"Dragging" the Houston Air Strip
	by Debi Osborne

They were off and "smoking". For two days, acrid smells of charred rubber and scorched lubricant drifted across one end of Houston's airport. Being the perfect length of 5000 feet, the paved runway is often used by people on rollerblades. For the third year running, it has also attracted hundreds of spectators for the Bulkley Valley Cruisers Drag Races.

Fresh paint for the Amonson Cruiser

In July, Jim Johnson managed to convince his friend, Ken Amonson, that 1999 was the year to throw his carburetor into the ring for the first time. With help from willing friends, including an 8 year-old wielding a paint brush, the 1974 Chevy Nova that Ken had bought at age 15 for $500 was transformed into a serious looking drag machine.

Smoking The Tires When asked what amount of cash prizes could be won at the races, neither Ken or Jim knew. The thought of doing well at their first attempt at racing was enough to keep them focused. Anything else would be a bonus. I talked to Ken again on the Saturday afternoon of the races. He started to laugh as he talked about his air cleaner having caught on fire and his oil line breaking. But he was pleased with himself, and the best part was he hadn't finished yet. There was still Sunday to race.