Party Crashers: How Five Wild Stock Bodied Cars On Nitro Made History At The 1965 US Nationals

[@johngunther6333]

I was at the '65 Nats, a year out of high school, and it was incredible. The sights, the sounds, the mind-boggling array of cars. I will never forget it.

[@chesspiece81]

I would be so extremely happy to build a blown BBC manual transmission period correct gasser. I love these history of drag racing videos you put together Brian. I am always impressed at the huge strides us hot rodders have been able to develop over the decades. When I was 16 in 1997 a high 9 second low 10 second car was an ultra lightweight race car that had to be towed to and from the track. Now you can buy a car from the dealer, throw on some tires and as long as you can drive you can run those times and faster with a factory backed warranty that can be daily driven. The times the Sick Week and Drag Week competitors are able to run and drive 1500 miles to and from the track just shows how far the ICE has come.The ability of gearheads to cut down and improve ET and trap speeds in only 660' or 1320' is absolutely incredible and never ceases to amaze.

[@cobaltlukather9045]

when i lost my grandfather to a heart attack last summer, i felt like i would be forever seperated from the sport he had been racing in since 1956. thank you for talking about these old stories of wild men and monster machines. rest in peace USAF Master Sargeant Robert George Wich, Jr., and may your 41 Ford Business Coupe fly the Homestead tracks again.

[@crazytrain7114]

☆☆☆☆

[@cheesenoodles8316]

I remember these days, single digit age but loved drag racing.... got my Dad to take me to the local drag strip. I still have the smell and roar.... in the 70s continued to go, my Dad still took me until me n friends got DL. OCIR was my strip. Good times. Great video

[@WackZest]

The voice of drag racing. We are lucky to have you making these videos. Thank you Brian!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for watching it!

[@Pr3stag3]

I agree his voice is just spot on I could listen for hours he's not rushed and doesn't bamboozle you with big words. It's got just the right amount of authority and can tell he knows what he is talking about

[@aerotube7291]

I'm not specifically a drag nut but am as you guys say a 'gear head' this is great to watch. Hi from new Zealand!

[@jakobquick6875]

Agreed❤ Amazing Thank You Brian and crew😊 love these

[@mk1cortinatony395]

Whos voice is it? I'd assumed it was AI generated due the speed of speech. Great vids tho Brian just slow the speech down it wears me out lol

[@deborahchesser7375]

I remember watching the Snake and Mongoose go at it at the Spring Nationals in the early 70’s, drag racing will never be that wild again

[@rwfetterman2546]

As one who raced and rode the fences at the two 'San' dragstrips, Fernando and Gabriel, and the big show every Saturday night at Lions, as a kid of 17 I could dream of building a B rail or street roadster. But when the exhibition runs became a thing, I just didn't get it, nor did my wallet. Yes, a Top Fuel car went for twelve grand in 1964 dollars but still, a kid could dream. What was once a SOP hobby run at tracks with dirt, dust, and splintered seating faded from view to be overtaken by the maga-tracks, think OCR or any track with those blaring "Sunday Sunday Sunday - Be There" radio commercials, it all just became different. Having said this, thank you Brian for this fascinating look into those who did, "Think outside the box." As always, good stuff here...

[@qibble455]

I love the rich history of drag racing, The cars, The men and women who built and raced them that this channel provides:)

[@brianlohnes3079]

More to come!

[@GolfSux]

I love this so much. Drag racing was so rowdy and chaotic back in the day. Has the best history. You are the man Brian, and putting this history out there will inspire more people to take part in drag racing.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks a million for this!!

[@markseaman4750]

I was introduced to drag racing in 1959 at US 30 Drag Strip at the age of 14. I was hooked. I will never forget the 1965 season. In the spring of 1965 Dyno Don showed up at the track for a match race in a 1965 Comet SOHC A/FX . The car was as built with two carburetors. Later, in the fall he returned to US 30 for another match race but now the car was fitted with a straight axle and the rear axle moved forward and the engine had 8 stack fuel injection on nitro but still with a four speed manual. The engine blew up. That season there were match races almost every weekend and the crowds were huge. The array of altered wheelbase, injected, nitro burning cars was crazy. Yellow rosin dust. Burnouts, dry hops, best two out of three races, betting in the crowds……..it was nuts but it was awesome! I’m glad my friends and I had the experience.

[@brianlohnes3079]

What fantastic memories

[@loyalUSguy]

Raced at US30 in Hobart in 80s. '70 Nova 427 4spd. Was just getting started when they closed it up. Drove to work at full service Standard station with open headers after racing to work 3-11s on Sundays. Got the last US30 race posters from Don Garlits' museum in '92. Thanks for bringing back that Sunday, Sunday, Sunday feeling.

[@totalchoaspunk1757]

For me 196 at Cordova !!! 3 Top fuelers there that nite ... Next weekend folks took me to dirt track stock cars..... I was like,, WTF are we doing Here,,, when theres Top Fuelers at Cordova !!!! Nothing else matters!!! Keep your grown men playing with their BALLS sports !!!!

[@totalchoaspunk1757]

1963

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Great story of history I lived through, if only by browsing the magazine rack in the local dime store. I remember the Funny Car controversy, it stayed alive long after ‘65. Subscribed

[@shafferjoe1962]

Brian you are doing drag racing and other racing history justice. Thank you so much for all this in depth history. Being born in 1962 and growing up loving anything with a engine in it. This is right up my alley of learning more about our sports history. Keep up the great work and God bless you brother.

[@brianlohnes3079]

My pleasure!

[@nelsonbergman7706]

Thanks for posting. I was fortunate enough to see Art Arfons in his jet powered Green Monster.

[@superdave2403]

Hell yeah great story loved every minute of it. I was born in 69 and I remember the mid 70’s . Drag racing was great!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!

[@dawnmclees]

Brian I’ve been going to drag races since the mid 70’s thank you for helping to keep this great sport alive.

[@williambarry8015]

Can't believe the amount of research this guy does.

[@RobertBranstner-le4zv]

Nice! Don Beebe worked for my dad, thanks for showing a couple of my dad's cars, COLOR ME GONE AND DART CHARGER. He also had LITTLE RED WAGON for a year, Jay Howell drove both LITTLE RED WAGON and DART CHARGER. Bob Branstner

[@brianlohnes3079]

That is awesome!! Thanks for the kind words, Bob. I think your dad’s contributions to the sport are underrated.

[@badad0166]

Imagine, sitting in your school's library, putting on archaic plastic cup headphones, plugging them in to the "compact cassette" player, opening the book and listening for the "beep" to turn the page as you watched and listened to the stories of "The Little Red Wagon" and "Hemi Under Glass". This was showbiz and I was hooked. I was in a Canadian suburb, so this might as well have been a transmission from the lunar surface, but I was captivated. So, damn your top speed and blown rods, I was in for the show. Rear wheel steering (brake steer) and looking through the floor boards to navigate had me. Later, there would be "Bob Chandler's Big Foot" and "Mega Saurus," but for now, pulling a wheelie all the way down the strip was the shit. Showbiz!

[@joshuagibson2520]

What an absoltue kick ass presentation. Perfect use of showing images of what you are speaking of and at just the right cadence.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Josh!!

[@TheIndoGod]

Man I Watched This Entire Video Like “Damn I Know This Voice” 😂. Real Talk Though You’re Literally The Voice Of The Sport

[@SteveMagnante]

Wow Brian, what a well researched and professionally presented summary of the "Funny Car Circus" Bravo! -Steve Magnante

[@brianlohnes3079]

Dude this is the BEST MESSAGE EVER! Completely awesome that you’re back and rolling, man.

[@RobertBranstner-le4zv]

Thank you! My dad was involved with a lot! I've got pictures of the '63 and '64 COLOR ME GONE with Don Beebe's street DODGE CHARGER in my driveway.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Absolutely amazing!

[@imacrazy6872]

Wow, what a thorough history of these classic quarter mile machines.

[@EffequalsMA]

Thanks for filling in a boring winter between drag racing seasons!

[@brianlohnes3079]

You bet!

[@rickallen9864]

I'll comment tomorrow I'm still watching. It's unreal

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for watching!

[@hilslamer]

100% authenticity here, thankyou for your efforts and so much dedication to the science that is drag racing.

[@lagh84]

i was a kid in San Antonio and my neighbor was Bill Jarrette. One of his AFX was called "the tia jana taxie". Injected hemi on nitro. Got to see the 41 Willys of stone woods and cook, Bill built a candy apple red 41 willys and crashed on its madden pass. Got to see tommy ivos glass trailer also. Not sure what work Bill was doing, but parents moved to Boerne around 1968 and I lost contact. Great stories, love the way you put these videos together. Thanks again.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Great stuff

[@MLFranklin]

This is one of the coolest drag racing stories I've ever seen. Please keep up the good work!

[@SModelMafia]

Hey Brian, I have messaged you before on Facebook,but never replied here. I absolutely love everything you do, and I stand by what I told you there, you are definitely our generations Dave McClelland and Steve Evan’s. It’s clear just how much you love drag racing, and the NHRA. Thank you for all you do, I think I speak for everyone, that we love it. Thanks, Brian W

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for the kind words. Those guys are true legends.

