My brother-in-law and I crewed for Al one time (I think it was'67) and I noticed what was in the background...
I still have timing slips (65 - 70) from Irwindale...somewhere in some garage box Those were the days of driving into the pits (just a parking spot) , uncorking the headers and let it rip for a fast 15 second (haha) pass. Then exiting and filling up on Foothill Blvd. with Chevon White pump on the way home.
I grew up in Northern CA but went to the Winternationals twice at Pomona, once to Irwindale and once to Lions...yep the "good old days"...we could hang out close to the track at the traps (this was at Fremont and Half Moon Bay dragstrips and pick-up parts that came flying off
