Paradise Mesa is east of San Diego and was one of dozens of drag strips that popped-up on disused WWII military airfields in the years after the war. The strip operated from 1951-59 on the abandoned runway of the former Sweetwater Dam Naval Outlying Field (OLF) which was built during WWII as an auxiliary airfield for nearby NAS North Island. Here's an excerpt from the history of the famous "Bean Bandits" drag racing team:
"Paradise Mesa Airfield, outside of San Diego was one place where the Bean Bandits built their memories. It became their home track. Paradise Mesa was a strip where illegal racing was restricted following what, in 1951, Hot Rod called "hazards of frequent uncontrolled drag meets." Bean Bandits' president, Mike Nagem, helped form the San Diego Timing Association (SDTA) and convinced property owner Henry Adams to create a legal venue for racers to show off their abilities. He agreed and the SDTA, with the help of local law enforcement officers, organized the country's first legal drag strips. SDTA brought needed order to a world of chaos. They instituted track rules, charged entrance fees and used Otto Crocker's reliable timers. The track officially opened in 1951 and before closing 8 years later, young Arnett and his friends cleaned up with the trophies. Arnett recalls hopping into his car and racing the fastest vehicles there, motorcycles."
San Diego at left and Paradise Mesa out to the east/right:
The Bean Bandits car, lower, faced off with Dode Martin's "A" dragster at the 1953 Pacific Southwest Championship Drags at Paradise Mesa. Martin won but the Bandits set low ET of the meet.
Receiving their Low ET trophy:
An Austin Bantam and an A (on Deuce rails) face off:
Neat '35 Ford with hole-punched fenders:
More information here:
http://members.tripod.com/airfields_...SanDiego_S.htm
And here:
http://members.aol.com/beanracers/history.html