(Photos by Bad Brad’s Speed Shots) – Brad Klaassen shot a TON of drag strip photos in 2013. Brad was at places like Tulsa Raceway Park, Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Oklahoma, and even far out west to Bakersfield, California where he was with a team running a nitro powered front engine dragster. Brad was at Tulsa for events ranging from the Throwdown in T-Town to big nostalgia drag races and everything in between. He also spends time with a couple of pro mod teams and it is generally safe to assume the dude will be in, next to, on top of, or around a race car every weekend from the early Spring through the late fall.
Brad sent us his favorite photos of the year and they are slathered down the page for your viewing pleasure. You can check out more of Brad’s work on his Facebook page by clicking HERE.
Cool to see there is a new Invader Funny Car. Very respectful of the original lettering and colors too.
Yes that caught my eye also,I saw the Invader run all over So. California.Vert cool to see again,Kevin.
Why is that women in front of the flamed Fuel Altered dressed like a Times Sqaure hooker ? It’s not the 70’s anymore and she will never be another Linda Vaughn, and Lord knows she will never come close to Jungle Pam. Just sayin.
Don, first off there are no more hookers left in Times Square (sad to say). And it is true we are no longer in the 70’s (also sad to say). But you see we now have this thing called “Nostalgia Drag Racing” that trys to capture the feel of the 60’s and 70’s. So while it will never be just like it was “back in the day” it’s cool when teams like this 7.0 Pro team make an attempt to capture a time when Back-Up Babes were the norm. I saw this fine young lady do her thing at Famoso and I for one was very appreciative. I think most Drag Racing fans would rather see a Back-Up Babe back a car up over some fat, greasy, male crew member with a dirty shop rag in his back pocket doing that same duty. It’s all about putting on a good show for the fans. If you want boring, go to an NHRA “Big Show” event where there are no Back-Up Babes allowed.
Right on, Anthony..! Race fans need to expose themselves to the Nostalgia classes..I drag race in bracket classes, for $$..but I love to watch the Nostalgia guys..it looks like these guys are having a ball..!,not to mention I grew up in the 60’s and LOVE the old gassers..! the ladies are usually “family”..it goes with the whole deal-mini-skirts, boots, outfits that match the cars paint, etc..hard core drag race fans should love this stuff.., you’re right about “Big Shows”…I’d rather be in my bracket car ,sittin’ on two stage beams, than watching John Force ANY DAY..!!
Thanks Brian and Chad, you guys and Bangshift ROCK! See you at the drags in 2014.
Pictures was taken at Tulsa during the DRO Challenge NITRO Nationals event. They have a contest for the ‘babes’ and some DO the back up duties for various cars.
We cannot bring back the 60’s and 70’s but the NFC group have recognizable cars body’s with out any problems. Same way as several groups the OFAA and the CSS do thier Nostalgia with bodys no earlier then a 1942 i think. The CSS allows FED and Altereds and floppers to run, Flopper bodies from 11979 and DOWN.
So why bask the Nostalgia and ENJOY thew SHOW. better then NHRA ever though about!