Close Menu
    Subscribe
    Articles

    History Of The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals At Detroit Dragway

    admin9e17By Updated:No Comments9 Mins Read

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway is a story of drag racing’s growth in the U.S. It was a major event that brought together the best drivers and teams. Detroit Dragway 1960 was the place where this historic event took place.

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway is linked to the NHRA U.S. Nationals’ start in 1955 at Great Bend Municipal Airport, Kansas. Today, it’s the longest-running Labor Day motorsports event in the U.S. The 1960 event was a highlight, with top drivers and teams in classes like Top Fuel Dragster and Pro Stock.

    Key Takeaways

    • The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway was a significant event in the history of drag racing.
    • The NHRA U.S. Nationals 1960 featured top drivers and teams competing for the top prize.
    • Detroit Dragway 1960 was the venue for the event, which marked a milestone in the history of drag racing.
    • The history of the 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway is closely tied to the development of the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
    • The event has become the longest-running Labor Day motorsports event in the United States.
    • The NHRA U.S. Nationals 1960 was sanctioned by the NHRA, which was founded by Wally Parks.

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway shows drag racing’s lasting appeal in the U.S. It has a long history with many classes and competitors. The 1960 event was a key moment, with top talent vying for the win. This event’s history is celebrated by fans and competitors today.

    Setting the Stage: Detroit Dragway in 1960

    Detroit Dragway in 1960 was a key spot for nhra drag racing history. It hosted many detroit dragway drag racing events. The track’s location and quality racing experience made it a top racing spot.

    As the detroit dragway 1960 season went on, it became a hit with drivers and fans. Its unique features and challenges made it exciting for nhra drag racing history fans.

    The track’s specs and features were key to its success. Its length, surface, and amenities offered a top-notch racing experience. Pre-event prep was also vital, ensuring the track was ready for detroit dragway drag racing events.

    The focus on detail and excellence made Detroit Dragway stand out in NHRA drag racing history.

    Highlights of the 1960 U.S. Nationals

    • Location: Detroit Dragway, Michigan

    • Dates: Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5, 1960

    • Attendance: Over 50,000 spectators

    • Cars Entered: Approximately 1,000 cars

    • Notable Classes: Top Eliminator (the equivalent of today’s Top Fuel), Stock Eliminator, and Modified Production

    The Rise of Detroit as a Racing Hub

    Detroit became a racing hub thanks to its location and commitment to quality racing. The city’s nhra drag racing history and love for detroit dragway drag racing events made it perfect for Detroit Dragway.

    Track Specifications and Features

    The track’s design aimed to offer a challenging and exciting race. Detroit Dragway’s unique features and challenges made it a favorite. Its detroit dragway 1960 season was unforgettable in nhra drag racing history.

    Pre-event Preparations

    Pre-event prep was crucial for Detroit Dragway’s success. The setup and testing ensured the track was ready for detroit dragway drag racing events. Detroit Dragway’s commitment to excellence made it a standout in nhra drag racing history.

    The Evolution of NHRA U.S. Nationals

    The NHRA U.S. Nationals started in the 1950s. It was founded by Wally Parks in 1951. Today, it has over 50,000 members and more than 35,000 licensed competitors. The nhra drag racing history includes legendary winners like Don Garlits, who won the 1960 nhra u.s. nationals event.

    The nhra u.s. nationals 1960 was a key moment in drag racing. It saw many winners and record-breaking runs. Over time, the event has changed with new rules, tracks, and competitors. Now, the NHRA has 120 member tracks across North America, hosting races weekly in seven regions.

    The NHRA U.S. Nationals has a long and rich history. It has seen many changes and new technologies. The nhra u.s. nationals 1960 was a pivotal moment in drag racing. Its legacy still impacts the sport today.

    Qualifying Rounds and Competition Classes

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway was a thrilling event. Top drivers and teams competed hard to make it to the finals. The nhra drag racing history saw new talent and car designs emerge.

    In the top fuel division, drivers reached incredible speeds. They set new records, pushing their cars to the limit.

    The 1960 nhra u.s. nationals highlights included the stock eliminator and competition eliminator categories. These showed off the drivers’ and teams’ skills and strategies. The nhra u.s. nationals detroit dragway results showed the fierce competition. It was a key moment in nhra drag racing history.

     

    History Of The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals At Detroit Dragway: Event Highlights

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway was a key moment in nhra drag racing history. It showed the sport’s top talent. The event’s 1960 nhra u.s. nationals highlights are still talked about today. It solidified its spot in the nhra u.s. nationals detroit dragway archive.

    Highlights from the event include record-breaking runs and fierce competition. The nhra u.s. nationals detroit dragway archive gives us a peek into the excitement of 1960. It shows 1960 nhra u.s. nationals highlights that still excite drag racing fans.

     

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals had a big impact on nhra drag racing history. As the sport grows, this event’s legacy stays strong. The 1960 nhra u.s. nationals highlights remind us of the excitement and competition in drag racing.

