History Nostalgia Super Stock

1 history

1.1 foundation, 1955 1985
1.2 revival, 1985 2010
1.3 various rules committees
1.4 past, present , future, 2011 2013

history
the foundation, 1955 1985

the practitioners of nostalgia super stock drag racing shrouded in mystery , exact beginnings hard discern.

in clear contrast, original source of sport clear.

for many world war ii military veterans, , in increasing numbers, korean war veterans , post-ww ii ‘baby boomers,’ american automobile culture became highlight of young , middle-age lives - complete both home-built , later on, detroit-produced available-to-the-public ‘muscle’ cars, paraded nightly @ drive-in restaurants , raced on weekends @ drag strip.

started in sales competition between major american automobile manufacturers general motors, ford , chrysler in 1950s , 1960s, fueled low cost oil , horsepower available ever larger , more powerful v-8 engines underneath 2 carburetors, , administered sanctioning organizations such national hot rod association - stock, super stock, top stock , junior stock eliminator racing both participant , spectator racing favorite in ‘golden age’ approximately 1955 until 1971.

in original era, stock eliminator (established 1955) , super stock eliminator (established 1957) race cars limited design specifications factory produced, including maximum engine sizes , other restrictions on cylinder heads, intake manifolds, camshaft , valve train components , wheels/tires.

these cars, many street-driven strip , (with fortune) home after race, grouped in fast-to-slow alphabetical classes (a/s, b/s, c/s, etc.) determined horsepower-to-weight factors in wide ranges.

in 1960, optional classes (a/sa, b/sa, c/sa, etc.) cars equipped automatic transmissions added.

the universal competition format on track ‘heads-up’ racing - both cars leave starting line @ same time, no handicap, , first 1 finish line deemed winner.

at first, elapsed times in 16 13-second range, , later on, 12 , 11 seconds quarter-mile standard distance, considered remarkable.

with time, however, competitive spirit between manufacturers , between participants go faster increased pressure more , more performance.

numerous , complex engineering changes implemented, available ‘special’ products sold over-the-counter @ dealership parts departments.

for original manufacturers, power game played @ higher level, complete ‘package’ cars, designed highly potent racing practically unusable normal transportation.

whether ‘bodies-in-white,’ subcontracted fabrication and/or assembly vendors, built in off-site company-controlled facilities described ‘skunkworks’ or assembly-line produced in factory, these ‘packages’ delivered ‘insiders’ special connections or knowledge.

or more amazingly - looking more 50 years of retrospect – cars delivered directly commercial dealers sale public unwritten common understanding these vehicles – , - used racing.

this evolution led establishment nhra of optional super stock (o/ss, 1961), super super stock (ss/s, 1962) , factory experimental (fx, 1962) categories, followed modified production (mp, 1963), in effort keep pace fast-moving technology.

also in 1963, in cooperation other governing national , international authorities, nhra limited maximum engine size 427 cubic inches (7 liters) , in 1964, started using own horsepower factors, correct notoriously low ratings manufacturers.

by 1965, of these factory , privateer purpose-built fx vehicles, long-established ‘gasser’ , ‘altered’ classes, featured changed wheelbases, fuel injection , forced air induction (blowers) - configurations not infinite amount of rationalization justify ‘stock’ or ‘super stock.’

in 1966, nhra put increasingly radical fx cars – fueled nitromethane - own eliminator, officially called ‘experimental stock.’ popularly had been called ‘funny cars’ time, reflecting common comment, “that car sure looks funny.”

the following year, nhra formally established ‘funny car’ separate eliminator.

also in 1967, nhra redefined super stock division within stock eliminator, adding 10 classes based on horsepower-to-weight factors. in addition, on-track competition conducted handicapped starts based on national elapsed time records.

this new system major change, increasing number of vehicles eligible super stock - in part allowing former stock-only combinations additional power potential of aftermarket intake manifolds , camshaft , valve train components , increased traction efficiency of size rear tire/wheel assembly fit stock wheel well.

also included big-block powered ‘pony cars,’ such ford mustang , chevrolet camaro , plymouth barracuda, dodge dart , challenger models , amx american motors.

