Dragstrips and Drive-Ins - A road trip to the 2008 NHRA U.S. Nationals near Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend,
with a couple of drive-ins thrown in for good measure.
Indiana's Finest Drive-In Theatre
We revisited the Clermont Deluxe Twin Drive-In, last photographed on 2002 Road Trip.
Unfortunately, we were exactly a year too late. The Clermont closed after Labor Day 2007,
and has since been demolished. The marquee and sign pictured below are the only remains. The site, directly
across the road from Indianapolis Raceway Park, is destined to become a motorsports business park. Lost Drive-In indeed.
Clermont Marquee 8/30/08
Clermont Marquee
Clermont Driveway & Lot
Clermont Sign
Clermont Sign
Clermont Sign
Indy's Final Drive-In Theatre
The Tibbs Drive-In, built in 1967, was also photographed on a 2002 Road Trip.
Considering this is the very last Indy-area drive-in theater, checking out the Tibbs in action was a must.
The Tibbs is a big 4-screener within the city, but light pollution was minimal and the picture was bright and clear.
The snack bar offers an extensive menu, the corn dogs were outstanding!
The Tibbs had a good crowd, hopefully Indy residents won't let their last drive-in become another lost drive-in.
Screen One
Drive-In Field
Screen One
Screen Three
Screen One & Snack Bar
Snack Bar
Screen One
Snack Bar
Exit
Marquee
Marquee & Ticket Booths
Tibbs Aerial
Rebel 'n Suds
A couple of other stops along the way include a former Sonic, now a very cool modern Dog 'n Suds near Ft. Wayne.
Also a stop in the sleepy little town of Fairmount Indiana, where movie icon James Dean grew up. We checked out
the James Dean Gallery, Dean's former home, his gravesite, and his former high school, which is now abandoned.
Ft.Wayne Dog 'n Suds
James Dean's Grave
James Dean's High School
The Big Go
What started at Michigan's old Detroit Dragway has since become a long standing Indiana tradition,
The NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. On Labor Day weekend 2008, this historic
dragstrip, and the fans eardrums, were once again assaulted by the obnoxious Nitro Funny Cars and Dragsters.
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