{"product_id":"drag-racing-in-the-1970s-drag-racings-rebels-2-book-set","title":"Drag Racing in the 1970s \u0026 Drag Racing's Rebels 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\u003eWhen the \u003cstrong\u003eNational Hot Rod Association (NHRA)\u003c\/strong\u003e was formed in 1951 by \u003cstrong\u003eWally Parks\u003c\/strong\u003e, the reasoning for the formation was to “create order from chaos” by instituting safety rules and performance standards that helped legitimize the sport of drag racing. Some organization was certainly necessary. A postwar boom in automotive enthusiasm was reaching new heights, and \u003cstrong\u003eHot Rod magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e and the NHRA were right in the thick of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NHRA hosted its first drag racing event in 1953, and in 1955, the organization staged its first national event, which was simply called \u003cstrong\u003e“The Nationals.”\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003cstrong\u003eAHRA\u003c\/strong\u003e formed in 1956 as an alternative to the NHRA, where the drivers voted on the rules (rather than sanctioning bodies and tracks), and their influence on the sport was felt almost immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the NHRA denied the use of \u003cstrong\u003enitromethane\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1957, the AHRA approved it. When the NHRA banned aircraft-powered dragsters in 1961, the AHRA welcomed them. When the NHRA said no to the emerging \u003cstrong\u003eFunny Car\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1965, the AHRA said yes. When fans and racers screamed for a heads-up \u003cstrong\u003eSuper Stock\u003c\/strong\u003e category in 1968, the AHRA delivered. The AHRA was called a rebel association. Some say that it was more of an association that got things done—to the delight of fans and racers. The AHRA was on equal ground with the NHRA by the 1970s, drawing enormous crowds and racer entries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this fascinating history, veteran author \u003cstrong\u003eDoug Boyce\u003c\/strong\u003e tells the story of the AHRA: the rise, the competition, the events, and the eventual downfall of the organization. After AHRA President \u003cstrong\u003eJim Tice\u003c\/strong\u003e passed away in 1982, internal fighting for control of the association resulted in its doom. Get the whole story here, and add this wonderful volume to your drag racing library\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49701084791064,"sku":"KIT9781613258422\/9781613257661","price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97816132584229781613257661.jpg?v=1772256051","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/bs\/products\/drag-racing-in-the-1970s-drag-racings-rebels-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}