[@Timber81]

I was eleven in 66 but I was fortunate to hang out at Pheonix International Raceway with these Big Brothers. Cranking Crane. The White Night were two cars I remember. Good memories!

[@karensavarese5684]

Your ending comments kinda tell it all. "What could be cooler than that". Arfons talent, work ethic, etc., etc., etc, are simply beyond mere words. Accomplishments?, Mind boggling! Love,,Dubs

[@barrycuda3769]

This is the very best video Iv'e ever seen on the subject of 1960's drag racing. One of my favorite magazines is a 1982 special edition of HOT ROD ,featuring a lot of photos of that era ,some of which were shown in your video .I'll be watching this more than once .Thank you ,from New Zealand.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you for this!

[@peterphillips1493]

Was that the issue with the barracuda on the cover?

[@barrycuda3769]

@@peterphillips1493 No, I think it's a Mustang funny car doing a fire burnout.

[@johnzuck6163]

There was so much drama and politics involved in the growth of this sport that few people understand. Excellent episode! Thanks Brian.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank YOU John!!

[@revvyhevvy]

Thanks for another in your series of top notch, well researched and impeccably delivered stories! Great job, Brian!! Looking forward to more in 2024!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks again!

[@RayTuttle-of5qd]

As a young teenager during this period I read every car magazine I could get my hands on and this gave me a life long appreciation of motorsports ! Thanks for bringing this back Brian excellent content

[@scottpinney4663]

Outstanding story. Lifelong drag racing fan, and I learned a lot about the birth of my favorite class of race cars. Thank you, Brian!

[@Kahuna54]

My first exposure to drag racing was 1969. My uncle Jim took me to Lyons Drag Strip and while watching the Mr. T Corvette exploded and my uncle told me to go grab a souvenir! I came back with an almost complete door with the Mr. T still on it!😂

[@brianlohnes3079]

Hahaha wow!!!

[@Airsally]

That is one of your best vids yet. As a teen I rode my stingray bike 3 miles to Irwindale drag strip to see Charlie Allen match race Don Gay' GTO. man I was hooked. My brother's room was covered with magazine pics and Pit passes . Thank you for your efforts to tell these stories. This was your best one so far.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you so much!!

[@marcmd54]

Wow !! Your finest effort to date. That Chrisman footage as well as the 554 stuff blew my mind. Please keep them coming.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@scottbrown2352]

That K n G car was crazy!!!!!!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

So cool

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

Brian, you are the right person to bring this history out to the 21st century young gun crowd who are making their own part of history that will be talked about in awe in the future. There's not a lot of us old guys still around & even less still up to their eyeballs still doing it. The desire to go faster will never die amongst us rev-heads so the evolution will continue🤓.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!!!

[@arkhsm]

LOVE that red '61 Starliner fastback at 3:56 !!!!

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

😂😂😂... it's a '63 Thunderbird Italien. Yeah, it's spelled "Italien". Either way ya gotta good eye 😉

[@mgbchuck6527]

DAM! more great stuff Brian! as a preteen model builder in the late sixties these were just too cool, made my parents buy 2 models at a time, something with a blown engine and a stocker to cut up, more great memories, thanks

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@partsdinosaur_retired]

Roots !! Way to go Brian! Another superbly constructed and displayed historical presentation. Thanks for what you do!

[@brianlohnes3079]

My pleasure!

[@southtexashustler]

Man, you are that guy… You story telling and video hunting is spot on perfect to me… I used to look for these full bodied monsters back in the day…👍🏾

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you

[@williamwagaman9538]

Probably one of the best ones you've done so far. Thank you for clearing all the lies out

[@brianlohnes3079]

Appreciate you checking it out!

[@jamesweaver1738]

I really appreciate this. Thanks ever so much. You should do another one. Possibly starting in the 67 to 69 era.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Great suggestion!

[@leesherman100]

Well, being virtually covered in tire particulates from AA/FD cars at Fremont Dragstrip will never be duplicated!!! How could I have ever been so lucky????

[@tomstiel7576]

I started in this wacky business in 1970,,,this was a tad before my time,,,,but , the older I get the more I realize I don't know shit about nothin,,,,really truly enjoy your history lessons... thank you

[@brianlohnes3079]

Sincerely appreciate you enjoying this stuff!!

[@popeyeman69]

My very favorite cars and time ever in the sport Brian! I watched them at New York National on Long Island, something you never forget! Great video again!

