Video: Nothing But Awesome Photos And Footage Of 1960s and 1970s Drag Race Haulers – Trailers, Ramp Trucks, More!


Video: Nothing But Awesome Photos And Footage Of 1960s and 1970s Drag Race Haulers – Trailers, Ramp Trucks, More!

(By Greg Rourke) – There was once a time when even the touring drag racing professionals moved around the country with a station wagon and a single axle open trailer. Yes BangShifters under 50, that really happened.

We like wandering the pits at drag strips, big and small alike, and taking note of how race cars are transported. Hit the Big Show and walk way back in the Lower 40 where they park the Stock Eliminator teams, you will be hard pressed to find any open trailers. Motor homes with 40 foot trailers, toter homes, and even the occasional semi transport the sportsman teams. Even your local tracks will have the biggest and best in cartage for race cars. Sure, you’ll still find the odd open trailer, but as often as not it’s being pulled by a motorhome or tricked out dually pickup. When talking with the Meltdown Drags honchos this past summer, they noted that car count might have to be limited due to the huge amount of real estate the support vehicles occupy. And that’s an event with zero prize money folks, just bragging rights.
Here we have a nice little compilation video featuring the tow vehicles of the past. AA/FD dragsters and AA/FC funny cars alike being dragged around the countryside out in the weather and everything. Ramp trucks seem to be a popular choice of the better funded teams, but note how many of the cars almost don’t fit. Some teams have a pickup or Suburban, but many use a station wagon or the family sedan. Near the end, dig the big Mopar wagon race car being hauled by what looks like a 62 Chevy stawag. Slicks strapped to the roof, loaded down with tools and parts until the suspension is groaning under the weight. Obviously not a highly funded factory team.
Enjoy this look at the past, when it was indeed possible to race without a 53 foot semi just to sell tee shirts.

PRESS PLAY BELOW TO SEE A NINE MINUTE VIDEO FEATURING AN AWESOME ARRAY OF TRUCKS AND TRAILER DRAGGING CARS TO THE STRIP IN THE 1960S AND 1970S –


  • Share This
  • Pinterest
  • 0

5 thoughts on “Video: Nothing But Awesome Photos And Footage Of 1960s and 1970s Drag Race Haulers – Trailers, Ramp Trucks, More!

  1. john

    still tow open trailer. 20′ front engine dragster on a 16′ trailer, ivo style. and no issues. have no use what-so-ever for a box trailer at home. some things never die.

  2. Alan Gould

    Great video – thanx. Brings back a lot of great memories. I used a ’67 Dodge D-300 reg. cab ramp truck that I purchased from “Dr. Mopar”, Ron Swann, to haul my ’70 Duster to tracks around the metropolitan DC area in ’76, caravanning with The Fabulous Norton Bros. and their ’65 GTO! Had a ball!!

Comments are closed.