With the introduction of Chevy’s OHV V-8 in 1955, the
brand’s domination on the drag strip immediately snowballed.
Drag racers loved the compact V-8. It was lightweight,
revved high, and responded like no other engine
previously produced. Chevy saw a record year in sales in
1955, thanks to a combination of a restyled body and the
new mill. It was the age of ingenuity, and those who could
get their hands on the new engine were swapping it into
engine bays that once housed other weaker mills. Ford’s
flathead, one that had dominated for so long, was rendered
obsolete almost overnight.
Chevy had a winner and dominated the sales charts
for years to come. Aftermarket manufacturers got on board
and offered all the go-fast goodies needed to make Chevy
a winner, no matter what category they ran. From Dragsters
to Stock, Chevy’s success was immediate. And it was
a long-term success, thanks to a combination of years of
great styling and a vast array of driveline combinations.
Accomplished racing author Doug Boyce takes a celebratory
look at those years of success, with a focus on the
first 25 years (1955 through 1980). Chevrolets gave rise to
such stars as Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, “Jungle Jim” Liberman,
“Sneaky Pete” Robinson, “Dyno Don” Nicholson, Sox &
Martin, Dick Harrell, Dave Strickler, and many more. World
champs and fan favorites all drove Chevys. The success
showed in the record books. No brand has won more races
and events or has set more national records than Chevrolet.
And unlike the other manufacturers, Ford and Chrysler,
it was done with little to no factory support.
Whether you are a hardcore Chevy fan or just love
catching up on the history of drag racing during the golden
age, this nostalgic look at Chevy racing history is sure to
entertain for hours on end.
• This is the first book to specifically look at Chevrolet
drag racing during the first 25 years.
• Filled with nostalgic photographs and great stories.
• Author Boyce is an established veteran and historian
for vintage drag racing subjects.
About the Author
Doug Boyce has written numerous club and magazine
articles related to drag racing’s golden years. He has an
ongoing love of drag racing and the way it used to be.
He is the author of Grumpy’s Toys, Junior Stock, Drag
Racing’s Quarter-Mile Warriors: Then & Now, Match Race
Mayhem, and 1001 Drag Racing Facts—all best-selling
CarTech titles.