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

Content is always GR8 but this vid is a Jewel! Many thanx 👍👍

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesr.epstein]

What a fabulous piece of history that you give us. I'll keep listening. Thank you Brian.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Helen Sachs is my new hero ❤❤❤❤❤

[@vehdynam]

Very well done and presented !! I could attend this University course all day long. Many , many thanks Professor Lohnes.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you for watching!!

[@waynecasper5346]

This was spectacular!! thanks again.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!!

[@enriquemartinez435]

Love your content!!!!!! Post more if you can!!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!!!

[@spkovich]

Loved this show ! At 72 years of age this era falls into my greatest drag racing memories. A great follow up to this story would be a show on the Super Stock and Drag Illustrated Funny Car Nationals at New York National Speedway in, I believe, 1966. I was only 14 years old at the time but my dad braved the harrowing trip out on Long Island on the Sunrise Highway to NYNS to watch this amazing event. Every Funny Car on the planet seemed to be there. Still the greatest drag show I have ever seen. And well worth the 6 hour drive home to NJ. Although I’m not sure my dad would have agreed. 😂😂😂

[@brianlohnes3079]

This is a fantastic story!!!

[@ThomasELeClair]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,love your memory ,,,,I was at NY National in 1969.........I was 18,,..first time at the drags......,,,,I was shocked to see a young woman in a little dragster,,,,,Think the cowl was red,,,,,,and it said in white ' Cha Cha ' .....we all know the history of Shirley........

[@promod6037]

MR BRIAN YOUR REPORTING ON HISTORY OF DRAG RACING IS AWESOME THANK YOU

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for listening!!

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

Thanks Brian, Loving these videos. Thanks for what You do. Cheers from Australia.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you like them!

[@radioguy1620]

great video, those 64 Comets set a record that held over 50 yrs, 100 plus MPH for 100,000 miles, Had a column shift 6 cyl one in the 80's and seemed to carry some of that heritage in its attitude when driven.

[@randytaylor1258]

I love that you bring the personalities into focus as well as the technology. The '60s were full of innovation plus personality. Funny cars were the perfect example of providing performance because that's what the race fans wanted, and after all, it was their seats in the stands that paid for the sport, certainly not the working press who thought they owned it.

[@earleholt4380]

Awesome Brian! Thanks for helping us get through winter. Keep 'em coming!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Will do!

[@Mr54ford]

What an great time for drag racing. Spending hours on forums and watching endless videos of A/FX, B/FX , AWB, S/S , S/SA , U/S , etc. If their was away to travel back in time, I’m sure a lot of people would like to experience the evolution of drag racing and to re live the glory days. Brian you’re doing fantastic work. Keep up the great work. Cheers 👍🏻

[@TorontoModifiedKarKlub]

Holy Wow Brian. Another amazing video history lesson. I always had a very basic understanding of how funny cars started. This is over the top. Thank you for all you do.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikecurtis2585]

That was a great one! Love hearing all the Drag Racing history! Keep them coming! Have a wonderful week!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

More to come!

[@chandranichols7685]

Preston Honea is my great grandpa! He was one of my idols, I’ve been searching for videos of his racing days to record and give to my grandpa (his son) and I’m so glad to have found this. He’s gonna love it.

[@409adamc9]

Brian you are producing fantastic content! Keep it up !!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks! Will do!

[@quickdeuce]

1965 I got to watch Dyno Don Nicholson and Dick Landy make a couple exibition passes at the newly opened Englishtown Drag Strip. They were indeed a sight to see.

[@cadmanchannel]

Great story!!! I lived near Fremont Dragstrip and saw the first Funny Cars. A magic time in automotive.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Amazing time to see that stuff!

[@watajob]

Truly one of the best channels out here in regards to drag racing history. Brings back memories of me, with my nose pushed through a chain link fence at US 30, Oswego, et al. ❤👍

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you! And thank you for watching!

[@rickel-bisi3556]

This is an incredible story about an incredible time in NHRA history, just imagine what it was like driving these crazy high power cars!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Had to have been a handful!!

[@rickel-bisi3556]

I used to purchase off the newstand shelves a periodical called "The Elapsed Times" and I got every issue I saw, it was such awesome reading and one of the best articles in it was all about Gary Dyer and Mr Norms Grand Spaulding Dodge days, and how he went out to CA and beat up on I believe it was Don Gays Pontiac GTO and shit those west coasters up about their rants about proper timers not recording actual et's in the east!!

[@cavemangarage]

Excellent video Brian and great the history is preserved..Really enjoy your videos thanks Dennis

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Dennis!

