Drag Racing in the 1960s: The Evolution in Race Car Technology
The 1960s were a fascinating decade on the race scene. Relive the memories today through this wonderful new book.
Drag racing has a long and storied history. Many have said that the first drag race happened shortly after the second car was made. While that may or may not be true, racing prior to World War II was mostly centered around dry-lake activities and top-speed runs. After the war, drag racing became organized with the formation of the NHRA, and during the 1950s, many tracks were built across America to accommodate the racers. Technology in the 1950s centered on the manufacturers updating old flathead designs into newer overhead-valve designs, and the horsepower race really started to heat up.
In many forms of racing, the 1960s brought technological evolution. The decade began with big engines in even bigger stock chassis and ended with purpose-built race-only chassis, fiberglass bodies, fuel injection, nitro methane, and blowers. Quarter-mile times that were in the 13-second range in the beginning of the decade were in the 7-second range by the end. New classes were formed, dedicated cars were built for them, and many racers themselves became recognized names in the sports landscape.
In Drag Racing In the 1960s: The Evolution in Race Car Technology, veteran author Doug Boyce takes you on a ride through the entire decade from a technological point of view rather than a results-based one. Covered are all the classes, including Super Stocks, Altered Wheelbase cars (which led to Funny Cars), Top Fuelers, Gassers, and more.
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"Boyce's book gives a good look at how drag racing evolved in the 1960s and it highlights the changes that helped to make the sport what it is today."--Herb Anastor "Area Auto Racing News" (11/2/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"There's far too much crowded into the book's 176 softcover pages to cover in the space allotted for this review, so you'll have to take our word for it that for fans of serious drag tech, this is a must-have."--Jim Donnelly "Hemmings Motor News" (11/15/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"In typical CarTech fashion, the book is all color, with superbly chosen photos, and a pleasure to read. The content is a welcome change of focus. Recommended."--Logan Gray "Sports Car Market" (4/8/2022 12:00:00 AM)
"Whether you're nostalgic for those heady days, or keen to learn more about them, Drag Racing in the 1960s is a title you need to read."--Mark J. McCourt "Hemmings Muscle Machines" (12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM)