Drag Racing

Drag Racing began in the USA in the 1940’s.  The idea was simplicity itself.  Drivers in two dragsters would race each other to see who could be the quickest over a measured distance.  Disused airfield runways and sections of public highways were used at first.  In 1951, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) was founded to govern the ever-growing sport, with races run over a quarter of a mile (1,320 ft).  Some races are now held over a 1,000 ft. distance.

Over many years, different classes of drag racing have evolved and dragsters run in classes such as Top Fuel, Top Fuel Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Modified.  A Top Fuel dragster can reach over 330 mph and cover the distance of a dragstrip in under 3.7 seconds.

Today, drag racing is popular in many countries around the World.  In the UK, the Santa Pod Raceway opened in 1966 and has been the main venue in this country ever since.  Details of upcoming events can be found at santapod.co.uk  (All of the background photos used here were taken at Santa Pod).

There is also a dragster museum in the USA.  The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing can be found at Ocala in Florida.

1957 Don Garlits Swamp Rat 1. Model by GMP
1964 Don Garlits Swamp Rat VI. Model by GMP
1966 Don Garlits Swamp Rat X. Model by Corgi
1936 -39 Austin 7 Ruby 2-door saloon. Model by Corgi
1953 Studebaker Champion. Model by Mattel
1970's Ford Capri. Model by Corgi
1970 Commuter Dragster. Model by Corgi
1962 Tommy Greer/Keith Black/Don "The Snake" Prudhomme Dragster. Model by GMP
1970 Quartermaster Dragster. Model by Corgi
1968/1969 Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen Dragster. Model by Corgi
1994 Dragster celebrating the US Nationals 40th Anniversary. Model by Corgi
Top Fuel Dragster
Detail of Top Fuel Dragster
Detail of Top Fuel Dragster
Detail of Top Fuel Dragster