I liked the smoke run '60s era before top fuel guys were taking clutch springs out and getting killed. I'm from Amarillo but missed this one as I was in Phoenix. I used to like the Texas vs California match races back then to get a look at the teams I could only see in magazines otherwise. Other match races back then like Karamesines vs Bobby Langley in '66 to see who could be 1st over 200 mph in Amarillo. They both did it but the Greek got there 1st and backed it up 1st. Bobby backed his next run smoking all the way through the back door and that was where the motor blew. Don't know what his compression was but I had heard him in the pits talking about "tipping the can" before that pass . . . good times..
The era of true drag racing to many fans. No, not the fastest runs, but the sport sure had a certain character then. No electronics, a 1/4 mi strip and more driver skill. A big thanks to Nick for sharing these great old videos.
Thanks for the post... Those were the days.... Seeing that interview with Phil Castronovo was priceless to me.. He was one of the terrors of the Northeast, and one of my favorites. And the Trojan Horse of Dohaney and Fullerton was one of the most beautiful Funny Cars of all time. Thanks again...was wonderful to relive those days.
I was sitting in the stands on the pit side near the start line.I am in those shots, getting covered in tire smoke that was carrying little balls of rubber from the burnouts. It didn't take long for all of us sitting there to realize we were getting spotted by the tire smoke when the burnout is done across the line the wind carried the smoke to the stands and we covered up. Had the little balls on my hat, coat and glasses. It was fantastic. Surprised not to hear the name Carroll Caudle from Amarillo and his MP 55 Chevy. We had the Finals for three years but the weather in October is not conducive to uninterrupted racing that late in the year, Such a great time. I worked at a grocery store on one of the main roads to/from the track. The eastern racers used to load up on Coors Beer and take it back east. Still say the idea for Smokey and the Bandit came form this race... so many more cool stories to share...
Sure the cars are much faster now but the funny cars all look the same with stickers on them no custom paint jobs space tape or gold leaf on them anymore.
The 70s was probably the best decade for "professional drag racing" with multiple sponsorships. 1972 specifically was when big changes occurred. Detroit began detuning muscle cars, many tracks closed and the NHRA eliminated many classes and condensed others separating the men from the boys! 1966 in my opinion, was the best year for the sport.
I wish I could have gone to a drag race where they had 32-car fields in the nitro classes. Somehow I feel as though I have lived a deprived life. Can NHRA figure out a way to contain costs and get more cars out there? Smaller blowers, lower nitro percent, no automated clutch timers, outlaw carbon fiber components, etc.
I never met Larry Fullerton but later met his wife after his untimely death. Emile was a great person. Really enjoyed all the old photos she showed me from back in the day.
That crash @ 17:54 was brutal ! I was afraid when he went airborne, it wouldn’t end well and sure enough.. Of course I’m not talking about the car, but rather the poor guy who jumped the wall and fell on his ass on the track 🤣😂
Does anybody here have a video for the world finals in 1973? My father randy heer people call him rocketman. He was in the world finals and I cannot find the video anywhere
I was looking for the super stock class. Nhra said a piece of paper flew in front of the car and they disqualified him. Really tring to find this video have been for years. I heard it was on the wild world of sports.
General Sherman I just watched that part of the video and stopped it so I could make a comment about it then saw yours. Yea that has to be wrong. 119mph maybe. Probably 109 and he confused 0 with 6.
There's talking about hitting the guardrail about the time this guy's jumping over the guardrail and bust his ass all over the track LOL, at about 1750
I have been a drag racing fan for over 50 years. The 70s were the best years for the sport.
I liked the smoke run '60s era before top fuel guys were taking clutch springs out and getting killed. I'm from Amarillo but missed this one as I was in Phoenix. I used to like the Texas vs California match races back then to get a look at the teams I could only see in magazines otherwise. Other match races back then like Karamesines vs Bobby Langley in '66 to see who could be 1st over 200 mph in Amarillo. They both did it but the Greek got there 1st and backed it up 1st. Bobby backed his next run smoking all the way through the back door and that was where the motor blew. Don't know what his compression was but I had heard him in the pits talking about "tipping the can" before that pass . . . good times..
The era of true drag racing to many fans. No, not the fastest runs, but the sport sure had a certain character then. No electronics, a 1/4 mi strip and more driver skill. A big thanks to Nick for sharing these great old videos.
Wholly crap I was there!! I was 11 years old and had pit passes. I still have the patch I bought while there!
Me too , I was 17.........good times
I really hated losing the world finals here, just never been the same.........
Thanks for the post...
Those were the days....
Seeing that interview with Phil Castronovo was priceless to me..
He was one of the terrors of the Northeast, and one of my favorites.
