The U.S. Nationals: A Time When 32 Cars Battled for Glory
Breaking News: In the golden era of drag racing, the U.S. Nationals was a different beast. Back when push starts and dry hops were the norm, Top Fuel drivers fought for one of 32 qualifying spots, making it an intense battle to the finish. But here's where it gets controversial—was it harder to qualify back then?
In the 1960s and 1970s, qualifying for the U.S. Nationals was a grueling affair. Legends like Tom McEwen, James Warren, and Larry Dixon Sr. sometimes missed the cut, proving that making it to the starting line was no easy feat. In 1973, a staggering 73 drivers attempted to qualify, with 41 alternates waiting in the wings. Imagine the competition with over three times the number of drivers compared to today's Indy fields!
Qualifying sessions were non-existent. The NHRA ran a set number of cars in each class, and drivers raced against the clock to get back in line for another shot. Shirley Muldowney, a drag racing icon, vividly recalls the dedication required: "You'd wake up four hours earlier for that race, ready to fight and claw your way to the starting line."
The tradition of 32-car fields lasted into the 1980s, with the 1980 race being the last of its kind. This event was a turning point for Bernie Fedderly, who later became a championship-winning crew chief. The chaotic scene of cars winding around the corner, with no clear cutoff, is a far cry from today's structured races.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the biggest names dominated. Don Garlits and Don Prudhomme were frequent finalists, but the 1970s brought a twist. Nearly half of the Indy Top Fuel winners had never won another NHRA event. Gary Beck, Marvin Graham, Dennis Baca, and Terry Capp made their mark, with Capp's unpainted dragster delivering a stunning performance in 1980.
Capp's win was bittersweet due to the rain delay and a smaller crowd. But the significance wasn't lost on Fedderly: "We hit the big time." Capp's journey continued, and he now drives one of the fastest nostalgia Funny Cars. His 1980 qualification behind Graham showcased his talent, even though he fell short in the final.
The following year, the sport evolved with reaction timers and a reduced field size. Muldowney, reflecting on the change, acknowledged the financial burden of running those cars. The 1982 event, often hailed as the race of the decade, holds a special place in her heart, but the 1975 race is equally memorable. Muldowney's victories over Jim Bucher, Frank Holden, and reigning champion Gary Beck showcased her skill.
Her journey to the 1975 final was filled with emotion. After beating Capp in the semifinals, she heard Garlits' iconic exclamation, "Oh my God, there's a woman in the final at Indy!" Muldowney had a real chance, but a dog-tracking burnout and an overzealous crew member, Ronnie Capps, led to a disappointing loss. She reflects on what could have been, attributing her motivation to an NHRA press release.
Muldowney's legacy was cemented, and she went on to become a three-time NHRA world champion. The 1982 race, with its iconic calling card, remains a cherished memory. Legends are forged in moments like these, shaping the future of drag racing.
Explore more drag racing history and stay tuned for the latest news and interviews on Competition Plus. From the early days of push starts to the modern era, the sport continues to evolve, creating legends along the way.
