NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Hot rod history with Jack Beckman—Episode 4: How the Drag Safari created the sport of drag racing we know today

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.
01 Jun 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
 
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 4 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—How a Pomona motorcycle cop, a technical specialist, and a Hot Rod Magazine photographer turned into the Drag Safari—the precursor to the NHRA Safety Safari—and launched the sport of drag racing as we know it today.

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 3 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—How Pomona Became Drag Racing's Hallowed Ground

Watch Episode 4 of Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman—The Drag Safari—the precursor to the NHRA Safety Safari

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.