One of the things I learned about was the latest reemergence of the AHRA into the world of drag racing. The innovative sanctioning body that was the rebellious one among the “big three” in terms of NHRA, IHRA, and AHRA has not had a good run for the last, ohhh, three decades plus. After running into the financial rocks in in the early 1980s, the name has bounced between different people and a couple of failed starts have been the result. The latest group to have the name seems to have the most sensible plan for getting things going again and we hope they can pull it off. More places to race means a healthier sport for everyone.
Now, things were going swimmingly in 1971 when the AHRA rolled into York, PA and as with many things that the AHRA did, they arrived with a smirk on their face and a sideways glance toward the NHRA. For the entire existence of York US 30 they were an NHRA track with the exception of one year…1971. The track operators were furious that the NHRA decided to move the Summernationals to Englishtown, NJ (where it still lives today) and as a protect they went to AHRA. It lasted a year and then they were back in the NHRA fold. So what we are seeing here is kind of an interesting look into an interesting race.
This video has all kinds of neat stuff in it from funny cars and dragsters to GT cars, pro stocks, jets, and the whole works. We think you’ll love this look into the one and only AHRA Summernationals ever held at York US 30 Drag Strip in Pennsylvania.
Good video. Rare to see home movies with proper sound. The last of the great days of drag racing, right there.
Wow, what an awesome video! Really brings back the memories. Great being able to hear the cars along with seeing them. Loved hearing all the 4 speed cars power shifting their way down the strip. Not a sound you hear much anymore except for the occasional exhibition pass at Hot Rod reunion nostalgia events. It’s also nice visually to be able to see all of the cars going down the strip due to no guardrails to obstruct the view. Not sure where you found this video but thanks!
Englishtown ain’t running the Summernationals, where you say “it still lives today”. Matter of fact, Englishtown ain’t running anything!