There are certain things you can set your watch by in drag racing. The US Nationals on Labor Day weekend and the World Power Wheelstanding Championships every fall at Byron Dragway in Illinois. Conceived by the late, great promoter Ron Leek, the event continues to be a testament to his legacy. People still pile into the track on what is typically a cold day to see guys stand their stuff up on the bumper (or worse) for height and distance.
The neat thing about this video is the fact that you will see so many of the true heroes of the event over the years still at it. From the screaming yellow Buick convertible, the Olds Cutlass that wrecked onto its side years ago, and others you will surely recognize. The $10,000 payout this year brought the fans and the cars out for what amounts to one of the last hurrahs of the drag racing season in the Chicago area.
With plenty of grip and as much cold air as these engines can gulp, the stage was set for fun. Here’s a look into what it all looked like!
