The records and car classifications of 1959
posted by NHRA.com staff
Jack Beckman: NHRA Funny Car driver, drag racing instructor, car guy, and hot-rod historian. During this pause in racing action, Jack is taking us through his favorite moments in drag racing history.
In the early days of drag racing there were lots of cars, lots of would-be racers, and lots of open land. The one thing in short supply was the structure needed to bring early hot rodders together to turn them into drag racers. Wally Parks, and his vision of a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), promised to do just that.
In Episode 10 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—Jack recounts the closing of the Santa Ana Drags, parachutes becoming state of the art for cars hitting 130 mph, and “TV” Tommy Ivo selling his famous 1925 Ford for $2,000—a car he later offered $250,000 for, and was turned down. Also in this episode, Don Garlits goes 183 mph, NHRA has 100 stockers show up to the U.S. Nationals, Jack explains the nature of NHRA car classifications, and the Chrysler Ramchargers make their debut.
Watch Episode 1 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—From Hot Rod Magazine to National Dragster
Watch Episode 2 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—How NHRA Created Sanctioned Drag Racing
Watch Episode 8 of Hot rod history with Jack Beckman—In 1958, drag racing innovation booms!
Watch Episode 9 of Hot rod history with Jack Beckman— A quintessential year in drag racing begins in 1959
Watch Episode 10 of Hot rod history with Jack Beckman—The records and car classifications of 1959
Future installments will be hosted on DodgeGarage.com, NHRA.com, and Jack Beckman’s Facebook page. All episodes will ultimately be indexed on all three platforms for your reference and enjoyment.
What is Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman: A Quarter-Mile at a Time?
This is a master’s class in drag racing, taught by a 300-mph professor. Jack Beckman offers a unique perspective on our sport, as one of the few active NHRA racers who’s also student of the sport’s technology, history, records, and exceptional moments. We are joining Jack on this journey, and partnering with Jack and Dodge Garage to share the experience.