Drag racing has been a part of Bremerton’s history for many years –
even before Bremerton Raceway took over a little-used runway at what
now is called Kitsap Regional Airport.
Surreptitious racing on the streets – on Pacific from First to 10th
Streets was said to be a favorite location – took place occasionally
until the early 1950s when the airport site became a quarter-mile race
track. With guidance from the Crankers Car Club, the racers were
finally able to compete in a safe environment.
The Handlers Car Club was formed in 1956 by John Flesher, Leon Fox and
Dean Benson and, three years later, the club leased the track for the
1960 season from the County Airport Board . . . and they continue to
lease the track now from BMP.
The Handlers are celebrating their 50th consecutive year of promoting
drag racing events at one of oldest facilities in the United States.
It is also one of the last “portable” tracks still existing.