{"product_id":"drag-racing-in-the-1970s-hubert-platt-georgia-shaker-2-book-set","title":"Drag Racing in the 1970s \u0026 Hubert Platt \"Georgia Shaker\" 2 Book Set","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003ch1\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s: A Sensational Decade of Speed and Innovation\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Step back into the thrilling world of the 1970s with this captivating book that chronicles a \n    groundbreaking decade in drag racing history. While drag racing began in the 1950s as a fledgling \n    sport, it experienced extraordinary technological progress during the 1960s. By the 1970s, the \n    sport reached new heights of sophistication, ushering in a new era of professionalism. As larger, \n    well-funded teams dominated the national stage, smaller, budget-conscious teams were often forced \n    to step back or compete in lower-cost classes.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Despite these changes, the 1970s proved to be one of the most dynamic periods in drag racing. It \n    was an era of innovation, with exciting new classes and technological advancements shaping the \n    sport. Funny Cars transformed from altered-wheelbase doorslammers of the 1960s into full-fledged, \n    tube-chassis, fiberglass-bodied machines by 1970. This evolution paved the way for the creation of \n    the Pro Stock class, a fan-favorite that brought fierce rivalries and direct ties to Detroit’s \n    major automakers. In the name of safety and performance, Top Fuel cars shifted to mid-engine designs, \n    becoming faster and more aerodynamic. By the end of the decade, Funny Cars had nearly evolved into \n    full-bodied versions of their Top Fuel counterparts. Many of these 1970s developments continue to \n    influence NHRA racing today.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e, written by veteran racing historian Doug Boyce, offers \n    a comprehensive, chronological look at this exciting decade. Packed with vivid photography and \n    insightful commentary, the book dives into the cars, classes, and iconic drivers that defined the \n    era. Readers will uncover the rise of big-money sponsors, the transition to professionalism, and \n    the role of lower-budget classes like Modified Eliminator and Super Stock. This richly illustrated \n    tribute is a must-have addition to any drag racing enthusiast’s library.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe first book to focus exclusively on drag racing in the 1970s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFeatures rare, never-before-published photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCovers the birth of new classes, legendary drivers, and unforgettable stories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Doug Boyce’s passion for drag racing has spanned a lifetime. From turning his first wrench at age 8 \n    to attending his first race at age 10, Doug was hooked by the adrenaline-filled world of burning \n    rubber and roaring engines. By his teenage years, he was fully immersed in building classic cars \n    and indulging his passion for the sport. Balancing a career in the automotive industry, Doug also \n    dedicated his free time to documenting drag racing’s golden years through club and magazine articles. \n    His deep knowledge and ongoing love for the sport have culminated in several acclaimed books, \n    including \u003cem\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGrumpy’s Toys\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJunior Stock\u003c\/em\u003e, and \n    \u003cem\u003e1001 Drag Racing Facts\u003c\/em\u003e, among others.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Whether you’re a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer looking to explore its rich history, \n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compelling read that captures the essence of one of \n    the most exciting decades in motorsport.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWebster’s Dictionary lists the term showman as “a notably spectacular, dramatic, or effective performer.” In the art of drag racing, \u003cstrong\u003eHubert Platt \u003c\/strong\u003echecked all boxes. Known as the \u003cstrong\u003e“Georgia Shaker,”\u003c\/strong\u003e Platt cut his motoring teeth on the long straightaways and twisty back roads of South Carolina while bootlegging moonshine. After a run-in with the law in 1958, Platt transferred his driving skills from illegal activity to sanctioned drag racing and began one of the most dominant runs in drag racing history until his retirement in 1977.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter stints in 1957, 1938, and 1962 Chevrolets, Platt’s next ride was a \u003cstrong\u003eZ11 Impala\u003c\/strong\u003e, which carried his first “Georgia Shaker” moniker. Once Chevrolet pulled out of sanctioned racing, Platt found a new home with Ford for 1964 and remained there until he hung up his helmet. Some of the cars he campaigned became icons in their own right. His factory-backed and personal machines included a \u003cstrong\u003e1963 Z11 Impala, 1964 Thunderbolt, 1965 Falcon, 1966 Mustang Funny Car, 1967 Fairlane 427, 1968-1\/2 Cobra Jet, 1969 CJ Mustang, 1970 427 SOHC Mustang, and 1970 Boss 429 Maverick.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e1986 NHRA Hall of Fame\u003c\/strong\u003e member, Platt’s lasting legacy on the sport can’t be denied. Whether he was launching his Falcon with the door open, conducting a Ford Drag Team seminar, or posting low E.T. at the 1967 US Nationals in his Fairlane, Platt’s imprint on drag racing was all-encompassing. His son and biggest fan, Allen Platt, shares his dad’s iconic career in, Hubert Platt: Fast Fords of the “Georgia Shaker”!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Hubert Platt campaigned the most iconic drag cars of the muscle car era including the 1963 Impala ZL1, 1964 Thunderbolt, and 1968-1\/2 Mustang Cobra Jet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Hubert Platt set NHRA records in both his 1967 Fairlane and his 1968-1\/2 Mustang Cobra Jet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• The Ford Drag Team seminars Hubert Platt conducted from 1969 through 1971 were attended by hundreds of thousands of spectators\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49701081055512,"sku":"KIT9781613258422\/B09256","price":57.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit9781613258422b09256.jpg?v=1772256685","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/ar\/products\/drag-racing-in-the-1970s-hubert-platt-georgia-shaker-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}