CLASSIC VIDEO - 1969 NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS AND MORE

The 5th annual NHRA Springnationals went into the history books in typical Texas tradition. It was the biggest and best meet of its kind, and, with a longterm contract between NHRA and Dallas International Motor Speedway, the meet will continue to grow with leaps and bounds.
The facility was superb, the traction was fantastic, and 58,000 people saw some of the best racing of their lives.
With over $192,000 in cash contingencies, plus merchandise awards, it was the richest race ever. Six hundred contestants, from all over the United States and Canada, came to do battle at one of the most impressive drag racing facilities in the world!
You'll see nitro racing with the "new" Funny Cars, slingshot dragsters and the doorslammers in a trip back in time.

[@WhatWhoandY]

When low tech and high performance were at the prime of their life! The simplicity was so beautiful then

[@84hurstoldsdude77]

Drag racing is faaarrr out.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

That quote was made by Jungle Jim Liberman in 1974.

[@Mike583]

I was 16 in '69 & I remember seeing some of the racers the next year at Indy. It was first time attending a National event. I see where this was the 5th annual Spring Nationals,held in Dallas, TX. Now I must Google to find out what year it was moved to Columbus, OH!❤

[@harrier414]

I believe it was ‘75 that the Springnationals made its move to he Buckeye state. The Dallas facility looked pretty advanced for the time, surprised the NHRA left Texas. Wonder what happened to that track?

[@Mike583]

@@harrier414 Was the track bought by Billy Myers or was it another track that he bought,I'm pretty sure they still race there.

[@harrier414]

I’m not 100% certain, but I believe the Texas Motorplex (Billy Meyer’s track) is a different facility (built in 1986)

[@thomasbritton640]

Danny Ongious was walking away from Micky Thompsons mustang

[@dbbubba1]

Yes, but Pat Foster was driving that M.T. Mustang in the accident.

[@keithlarge1151]

Back when racing was fun...

[@jerrytee2688]

Golden Age

[@CarsandCats]

Great video! That Funny Car accident was nasty. Does anyone know who the drivers were?

[@56redjets]

I think it was Gary Swartz in his Top Cat Cougar and Pat Foster in Mickey Thompsons red mustang. Gary later died and was the only driver killed in funnies for decades. That looks like Danny Ongias walking back from the wreck, another of Mickey's driver's.

[@dbbubba1]

@@56redjets Gary Swartz car was called The Ratty Cat. I believe that he died almost instantly in this accident.

[@richardmountz3865]

Claaaas ic