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As a young man, George Montgomery lived for cars. He came of age in the classic era of the hot rod and fully immersed himself in the car culture. Montgomery took car building seriously and went on to become one of the pioneers of the sport of drag racing. From a little shop in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, he built and raced cars that led the world in innovation and craftsmanship. Montgomery was a leading participant in the famous "Gasser Wars" match races of the 1960s where he earned the moniker "Ohio George," while driving his iconic 1933 Willys to victory after victory. The era of the Gasser Wars was one of the most colorful chapters in racing history and George was one of the most successful racers of the time. Always an innovator, Montgomery built the groundbreaking Malco Gasser Mustang in 1967 and followed it with the revolutionary Mr. Gasket turbocharged Mustang a few years later. After retiring from racing in 1985, Montgomery became one of the most successful engine builders in the country. He is the recipient of the National Hot Rod Assoc.'s most prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is listed as one of drag racing's top 50 all-time drivers.
One of drag racing's very popular classes formed was the Gassers. During the `50s, Model A and 1932-`34 Fords were considered the hot set-up for these gas classes. Using Ford V-8 "flatheads" and later overhead valve engines, Gas Coupe and Sedan classes had to maintain stock wheelbase, and the engine relocation was limited. By the mid-60s, it was rare to find an upper-class gasser with any other body make than Willys, Studebaker, Austin, or Anglia. They were the stoutest full-bodied cars on strips nationwide. Touring teams ran four to six times every week, often traveling several hundred miles day and night to make their next dates. This was old-school racing! However, interest waned as flip-top funny cars took over in popularity. The battles in A/GS (later AA/GS) ranks created many heroes and villains who etched their marks into drag racing history. Gassers shared with fans of the quarter mile one the most thrilling overall racecar types, and for an era that was all too short, they were literally the Kings of the Sport. Enjoy this photo book that takes you back to that time.
Step back into the thrilling world of the 1970s with this captivating book that chronicles a groundbreaking decade in drag racing history. While drag racing began in the 1950s as a fledgling sport, it experienced extraordinary technological progress during the 1960s. By the 1970s, the sport reached new heights of sophistication, ushering in a new era of professionalism. As larger, well-funded teams dominated the national stage, smaller, budget-conscious teams were often forced to step back or compete in lower-cost classes.
Despite these changes, the 1970s proved to be one of the most dynamic periods in drag racing. It was an era of innovation, with exciting new classes and technological advancements shaping the sport. Funny Cars transformed from altered-wheelbase doorslammers of the 1960s into full-fledged, tube-chassis, fiberglass-bodied machines by 1970. This evolution paved the way for the creation of the Pro Stock class, a fan-favorite that brought fierce rivalries and direct ties to Detroit’s major automakers. In the name of safety and performance, Top Fuel cars shifted to mid-engine designs, becoming faster and more aerodynamic. By the end of the decade, Funny Cars had nearly evolved into full-bodied versions of their Top Fuel counterparts. Many of these 1970s developments continue to influence NHRA racing today.
Drag Racing in the 1970s, written by veteran racing historian Doug Boyce, offers a comprehensive, chronological look at this exciting decade. Packed with vivid photography and insightful commentary, the book dives into the cars, classes, and iconic drivers that defined the era. Readers will uncover the rise of big-money sponsors, the transition to professionalism, and the role of lower-budget classes like Modified Eliminator and Super Stock. This richly illustrated tribute is a must-have addition to any drag racing enthusiast’s library.
Doug Boyce’s passion for drag racing has spanned a lifetime. From turning his first wrench at age 8 to attending his first race at age 10, Doug was hooked by the adrenaline-filled world of burning rubber and roaring engines. By his teenage years, he was fully immersed in building classic cars and indulging his passion for the sport. Balancing a career in the automotive industry, Doug also dedicated his free time to documenting drag racing’s golden years through club and magazine articles. His deep knowledge and ongoing love for the sport have culminated in several acclaimed books, including Drag Racing in the 1970s, Grumpy’s Toys, Junior Stock, and 1001 Drag Racing Facts, among others.
Whether you’re a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer looking to explore its rich history, Drag Racing in the 1970s is a compelling read that captures the essence of one of the most exciting decades in motorsport.
Author: NA
Author Bio: NA
Publisher: Midlife Classic Cars
Binding Type: NA
Language: English
Pages: NA
Printing Status: In Print
Edition: NA
Country Made: NA