50th Winternationals

[Darrell Conrad]

KRAGEN O’REILLY 50th NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

Back in 1960, little did the NHRA founding fathers know that their newly established west coast season opener drag race appropriately named the Winternationals was going to become legendary in its status? Next to the US Nationals the NHRA Winternationals is perhaps the most celebrated drag races in history.

Half a century later and still growing strong, the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts 50th Annual Winternationals was one that will not be forgotten for many years to come. To celebrate its golden anniversary in grand ole fashion, countless racing celebrities both young and old, gathered together on Parker Ave to witness modern day history in the making.

In addition to the scheduled professional racing action the NHRA assembled a fantastic “Golden Corral” that displayed many historic cars which participated in the Winternationals at one time or another over the past 50 years. This tribute to the past was more than a collection of museum relics; it was a working exhibit of nitro gulping, fire belching, ground pounding mechanical masterpieces!





Throughout the four-day event thousands of fans and racers alike were entertained for hours within the “Golden Corral”. It was like a mini Hot Rod reunion where friends reacquainted with old friends; fans met legendary drivers and collected their autographs. On top of that every one was treated to an up front and personal look at several of the cars that appear within the pages of the NHRA history books. There was something going on there for everyone!

On Saturday afternoon as the qualifying rounds were coming to an end; the fans were treated to a spectacular static start up of several hand picked cars that collectively represented the past 50 years of NHRA drag racing. Within them were a handful of Front Engine Dragsters as pictured below.

Then on Saturday afternoon just prior to the final round of eliminations, the NHRA in synchronized conjunction with the many historic car owners put on a once-in-a-lifetime Cacklefest show that dazzled tens of thousands of excited on lookers. Starting at the top-end of the 1320, one-by-one several of the subject cars were push started towards the starting line. Once there they made a wide right turn and cackled down the return road in front of the very appreciative spectators.

Below is a partial list of the FED’s that were on display and making the magic of yesterday a reality today.


GOLDEN 50 FED DISPLAY:

1. Swamp Rat 3
2. Swamp Rat 5
3. Earnie’s Camera Shudder Bug AA/FD
4. Ritter, Kinner & Carey Blood, Sweat & Nitro
5. Freight Train AA/GD
6. Brissette & Alexander AA/FD
7. Barnstormer AA/FD
8. Shubert & Herbert AA/FD
9. Chizler AA/FD
10. Howard Cams Rattler AA/FD
11. Smirnoff AA/FD
12. Magicar AA/FD
13. Beebe & Mulligan AA/FD
14. Poachers AA/FD
15. Yeakel Plymouth AA/FD
16. Croshier, Baltes & Lavato AA/FD
17. Hustler VI AA/FD
18. Weiss & Larkin AA/GD
19. Warren, Coburn & Miller AA/FD
20. Iron Horse AA/FD
21. Shelby Super Snake AA/FD
22. Kuhl & Olson AA/FD
23. Waterman & Hampshire AA/FD
24. BankAmericar AA/FD
25. Safford, Gaide & Ratican AA/FD
26. Hawaiian AA/FD
27. Kansas John Wiebe AA/FD
28. Wynn’s Spoiler AA/FD
29. Underdog D/FD
30. Frantic Four AA/FD
31. Horsepower Engineering AA/FD
32. Addict AA/FD

We apologize for not having a full and complete list of each FED in house. If you have any additional information or FED photos you would like to share, please feel free to send us an email at aafdnews@aol.com and we will up-date our list accordingly.

If one compared this years Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals to the Superbowl, this Cacklefest would have rivaled its half-time show in the eyes of the drag racing community! There is no doubt that every FED enthusiast in attendance went home with indelible memories that they will be talking about for years to come.

Hope to see you at the March Meet…
Darrell and Pam