In life as in great careers, Drag Racing included, when you touch the heart of your fans - they remember you years later. This is true in the NHRA Drag Racing circuit in which we've seen exciting and thrilling races, and tragedy strike on and off the tracks. These events draw us closer to the teams, drivers, and there are many stories to be told.
John Force is a great racer, whom has always been a fans favorite, and currently is not only a driver in these amazing drag racing machines, he owns a few of them too. He is one of the many who have been very successful, and, took drag racing to another level by introducing his daughters into this fast-n-furious sport. Drag racers, Courtney and Brittany drag race just like their Dad, and are very competitive, with great showmanship. His racing team of drivers are excellent, with an amazing competitive edge. Moreover, the fans love Force Racing!
Historically, one of the most recognized name's in the NHRA drag racing circuit is "Big Daddy" Donald Garlits! “Big Daddy” Don Garlits is #1 in Drag Racing of names to remember. He was so good, his driving attire and drag racing Top Fuel machine was on display in none other than the Smithsonian Institutes in Washington DC. It was amazing when I was visiting the museum and saw the Dragster he drove, along with his racing attire. And, I thought to myself, "WOW, what big of a privilege to have your racing abilities displayed at our Nation’s Capital in the prestigious Smithsonian Museum! How cool is that?"
Coming from a family close to racing, our prayers were with the Glidden family when we heard of the passing of beloved “Bob Glidden” who passed away on December 2017. It was a great loss to the NHRA Drag Racing circuit. He was one of the great drag racing icons. Bob Glidden was, and still is truly admired by many, and will not be forgotten as one of the truly great ones. He was one of the most dominant forces in the history of NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing, with his career lasting over 25 years, until his passing in 2017. Glidden retired from Pro Stock in 1997, returning to show his drag racing fans just how good he is in 2010. Glidden’s wife was present at this year’s Lucas Oil, Chevy Performance Drag Race in Clermont, Indiana as the NHRA had a nice tribute to his life as one of the great drag racers in the many years of drag racing.
Connie Kalitta “Bounty Hunter” and his drag racer, Nephew, Doug Kalitta have earned their spot in the history books. The Kalitta’s are not only into Drag Racing, they also have a very prestigious and well-known business, Kalitta Air. Connie founded this amazing company, and his nephew, Doug Kalitta owns it. Kalitta’s fleet of jets fly an extremely large amount of cargo all over the world. This include's transporting an injured racehorse from the Kentucky Derby to helping those in serious need of medical transportation. And, they are the sole company that has a contract with the US government to fly the remains of soldiers to their final resting places. After my interview with Doug Kalitta it made me realize not only is the Kalitta’s about drag racing, they truly care about helping others. And,this was one more great NHRA story to be told.
Danny Ongais also known as "On-Gas" and "The Flyin' Hawaiian." who was also an oval track racer at the infamous Indianapolis 500 as other types of racing, Ongais is the only native Hawaiian to compete in the Indianapolis 500. He competed professionally in motorcycle, sports car, Formula One, and Drag Racing. Ongais was said to be notoriously reclusive, rarely giving interviews, but he did make the National Hot Rod Association Top 50 Drivers, 1951-2000, and was ranked 39th.
Shirley Muldowney, also known professionally as "Cha Cha" and the "First Lady of Drag Racing". She was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a Top Fuel dragster. Shirley was at this year’s NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway signing autographs and letting her fans over the many years know she cares and loves her fans. Muldowney noted, "NHRA fought me every inch of the way, but when they saw how a girl could fill the stands; they saw I was good for the sport! She was ranked number 5 on the National Hot Rod Association's 50th Anniversary list of its Top 50 Drivers, and deserves it!
Other driver's you may remember who have made their mark include Don Prudhomme, also known as the "The Snake". Prudhomme known for his yellow 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that he match raced Tom McEwen in his red 1970 Plymouth Duster, named Mongoose. This is what got both drivers to gain attention from Mattel's "Hot Wheels" toy versions of the cars. Hot Wheels was a favorite of mine growing up and they celebrated their 35th anniversary in 2005. Don Prudhomme was ranked #3 on the National Hot Rod Association Top 50 List.
Kenny Bernstein, "Bud King" or “The King of Speed”, was the first driver to break 300 miles per hour in the standing-start quarter mile. Bernstein has also been influential in adjusting safety standards on NHRA racecars and safety restraints. Safety is very important in any vehicle and Bernstein takes is very serious, as his son was severely injured in the 2002 NHRA season.
These drag racing legends all have attained incredible success in the NHRA Drag Racing circuit, and had some exiting, unbelievable, really cool great moments throughout their amazing careers. 2018 - The NHRA has some amazing racers from years gone by to our present time, to which one of the NHRA drag racers JR Todd took the win over Matt Hagen, in his DHL Funny Car at Lucas Oil Raceway on Monday September 3, 2018.
Terry McMillen is another racer to put in the books of great Drag Racers as he took the win over a personal favrotite of mine, with an amazing story to tell, Doug Kalatta, in his Amalie Motor Oil Top Fuel Dragster.
Tanner Gray took the win in Pro stock, winning over Jeg Couglin Jr. Then we have our Pro stock Motorcycle winner LE Longlet, who defeated Eddie Krawiec. This year’s NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway had some energetic racing, fast and furious racing and a lot of great Racer Drivers who will someday, maybe be amongst the great racers of days gone by, and make it to one of the TOP 50 Drivers of all times!
Do you have a favorite NHRA Driver or Team?Plan Your Visit To Lucas Oil Raceway
Visit the Lucas Oil Raceway website for current schedules of upcoming races and events.
By: Judy Worley
