zoned property near the Campbell Industrial Park in Kapolei was for sale again.
It was bought by Irongate in 2006 for about $13 million and it was probably worth about 28 million in 2008.
Irongate had originally planned to sell home lots on the property, but in 2008 they decided to sell it instead.
 







50 State Pro Gas Association
In 1973, Hawaii Raceway closed due to new promoters not keeping up with the lease rent. The sport was in a deep tail slide. So George Nitta flew up to meet with his friends who had started a new racing organization in California called the Southern California Pro Gas Association.

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George Nitta on right with his son Todd (2 years old)
 


Kahuku Drag Strip Video circa 1960
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JR. Dragsters Program at Hawaii Raceway Park



George Nitta harbored a passion for racing even before the park was built in 1963; ten years ago, with just two cars, he started a program for juniors, determined to pass on that passion. The program was designed to teach kids to win, says George, but also to stress overall competency: “There is one stipulation that covers all of the kids, and that is grades. You must maintain a C grade level and higher. No grades, no racing.”.

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Click Here for " Need For Speed "  AVI

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Junior Drag Racing Hawaii
 




JR. Dragsters Program at Hawaii Raceway Park



George Nitta harbored a passion for racing even before the park was built in 1963; ten years ago, with just two cars, he started a program for juniors, determined to pass on that passion. The program was designed to teach kids to win, says George, but also to stress overall competency: “There is one stipulation that covers all of the kids, and that is grades. You must maintain a C grade level and higher. No grades, no racing.”.

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Just Another Phase JR Dragster

 

David Nitta David Nitta
 


Hawaii Raceway Park Video

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Hawaii Raceway Park Controversy

by Mary Simms

KALAELOA (KHNL) -- Race Enthusiasts say they need a place to safely perform their sport, but they didn't get much support Tuesday.

The Honolulu City Council's zoning committee passed a bill that has many of them frustrated.

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Hawaii Raceway Park






George Nitta

Above: Todd Nitta drives Shenandoah for a slow pass in memory of George's brother David Nitta 1945-2001. George  Nitta narrated from the tower.

George Nitta
Automotive 101
Famous for being the Mothball Mechanic, George gives advice on everything from car care to goverment policies. Contact us for more info.


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