In 1955, the National Hot Rod Ass’n hosted a major drag race in a central geographical location that would provide an opportunity for the best racers from each region of the country to meet in an ultimate showdown of speed and high performance to determine a national champion.
Back then, the race was known simply as The Nationals, and the first edition was run at Great Bend, Kan., in 1955 hosted competitors from nearly every state, even Hawaii. There were 30 classes of competition including dragsters. roadsters, coupes, sedans, stock cars, sports cars and gassers — eligible for participation in the inaugural event.
At that time, elapsed time was not important — speed was the top consideration.
The spectacular event, which featured an all-star lineup of the most notable pioneers of the sport, went off with precision.
A heavy rainstorm. however, forced the event to conclude its unfinished portions at Phoenix six weeks later.
Therefore, the first U.S. Nationals champion. Calvin Rice. was crowned during the Arizona State Championship meet in mid-November.
The U.S. Nationals moved to Kansas City in 1956 to a sparkling new facility that was barely finished in time to host the event. The track’s construction was finished by NHRA officials just days before the start of the race.
The move from Great Bend was a must, due primarily to the availability of more hotels and restaurants in Kansas City. The turnout was so great for the second event that an entire city street was utilized for tech inspection.
Competitors and fans attended in record numbers at the third event, held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. The site hosted the Nationals for two consecutive seasons (1957 and ’58).
Crowds were so big in 1958 that there wasn’t enough parking and pit space to accommodate everyone.
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