    Notable Racers and Record-Breaking Runs

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway was a big deal. Don Garlits, who later became a legend, was there. George Montgomery, a top driver, won in 1959, 1960, and 1963. His Cadillac engine was special, with a supercharger that gave him a boost.

    Montgomery was great at using new tech. He won the 1963 Nationals, the first with the Christmas Tree system. He also got a new Ford Falcon Ranchero as a prize.

    The “Frantic Four” team was also famous. They won 6 out of 9 fuel races in 1963 at Pomona. They even set a speed record of 202.24 MPH at an NHRA event. Their success got them on magazine covers like Car Craft and Hot Rod.

    Impact on American Drag Racing Culture

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway was a big deal for American drag racing. It brought new tech and driving skills to the table. The nhra drag racing history is full of innovation and competition, with this event being a key moment.

    The 1960 nhra u.s. nationals winners raised the bar for speed and performance. They showed what was possible, pushing limits.

    The detroit dragway drag racing events became more popular, drawing fans from everywhere. The mix of speed, skill, and showmanship made it exciting. The nhra drag racing history is rich with legendary drivers and their cars.

    As the sport grew, new tech and innovations came along. This made the races faster and more thrilling.

    Today, the 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals’ legacy is still seen in drag racing. Its impact on American drag racing culture is still felt. Many modern drivers and teams look up to the pioneers of the sport.

    The detroit dragway drag racing events are still loved, and the nhra drag racing history keeps growing. Each new generation of drivers and fans adds to the story.

    Notable Cars and Drivers from the 1960 U.S. Nationals

    Driver Car Class Notable Achievement
    Leonard Harris Albertson Olds Dragster Top Eliminator Winner, Top Eliminator
    Jack Chrisman Howard Cam Special Top Eliminator Semifinalist
    Don Nicholson Chevrolet Stocker Stock Eliminator Became a drag racing legend
    Art Chrisman Hustler I Top Eliminator Early drag racing pioneer
    Lloyd Scott Bustle Bomb (Twin-engine dragster) Exhibition Run First twin-engine dragster

    1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals – Key Winners

    1. Top Eliminator (Equivalent to Top Fuel Today)

    • Winner: Leonard Harris

    • Car: Albertson Olds Dragster

    • Engine: Blown Oldsmobile V8

    • Notable Achievement:
      Leonard Harris drove the       Albertson Olds dragster to victory, securing the Top Eliminator title. The win was significant because it showcased the effectiveness of supercharged engines running on nitromethane fuel, marking a turning point in drag racing technology.

      The Albertson Olds was one of the first successful nitro-burning dragsters, helping pave the way for the modern Top Fuel class.

    Stock Eliminator

    • Winner: Don Nicholson

    • Car: 1959 Chevrolet

    • Notable Achievement:
      “Dyno” Don Nicholson emerged victorious in the Stock Eliminator class, driving a Chevrolet Stocker. He would go on to become one of the most legendary figures in drag racing, earning the nickname “Dyno Don” for his expertise in tuning engines on dynamometers.

    Little Eliminator

    • Winner: Jack Chrisman
    • Car: Howard Cam Special
    • Notable Achievement:
      Jack Chrisman, another iconic name in drag racing, won the       Little Eliminator category. His victory further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s top drivers.

    4. Middle Eliminator

    • Winner: Maurice Richman
    • Car: Dragster
    • Notable Achievement:
      Richman captured the       Middle Eliminator title with a strong performance in his dragster. His win added to the growing popularity of the drag racing scene in Detroit.

    5. Street Eliminator

    • Winner: Bud Faust
    • Car: 1957 Chevrolet
    • Notable Achievement:
      Bud Faust won the       Street Eliminator class, which featured street-legal cars competing on the strip. This class was one of the crowd favorites, showcasing the growing influence of factory-built muscle cars.

    6. Junior Eliminator

    • Winner: Bill Coburn
    • Car: Modified Roadster
    • Notable Achievement:
      Bill Coburn won the       Junior Eliminator category with a modified roadster, a popular car type at the time.

     Exhibition Run: Bustle Bomb

    One of the most memorable moments of the 1960 Nationals was an exhibition run by Lloyd Scott in the Bustle Bomb, a twin-engine dragster. This car was one of the first twin-engine dragsters ever built, featuring two Cadillac V8 engines — one in the front and one in the rear. The car was a crowd favorite and helped push innovation in dragster design.

    Conclusion: Legacy of the 1960 Nationals

    The 1960 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Detroit Dragway made a lasting impact on drag racing. It showed off the amazing skills and tech of the racers. It also helped the sport grow and change.

    The event’s legacy is seen in the stories of racers like Don Nicholson and the Tignanelli family. Their hard work and love for the sport have inspired many. As the NHRA U.S. Nationals marks its 50th year, it reminds us of its lasting influence on drag racing.

    Source Links

    Share.

    Related Posts

    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply