There are a trio of garages/shops within the infield-or immediately outside of it-at Drag City in its Mark II form; 2 of these are track facilities while the 3rd is an independent shop that exists by virtue of having been there since long before the track was built.
- The Pre-Race Inspection Shop
This is the expansive and sophisticated shop where cars are put through their paces before racing. Originally sponsored by Lesney Products & Co, Ltd in their waning days, the Matchbox logos remained throughout that company’s reorganizations. All safety inspections and rule clearances are performed here. In addition, cars that crash or break during a race are brought here initially, where minor repairs can be performed by racing teams if such repairs exceed what is possible in the pits or the paddock. Lastly, disputes relating to charges of mechanical cheats by one competitor against another are settled here. The shop is staffed with professional mechanics employed by the course, but there is space available for racing teams and contractors on a limited basis, either by prearrangement or in case of emergencies. In addition to these services, the garage provides some amenities for the course crew, in the form of refreshments, food, and a place to rest.
- The V.I.P. Parking Garage
Recondite pleasures are pursued at the V.I.P. parking garage, where the rich and well connected go to play. When vintage racers show up, the owners of Cobras, Ferrari 250GTs, Maseratis, and other valuable cars are usually found here. The garage features a full complement of car care services, not for racing cars but for the vehicles parked here, which themselves are often as impressive as the cars on the track! The top level is a full-service carwash staffed by very fetching young ladies appropriately attired for the car wash trade. Parking in this facility is almost exclusively by invitation, sometimes by the track representatives but usually by those who already have the privilege, assuring it remains exclusive. What goes on there stays there.
- “The Outlaw Garage” Tuner Shop
Housed in the building that was the original second “expansion” service bay of the Chevron gas station built in 1954, the Outlaw Garage is a small and very exclusive tuner shop specializing in the restoration, repair and preparation of vintage racing cars for their well-heeled customers. Staffed by some of the finest race car experts in the world, there is very little the shop cannot do, but the waiting list for their services is years long, and prices reflect the quality. When the track underwent its expansions, the first in the early 60’s and the second in the late ‘60’s, the shop was “absorbed” by the track and now sits right along the edge of the sweeper turn #3. The mechanics who staff the shop are no doubt pleased to see some of their handiwork performing so closely, but one wonders at how they deal with the noise levels when racing is on!
These are some great tableau’s and way to show off the collection of cars and accessories! I love the scenes, like the guys in the Mercedes talking to the mechanic. You have found a lot of great figures that add a lot to the story. Inspires me to make more room in my basement!