Pro Stock Drag Racing of the 1970s

all steel, crap tires, full count down tree and ABC's Wide World of Sports

As time went on, they resembled funny cars more and more. Still neat to watch, though.

I dont know if anyone can help, but my mother was in prostock racing with her first husband back in the 1968-1972 era, She passed but I wouldve love to see the two cars she always talked about, was from Amissville VA Stringfellow Bros 1st Car was Little Red Lizard and Blue Blazer both Camaros. She talked about how fun it was picking the cars up and getting them all fixed up and ready to run. They had Lee Edwards do the Engine work for them. I just would love to see the car in Action. Was born in the 1980s so i missed that whole scene. Many thanks

I'm just throwing this out there because I luved the Doorslammers; the ProStock class
I had the honor of guest crewing for Bob Glidden (I was an engine builder, went over with questions lol)
I had the Privilege of standing behind the starter at Famosa for Pro Stock (our C dragster got waved off after push starting)
I had the pleasure of working for Bartley Kenyon (godfather of the Hemi-head) in his head shop.
I had the labor of great friends. Man drag-racing was fun back then. Enjoyed comments from fellow fans of the golden era,

I can recall going to buds creek MD. back in the late 70 s and seeing all of the big names including Bob Gidden

Cool

Only class I can watch in American racing is the Hemi challenge which I believe is in super stock ? Fantastic cars and teams that help each other and share barbecued food after the event , it’s everything modern drag racing isn’t , 4500hp PLR motors in street cars ? 14 ecu,s and three computers on each car and takes two weeks to do a pass 😂😂😂😂

I like Pro Stocks best and I loved Two-Lane Blacktop. With legal exhaust and tires installed they're the fastest class of cars that can be driven on the street (not that anyone would unless it's for a buttload of money). Funny Cars and Rails aren't really cars, they're Very Wealthy People's toys and speed machines.

Great post, thank you! The irony of watching this is that the mid-to-late '70s was an absolute wasteland for American performance cars because of the smog regulations, yet the pro stocks kept getting faster and faster! At least we got to watch fast cars, even though we couldn't buy them anymore.

IMHO....THIS WAS REAL DRAG RACING
...

Glidden lived in Whiteland, In. It's the first exit past Greenwood on I-65 s.

Looks like 73 was the year they switched to tubbed big tire cars.

Pro stock never should have allowed four links and tubs. The link between the cars for sale at the dealers and Pro Stock was lost. They became pure race cars and lost their personality in the process.

Man, those were the best days back then-AMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, etc!! You'd see it all, no cookie cutter cars like today-you raced what you had!

I wonder what motors those Plymouth’s were running, 440’s or 383’s?

All manufacturers represented back then, as it should be! Stands were always packed with eager fans, wanting to see the vehicles sponsored by their preferred brand, be it Ford, Mopar, or Chevy.....as well as AMC! I loved this class as it was, and attended the race primarily to watch Pro Stock! Now, in 2023, it has devolved into a one trick pony, and the horses are all of the Camaro breed! Furthermore, we are stuck with this fuel injection garbage, which was the primary reason leading to a field of all Generic Motors Camaros. A crime has been committed; someone should be held responsible for destroying what was the best class in drag racing. Keep it up, NHRA. Given the choice, I'd rather watch paint dry than go watch this modern day abortion you call pro stock.

These were the best years of Pro Stock. All the manufacturers were represented, and a wide variety of of cars competing.

Love that Duster! Would love to have one like that!

Street cars could beat these cars these days!