What was the first drag strip in the United States?

The first drag strip in the United States was Santa Ana Drags.

The strip was established in 1950 by C. J. “Pappy” Hart, Creighton Hunter, and Frank Stillwell on an airport runway in Southern California. Its opening marked a shift from informal street racing and improvised hot-rod contests toward an organized venue with scheduled events, measured runs, spectators, and basic track facilities.

Santa Ana Drags featured timing equipment, a pit area, concessions, restrooms, parking, and simple grandstands. Drivers paid to compete, spectators paid admission, and part of the gate receipts went to the airport owner. The venue became an important proving ground for early drag-racing pioneers, including Art Chrisman and Don Yates.

The strip operated from June 19, 1950, until June 21, 1959. It is sometimes confused with later famous venues such as Pomona Dragstrip, but Pomona was not the first. Santa Ana’s importance lies in its pioneering commercial, organized format, which helped establish drag racing as a distinct motorsport.