(Photo Courtesy NHRA)
By Peyton Lohr
In just two short months, we will be blessed again with the privilege to watch the NHRA U.S. Nationals. This year, it is the 70th anniversary of “The Big Go” as it is affectionately called. For a race that spans seven decades, we should take a look back into the history, the legacy, and of course, some notable moments thus far.
The NHRA was originally founded by Wally Parks in 1951. However, four years later, with a desire to promote drag racing as a legitimate sport, and to have it in a safe and controlled environment, the U.S. Nationals (known only then as the Nationals) were born. The event was initially held at the Municipal Airport in Great Bend, Kansas. That first year, a rainstorm came through, and the final three rounds had to be held in Phoenix a few weeks later. In Phoenix, Calvin Rice beat Fritz Voight by running a 10.30 at 141.95 mph.
In 1958, the event was moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and took place at the State Fairgrounds. It was only there for a year, and in 1959 it moved to the Detroit Dragway, in Detroit, Michigan where it stayed for two years.
In 1961, the U.S. Nationals finally established a home. The event was moved to Indianapolis Raceway Park (now Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park) in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has remained there ever since. This location provided a stable venue for the U.S. Nationals and allowed it to grow into the annual spectacle it is today.
Since the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, Indianapolis has had a rich history of auto racing, and this helped drag racing flourish. It was an ideal location, and the track’s facilities and infrastructure helped accommodate the growing needs of the event. In the 1960s, the competition was fierce, and this attracted drag racing enthusiasts to this premier event year after year. It also gained significant media coverage during this time, and became a must-attend event.
In the 1970s, the U.S. Nationals continued to grow in size and stature. More fans attended the event, and the competition included a wider range of classes and categories. There were more technological advances, leading to faster speeds, and also more safety protocols to protect both the drivers and spectators.
During the 1980s and the 1990s, the U.S. Nationals became known for its dramatic finishes and high-stakes racing, further solidifying its status as a premier event. The U.S. Nationals continued to expand its schedule to include more classes and events. New additions like the "Hemi Challenge" and "Big Bud Shootout" attracted a wider range of participants and fans. In addition to this, the event became a week-long festival, featuring car shows, concerts, and interactive displays, making it a celebration of automotive culture.
When the 2000s rolled around, the NHRA was very focused on track preparation and safety, there were significant improvements made in those areas as this race attracted the top racers from around the world. In 2007, the NHRA introduced the “Countdown to the Championship” format, which added a new, exciting layer to the U.S. Nationals. It made this race a critical turning point for competitors, and it often determined championship contenders. The U.S. Nationals remains the highlight of the NHRA calendar as the event continues to attract the best racers in the world and offers a platform for new talents to emerge. Categories like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle see intense competition, with racers pushing the limits of speed and performance.
NOTABLE MOMENTS
1958: The U.S. Nationals in Oklahoma City was the first drag racing event to be televised nationally, bringing the sport to a broader audience and increasing its popularity significantly.
1960: The introduction of the Stock Eliminator class brought attention to factory-produced cars, allowing everyday fans to compete.
1963: "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, one of the most famous names in drag racing, made his U.S. Nationals debut. Garlits' innovative contributions to the sport, such as the rear-engine dragster, revolutionized drag racing safety and performance.
1965: Don Prudhomme won his first U.S. Nationals in the Top Fuel category, marking the beginning of a legendary career. Prudhomme would go on to become one of the most famous and successful drag racers in history.
1970: Ed "The Ace" McCulloch made history by running the first 6-second pass in a Funny Car at the U.S. Nationals. This performance marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Funny Car speeds and technology.
1970: The Pro Stock category was introduced at the U.S. Nationals. This class, featuring heavily modified factory cars, became a fan favorite and a staple of NHRA competition.
1982: Shirley Muldowney became the first woman to win the U.S. Nationals in the Top Fuel category. Her victory was a significant milestone for women in motorsports and helped pave the way for future female racers.
1992: Kenny Bernstein broke the 300 mph barrier at the U.S. Nationals, becoming the first driver to exceed this speed in a Top Fuel dragster. This achievement marked a new era of speed in drag racing.
1996: Angelle Sampey became the first woman to win a Pro Stock Motorcycle race at the U.S. Nationals.
2000: John Force became the first Funny Car driver to run a 4-second pass at the U.S. Nationals.
2003: Tony Schumacher set a record with a 336.15 mph run, showcasing the incredible speeds achieved in modern drag racing. Schumacher’s performance highlighted the advancements in drag racing technology and the evolution of the sport.
2012: Antron Brown became the first African-American driver to win the Top Fuel category at the U.S. Nationals. Brown's victory was a significant moment in the sport's history, promoting diversity and inclusion in drag racing.
2020: The 2020 U.S. Nationals faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the event was held with health and safety protocols in place, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the NHRA and the drag racing community.
The NHRA U.S. Nationals is more than just a race; it's a celebration of drag racing culture. It honors the sport's history while pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. The event is a testament to the passion and dedication of racers, teams, and fans who have made drag racing one of the most thrilling motorsports in the world.
The 70th NHRA U.S. Nationals are due to take place at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park August 28 - September 2, 2024.