Classic Drag Racing Video

As many of you, I can still remember the first time I tasted Nitro Methane and his run through my veins ever since then.  The video is from the 1986 Winter Nationals and really shows the advances we have seen in the sport in just those few years.  John Force was still a pup and Darryl Gwynn got his first win whom we lost too soon just a few years ago.  The items that really popped out to me as I was viewing the video were the use of the diapers around the blower units and the engine block.  In addition, I noticed they were only using one parachute on the Top Fuel guys and Joe Amato almost took it into the fence.  I also notcied during the interviews with the drivers, not HANS devise was being used yet.  Little advances in technology were also noticed.  Kenney Bernstein was using on board computers and was also the first driver to wind tunnel test his bodys.  Pretty crazy how that is just part of the normal process of design and development.  I also noticed the Pro Stock drivers had very little aero packages for their rides.  The most aero car of the day was the Ford Thunderbird.  What also struck me as unique were the ages of the drivers.  Some lost too soon and some still pounding around on the pavement.  In 1986, John Force still had not won his first national event.  He has since gone on to build a powerhouse 4-car team with 13 national championships.  Kenny Bernstein stopped racing and ultimately stopped running his program altogether this past season.  His son Brandon Bernstein is now driving for Lucas Racing.  Pretty incrdedible video and am glad I found it while looking up videos from friend of the show and the FIRST female driver to win a national Pro Stock event, Ms. Erica Enders.  Congrats to EE on her two wins this season and thanks for allowing TRS to be a part of that with you.

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