Archive Watch

“Ingenuity in Action” Hot Rods & Drag Racing (1959)

1959 · Short film · 27 min

  • Action
Watch now On the Internet Archive

Synopsis

This color film showcases the 1959 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals at the Detroit Dragway, focusing on the Masters Dragmaster racing team as they travel from California to compete against “hot rodders” from across the country. After meeting up with the Dragliner racing team, the caravan stops to compete in Oklahoma before arriving in Michigan. You’ll see dozens of classic hot rods, exciting races, and hundreds of men with flat top haircuts. Written by Haile Chace, directed by Sid Davis and Haile Chace, a Sid Davis production presented by Hot Rod Magazine. Hot rods are typically old, classic, or modern American cars that have been rebuilt or modified with large engines for more speed and acceleration. Most often they are individually designed and constructed using components from many makes of old or new cars. The NHRA, founded by Wally Parks in 1951, is a drag racing governing body which sets rules in drag racing and hosts events all over the United States and Canada. NHRA's first Nationals was held in 1955, in Great Bend, Kansas. The NHRA U.S. Nationals are now held at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana. 00:14 TITLE CARDS 00:57 Aerial view of downtown Detroit, Michigan, from Windsor, Canada side of the Detroit River 01:08 Plane buzzes Detroit Dragway (Brownstown Township, MI) 01:28 Busy parking lot at Detroit Dragway 01:47 Masters Dragmaster being pushed by drive team 01:53 Starting line banner 01:56 Crew readies Dragmaster to race 02:03 Dode Martin sits…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time
27 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

More like this