in 1968, nhra continued expansion, increasing 34 classes in stock eliminator , 12 in super stock, , allowing larger engine sizes except in ss/a , ss/aa, retained 427 cubic inch limit.

many observers agree pinnacle of both sales , track competition defined vehicle brand identification reached in 1970-71 period following 1969 birth of 500 cubic inch ‘heads-up’ pro stock class, direct descendent of both quickest super stock cars , widespread dissatisfaction handicapped competition.

but automotive party – ‘bye, bye, miss american pie’ expressed in don mclean’s song – ended after oil price shocks of 1970s , subsequent chaotic economic conditions of next 15 years made mass-produced muscle obsolete.

for pro racing nhra, nostalgia super stock evolved pro stock , fx evolved funny car.

the revival, 1985 2010

the factory supported super stock , factory experimental racing had faded away. cars, sounds, looks - , despite growing pains, how fun had been – remained sharp , vibrant memories some. dispute between first top fuel racer ever achieve 200mph in quarter mile has many argue big daddy don garlits, or conrad connie kalleta, or chris golden greek karamesines, true origin of first nostalgia super stock event source of major disputes between clubs claiming first coin phrase nss and/or nostalgia super stock .

nss car (texas whale) performing burnout

various claims include below midwest club nostalgia super stock, inc.

according jim brandon, long-time nss racer , automotive instructor @ linn state technical college, mid-1980s there several individuals had started hazily revive spirit of original era.

whether acquiring unwanted factory original or producing clone car salvageable and/or reproduction parts, started racing called nss cars, competing informally in central area of state of missouri.

and increased documentation later in decade, visibility improves.

dave campbell, secretary of midwest nostalgia super stock association later became nostalgia super stock inc. recalled, “in mid late 1980s, super chevy magazine published series of stories highlighting technical information on chevrolet 409 w-design motor.”

the 409 (cubic inches) engine 1 of giants of 60’s super stock , fx racing, along other factory ‘big block’ competitors, 421 pontiacs, 426 max wedge , 426 hemi mopars (dodge , plymouth) , 427 fe , later ‘cammer’ fords.

“these stories led more old-style super stock 409 cars being built, 6 racers putting on exhibition match race during super chevy sunday event @ indianapolis raceway park in 1987,” said campbell.

also veteran of general motors (leeds) assembly plant in kansas city, missouri worked 30-year career 50’s through 80’s, campbell knew combination well. inspired first-hand knowledge both owning new 409 in 1963 , factory experience, built replica 1963 chevrolet bel-air car named ‘faded memories.’

at invitation of doug marion, editor of super chevy magazine, campbell joined 6 other 409 racers, jim goodwin ‘pre historic rat’, clint & matt murphy ‘armortek,’ don evans ‘golden rod,’ john barber ‘barber john’, , bill burge ‘living legend,’ @ super chevy show @ irp in july 1988.

in may 1989, chevrolet 409 racer, russ campbell, contacted len greco, promoter producing ‘muscle past’ events @ gateway international raceway (madison, illinois), , suggested cars might fit program.

greco agreed , shortly after hosted dave campbell, russ campbell, leroy fly 1962 chevrolet, , rick johnson 1962 pontiac in exhibition format @ st. louis area track.

in july 1989, dave campbell , others did show national muscle car association, owned chuck green, @ first annual ‘high performance showdown’ event @ beech bend park in bowling green, kentucky.

later year, greco asked johnson organize eight-car field exhibition race following spring. success led greco-promoted race @ kansas city international raceway in july 1990.

on july 28, 1990, meeting of racers held @ dave campbell’s residence in kearney, missouri, discuss outline of formal organization.

the group’s primary purpose provide complete entertainment package – ‘heads-up’ exhibition match racing, car display , interaction spectators - track owners , promoters.

under name suggested dave campbell , later approved vote, midwest nostalgia super stock association published first newsletter, named ‘nostalgia news’ on april 7, 1991 , stated membership of 21 racers.

the association’s first match race event took place may 4–5 @ gateway greco.

the second newsletter, dated july 5, 1991, named rick johnson chairman of board along members joe zajac, larry kaufman, ray bisig, craig dawson, mike riefer, frank zalud, jim whittenburg, russ campbell, don shaffer, dave campbell, jim hagenhoff, john brady , phil hayenga.

in august, mnssa made first appearance @ goodguys rod , custom association’s race @ indianapolis raceway park.

the third issue of ‘nostalgia news’ - september 4, 1991 - written under dave campbell’s byline.

