The U.S. has been known to be the home of the most speed oriented group of people. Through the years, drag racing in the U.S. has achieved much success and popularity. Different names through the years have been synonymous with drag racing. These legends in their own rights have been inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Recently, the organization announced that eleven new members to the hall of fame will be inducted and would then be officially part of the group. The induction ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Florida. The event will be hosted by the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and sponsored for the 16th year by Mopar® Performance Parts.
The eleven inductees at this year’s are appreciated for their contribution to the sport. Kenny Bernstein is one of the eleven inductees in this year’s induction ceremony. Bernstein is the winner of six NHRA championships in Top Fuel and Funny Car racing classes. Frank Bradley, the only Top Fuel driver to win one NHRA race in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and in the ‘90s will also be inducted to the hall of fame. Donnie Hampton, champion drag racer and supercharger manufacturer will likewise take a spot next to the greats of the sport already inducted into the hall of fame.
Ted Jones, a drag strip owner and automotive television producer, will also join the ranks of the people who have contributed to the popularity and promotion of the sport. Jim McLean, the owner of Champion Speed Shop, car builder, driver, and a drag strip owner as well, is also one of the eleven which will be inducted into the hall of fame. Dale Pulde, dubbed as “the finest driver to ever sit behind the wheel of a funny car” will be inducted at the hall of fame by virtue of him having the most wins in IHRA history.
Another inductee is Don Schumacher, a member of Team Mopar. Schumacher won numerous titles - five in the NHRA and nine in the IHRA. As an owner, he also has three Top Fuel championships and a Funny Car title.
Dave Uyehara, the championship dragster builder, will also be inducted into the hall of fame. Dave Zueschel, the legendary dragster engine builder, will join the ranks of the immortalized drag racing greats. Darrell Zimmerman, a longtime NHRA Division V director, will also be inducted to the hall of fame for his contributions to the sport. Bill Bader, the drag racing promoter and owner of the Norwalk Raceway Park in Ohio, will be presented with the Founders’ award.
These men will be inducted to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame for their contribution to the sport. Whether they once drove, promote, or directed cars which an EBC brake component can safely stop, these men have given a part of themselves to the sport of drag racing.
By: Jenny McLane