[@pierceswan87]

When Brian uploads, I sit my ass down

[@brianlohnes3079]

Hahaha thank you

[@barneypierce6811]

great history. well done!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!

[@starbreaker1983]

Your content is phenomenal! Thank you for the detailed technical information as well, it adds so much. You are the new school McClelland, Evans, and Kepner. Keep it going!

[@brianlohnes3079]

That’s a very humbling thing to hear. Thank you.

[@oaktadopbok665]

A truly astounding history of one of the greatest drag racing eras. I was 13 years old and remember all these cars but never had enough money for more than 1 Hot Rod magazine a month. Never knew all this amazing backstory . . what amazing memories!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@beerbudgetengineer9151]

Thank you for these informative and entertaining glimpses into the early years of drag racing. If it would not be career suicide, I would love to see what you could disclose about the nitrous years in NHRA pro stock. With the number of teams that were involved along with the nitrous guru's that helped to make it almost impossible to spot by the tech at the time I feel certain with your connections you could get some first hand admissions out of some of the players of the time. Keep up the great work.

[@markzylstra4075]

Thank you sir for your time and energy to create this drag racing history story

[@brianlohnes3079]

My pleasure!

[@jerryloughney4757]

Another jam-packed vid. Well done!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!

[@nitroamerica1024]

This was another good one Brian! Always well-researched...always comprehensive!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks man!!!

[@the4x4pig]

You have a gift. Another amazing drag racing history lesson.

[@brianlohnes3079]

More to come!

[@mikedonzero2692]

Excellent job of telling the story of early developments in drag racing.

[@elborrachogrande]

Your depth of knowledge and ability to take is back to those days of old warms my nitro filled heart. Thanks for another great video

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

I love every film you put out Brian, great work.

[@brianlohnes3079]

I appreciate that!!

[@tonypolito6320]

No one does drag racing history like this guy. Another great show!!!!!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Tony!

[@js7127]

Just found your channel Brian and man am I hooked. I only started racing drag bikes, Carlsbad raceway in 85, cuz I was poor, but was glued to the tv from the early 70's watching anything drag racing. Awesome, to the point and informative content makes a 45min video seem like 10min. Hats off, now I must binge prev ep's LOL!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@jonspence6782]

Thanks, great story, great images

[@Mark-vd8oi]

THANKS FOR THIS GREAT STUFF EXSTEMELY THE BEST CONTENT EVER LOVE THIS HISTORY N OLD ENGINES LIKE THESE THE CARS PEOPLE PLACES ECT.

[@duck539]

Your research and story telling is only eclipsed by the photos and vids you have put together !! Thanks Again Mr Lohnes ..

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!

[@paulwilkinson673]

Great article thanks for posting.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@GaryCatt]

I love this stuff, the history. All the way from Australia, we have a rich history too, thanks Brian.

[@squigs8070]

Thanks so much for another true gem, somehow that later footage of the KG 554 coupe has eluded me, made my night loved it. Keep up the great work 👍

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks, will do!

[@williamstamper442]

These stories are pure gold Brian! Your way of telling this story is right on the money with no opinionated comments, very professional presentation right here!

[@mikepaul3959]

Another well researched, excellent video. Thanks again Brian.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@steveweiman4708]

Absolutely fantastic history lesson here Brian! You gave the subject the time and research deserved. Enjoyed every one of those 45 minutes............ :)

[@jonathangehman4005]

I'm really diggin' what you're doin' here Brian! MORE! MORE!

[@brianlohnes3079]

More to come!

[@jimthigpen333]

Great history and video ! Thank you Brian. ❤

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rollerdragon]

@Brian i am LOVING all this history!! without you, we would never have known... this history of drag racing shows how much raw grit and mechanical engineering went into all this... They Designed a way to make it work... we can take what they are teaching us into the next chapter.. electric... say.. could you do a dive into don "big daddy" Garlitz' electric dragster? i think someone else picked up the program and broke 200.... recently

[@ronniec8038]

Really enjoyed this video. It was a great trip through a now distant past. Those early days of this madness were the greatest. Thank you for this video, well done.

[@oldhillbillybuckkowalski]

In a sea of available KZbin content showcasing the heyday of drag racing, some of that content being quite excellent, what sets your videos apart and places them head and shoulders above all others is the use of not just photos with common knowledge commentary but actual video clips with audio that give a beter feel for the trly awesome sights and sounds, and the absolutely wild antics of nearly ot of control 1/4 mile passes. My gratitude for you and what you're doing is real and huge.