NHRA President Wally Parks earned respect for hot rodders everywhere when his Hot Rod magazine-backed “Suddenly” ’57 Savoy set a new record at NASCAR’s Daytona Speedweeks event.
CONTINUED GROWTH
NHRA-sanctioned tracks numbered more than 100 in 38 of the 48 states, and more than a half-million spectators had enjoyed drag racing the previous year.
NHRA LEGISLATES FUEL BAN
As speeds and parts attrition soared due to the use of nitromethane fuel, only gasoline was allowed at the NHRA Nationals and not allowed at other NHRA events. The “fuel ban” lasted until 1964.
SAMPSON WINS NATIONALS
Buddy Sampson scored Top Eliminator honors at the National Championship Drags in Oklahoma City, Okla., and was crowned NHRA’s third national champion.