And the Trojan Horse of Dohaney and Fullerton was one of the most
beautiful Funny Cars of all time.
Thanks again...was wonderful to relive those days.
Joe Williamson is still racing!!! A very humble man, I love sitting around listening to his stories
I love old videos like this, the sport was so much more human and so much less computerized!
I was sitting in the stands on the pit side near the start line.I am in those shots, getting covered in tire smoke that was carrying little balls of rubber from the burnouts. It didn't take long for all of us sitting there to realize we were getting spotted by the tire smoke when the burnout is done across the line the wind carried the smoke to the stands and we covered up. Had the little balls on my hat, coat and glasses. It was fantastic. Surprised not to hear the name Carroll Caudle from Amarillo and his MP 55 Chevy. We had the Finals for three years but the weather in October is not conducive to uninterrupted racing that late in the year, Such a great time. I worked at a grocery store on one of the main roads to/from the track. The eastern racers used to load up on Coors Beer and take it back east. Still say the idea for Smokey and the Bandit came form this race... so many more cool stories to share...
So simple back then, no computers or clutch management systems.
Your left foot was the clutch management system.
Thanks for posting - I'm sitting here shut in during the Coronavirus. Never saw any of this footage before.
Sure the cars are much faster now but the funny cars all look the same with stickers on them no custom paint jobs space tape or gold leaf on them anymore.
Thank you Nick...that was a great show.
The best times of drag racing for sure! No computers.
5 rounds for the win. Barely 16 show up now. F/C winner Larry looked like he was covered in clutch dust and maybe some oil. Gotta love it. Great video
The 70s was probably the best decade for "professional drag racing" with multiple sponsorships. 1972 specifically was when big changes occurred. Detroit began detuning muscle cars, many tracks closed and the NHRA eliminated many classes and condensed others separating the men from the boys! 1966 in my opinion, was the best year for the sport.
17:49 that dude biffing it over the guard rail....lmao 🤣
Thank you.. NHRA
Always and forever
Amen...
I wish I could have gone to a drag race where they had 32-car fields in the nitro classes. Somehow I feel as though I have lived a deprived life. Can NHRA figure out a way to contain costs and get more cars out there? Smaller blowers, lower nitro percent, no automated clutch timers, outlaw carbon fiber components, etc.
Loved this Vintage NHRA film. Where can I get a copy of this film?
I never met Larry Fullerton but later met his wife after his untimely death.
Emile was a great person.
Really enjoyed all the old photos she showed me from back in the day.
Saved the best for last. Larry Fullerton looks like he was fresh off the Spahn Ranch.
I was there , grew up in Amarillo. Kelly Chadwicks wife was the librarian at the elementary school I attended.
What a great time this was.
Good times....respect for others and drag racing!
Great time, great people...
Went to Amarillo in the late 1960's
That crash @ 17:54 was brutal ! I was afraid when he went airborne, it wouldn’t end well and sure enough..
Of course I’m not talking about the car, but rather the poor guy who jumped the wall and fell on his ass on the track 🤣😂
LOL!!
I think the last race I attended was when an airplane crashed into the upper bleachers near the end. Sad day
Funny seeing John Weibe in a rear engine 392 against a 426 powered slingshot , lol.
How many years were the world finals held in Amarillo?
Does anybody here have a video for the world finals in 1973? My father randy heer people call him rocketman. He was in the world finals and I cannot find the video anywhere
czcams.com/video/G9bnEDKVkPs/video.html
I was looking for the super stock class. Nhra said a piece of paper flew in front of the car and they disqualified him. Really tring to find this video have been for years. I heard it was on the wild world of sports.
@@rrautomotive3643 You might try the folks at Amarillo Motorsports Hall of Fame. You can find them on FB.
Thank you mr.bobby appreciate it
I contacted them and they said they didn't have it
17:50
LOL drunk guy runs into a guard rail
He thought he was cool trying to jump the guard rail lol...
I like drag racing
Any one know a rick massie from this era?
17:53 concussion
12.2 @ 169mph? What a goofy ass timeslip, that has to be wrong lol
General Sherman I just watched that part of the video and stopped it so I could make a comment about it then saw yours. Yea that has to be wrong. 119mph maybe. Probably 109 and he confused 0 with 6.
It's won by points system now, not a one hit wander.
There's talking about hitting the guardrail about the time this guy's jumping over the guardrail and bust his ass all over the track LOL, at about 1750
I'm sure Linda Vaughn could shift a stick alright.....
Fantastic and no John Force and his little girls...
Seguros Santa Lucia
@12.27
Guy can't afford a hat, so uses his lamp shade instead....
During the day he wears it, looks good on him