“by our group had been featured in several magazine articles , russ smiltnieks had acquired nmca green,” said dave campbell. “smiltnieks asked our group exhibition racing @ memphis (tennessee) motorsports park in september nmca interested in offering nss class 1992. wanted see our performance , reaction it.”

nmca favorably impressed result, enough establish own rules in consultation mnssa , schedule four-race series 1992. each season since, nmca has offered nss in addition numerous modern classes, changing open competition index-style format in 1994.

the original mnssa continued produce ‘heads-up’ match race programs until 1997, when internal disagreement caused group split.

one faction, including jim whittenburg, terry whittenburg, rick johnson, russ campbell, shaffer, zalud , dave johnson, took original mnssa name , produced shows until 2006.

on november 15, 1997, remaining faction, including original founders dave campbell, zajac, kaufman, bisig , hayenga, held reorganizational meeting @ residence of larry quinn in springfield, illinois, , joined other members, richard anderson, bob kokenes, jerry zeman, dallas peffley, tom ponder, jim richardson, john rousset, steve snyder , mike swanson in establishing renamed organization called nostalgia super stock inc.

also in 1997, nmca sold petersen publishing, adding more complex web of ownership intrigue, drama, misunderstanding , mystery still continues confound many racers , public.

in 1998, former mnssa member, tony depillo, co-founded national street car association, included nss , similar class named pro nostalgia faster cars. in association nmca , not, nsca produced events included nss 10 years before disbanded.

meanwhile, popularity of nostalgia drag racing in general , nss specifically, had continued grow, spreading eastern , southern regions of united states. gave rise other organizations, such east coast nostalgia super stock association, 422 motorsports, , texas outsiders.

in addition, subset individual events , season-long series related specific brands, example, ford nationals, pontiac nationals, mopar nationals , chrysler classic series max wedge , hemi super stock classes, had grown popular.

an independent event, monster mopar weekend, has included nss since 1996 , until 2010 considered annual ‘national’ event sport.

in 2006, nss within mmw race named dave duell nostalgia super stock nationals in memory of dave duell, long-time participant , administrator in nhra stock , nss, , alumnus of original mnssa.

various rules committees

in 2008, nostalgia super stock national association formed representatives various nss groups, including dave duell’s son, doug, in effort establish nationally recognized definitions , rules category.

since year, nssna has provided rules authority, technical inspection , race management services category nhra @ annual national hot rod reunion event @ beech bend park; dave duell classic,; mmw events , number of other free-standing races @ various 1/8th-mile tracks.

however, when 1 of clubs attempted failed power struggle take ownership of nssna rules committee own, other members (including doug duell) resigned. october 19, 2015 3 of members (doug duell, jim netherland, , clay kossuth) had resigned nssna formed new rules organization, recognized uniform rules governing nostalgia super stock events such dave duell classic, nmca, , other known event promoters nss class racing.

past, present , future, 2011 2013

nmca continues offer long-time , wide-ranging nss series, determines considered individual national champion.

just possible geographic expansion eastern half of country has turned potential nmca has 4 events west of mississippi river. while nss not current category offered, become 1 in future seasons.

the 2012 sale , of subsequent reopening of closed race tracks @ memphis , st. louis positive development.

with new ownership, monster mopar weekend (mmw) has 2 events each year @ indianapolis, in , norwalk, oh.

the victory performance midwest nostalgia super stock series, featuring 6 races, has been active several years.

in 2015, southwest heritage racing association began series of races featuring nostalgia stock racing in texas , louisiana.

a relatively new entry feature nostalgia super stock racing annual atlanta $10,000 - held in commerce, ga.

these hopeful signs ‘reliving dreams in fields of gold,’ through nss continue.