Santa Ana Drags was the first drag strip in the United States.^[1] The strip was founded by C.J. "Pappy" Hart, Creighton Hunter and Frank Stillwell at the Orange County Airport auxiliary runway in southern California^[2] and was operational from June 19, 1950 until June 21, 1959^[2][3]

Many pioneers in drag racing began at Santa Ana. Art Chrisman, Don Yates, Calvin Rice, Joaquin Arnett,^[4] George "Ollie" Morris^[5] and others participated regularly.

The strip was created with $1000 startup money, and charged both spectators and participants 50 cents, of which 10% went directly to the owner of the airport.^[3] The strip installed timing clocks, so racers could actually get accurate times for each run. There was also a pit area, restrooms, a concession stand and primitive grandstands for spectators and plenty of parking.^[4] It was closed due to pressure from C.J Hart, whose wife had hired a private investigator to determine if Frank Stillwell was stealing money from the gate receipts in 1957.^[3]

Reunions are held twice a year, in April and October in Santiago Creek Park in Santa Ana, California,^[6] including the April 14, 2012 event. They are now organized by Leslie Long, after being organized by Bill and Marie Jenks previously.^[7]

• National Hot Rod Association
• Wally Parks