“Drag and Drive is about more than just racing” - Freiburger
I know this is probably a bad view of this but David Freiburger fending for himself with his own Youtube channel has been incredible for the people paying attention. The insight and videos we have gotten from him sitting in front of his camera will be a historic moment when we look back at the Motor Trend fiasco in 10 years.
I have enjoyed the topics and conversational aspect of him creating his own content. Before you say anything, I know the networks never really held him down much but I feel this is different.
Anyway, he put out a video a few days ago about the history of how hot rods, street racing and drag and drive. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have listened to it twice now. I really wish he’d take these monologue style videos and create a podcast using the audio. I hope you take the time to watch the video and let David know you want more of this history to be brought forward!
And just to expand on some of the topics he refers to in the section on the Fastest Street Car Shootout, another great listen is Brian Lohne’s Dork-O-Motive podcast on the 1992 Hot Rod Magazine Fastest Street Car Shootout, which essentially built the drag and drive community 13 years later. Listen to it here: Fastest - An Oral History of the 1992 Hot Rod Magazine Fastest Street Car Shootout
Here is a recap of the video on Freiburger’s Youtube Channel
A Journey Through Time: From Backstreets to Global Tracks
The story of street car racing and Drag and Drive events is one of innovation, rebellion, and evolution. In an insightful video, David Freiburger, a key figure in this culture, unraveled the fascinating history that took us from early hot rodding to today’s global Drag and Drive phenomenon. This deep dive spans decades, shedding light on pivotal moments, legendary cars, and the relentless pursuit of speed.
Highlights from the Story
The Foundations: The Birth of Hot Rodding (1920s-1940s)
Street racing origins: The roots of street car racing trace back to the 1920s and 1930s, as young enthusiasts across the United States modified their Model Ts and Model As. They stripped off fenders, boosted engine performance, and raced on main drags, sparking the beginnings of hot rodding culture.
Challenges and innovation: Street racing quickly drew the attention of law enforcement, forcing racers to seek alternative venues. Southern California’s dry lakes, with their hard-packed silt and expansive spaces, became the perfect testing ground for these early racers.
Reliability runs: In 1948, the Pasadena Roadster Club introduced reliability runs, where hot rodders drove their cars over a 100-130 mile loop to prove both streetworthiness and track performance. This event laid the groundwork for today’s Drag and Drive concept.
The Rise of Organized Drag Racing (1949-1960s)
First drag race: The first sanctioned drag race took place in 1949 at the Santa Barbara Airport (now John Wayne Airport). Racers like Fran Hernandez, a street racing legend, brought fame to these events.
Stock racing gains traction: By the 1950s, tracks introduced “stock” classes, allowing enthusiasts to race showroom-ready cars. This class eventually led to highly modified versions, such as super stock and factory experimental cars.
The gas class: Beginning in 1953, the NHRA’s “gas class” required cars to remain street-legal, with license plates, horns, and turn signals. These heavily modified cars became fan favorites, creating iconic imagery like Tri-Five Chevys with straight axles and supercharged Willys.
A Quiet Period: The 1970s to Late 1980s
The vacuum era: After the gas class faded in the late 1960s, the focus on “fastest street cars” diminished. While bracket racing flourished, no major events highlighted street car performance.
Top Gun Shootout (1989-1991): Street racing made a comeback in the late 1980s with events like Atlanta’s Top Gun Shootout. Here, racers showcased street-legal cars with quarter-mile times as low as 8 seconds, capturing the attention of Hot Rod Magazine.
The Revolution: Fastest Street Car Shootout (1992)
The game-changer: In 1992, Hot Rod Magazine hosted the first Fastest Street Car Shootout at Memphis Motorsports Park. The event challenged participants to prove their cars’ street-legal status with license plates, insurance, and a short street cruise.
Max Carter’s triumph: Max Carter’s 1966 Nova took home the title, clocking an 8.38-second quarter mile. Despite its tube chassis design, it set the standard for what was possible in street car racing.
Immediate impact: The success of this event led to an explosion of similar competitions nationwide, firmly establishing the fastest street car movement.
The Birth of Drag and Drive: Hot Rod Drag Week (2005)
Freiburger’s vision: Frustrated by debates over what constituted a “street car”, Freiburger launched Hot Rod Drag Week in 2005. This grueling event required cars to drive over 1,000 miles and race at five tracks in five days.
Unique format: Drag Week combined endurance and performance, with participants completing daily street drives and averaging five drag strip runs. This approach ensured that cars were truly street-capable.
Original Idea: David credits One Lap of America with the original idea behind Hot Rod Drag Week. Street Driving your racecar would prove your car’s street worthiness.
Carl Scott’s historic win: The inaugural Drag Week winner, Carl Scott, piloted a red 1966 Nova—a nod to Max Carter’s 1992 victory. His 8.30-second runs highlighted the incredible evolution of street car performance.
Global Expansion: Drag and Drive Today
40+ events worldwide: Since Drag Week’s inception, Drag and Drive events have expanded across three continents, including Rocky Mountain Race Week in the U.S., events in Australia, and burgeoning competitions in Europe.
Industry impact: These events have driven advancements in aftermarket components, including electric fuel pumps, torque converters, and engine parts, by subjecting them to extreme conditions.
Community spirit: The camaraderie among racers has become a defining feature of these events, with participants helping one another overcome breakdowns and setbacks to keep going.
Defining the Debate: What is a Street Car?
Diverse interpretations: From stock-bodied cruisers to 6-second monsters, Drag and Drive events cater to every definition of a “street car.” Classes range from entry-level daily drivers to unlimited pro-mod-style vehicles.
Freiburger’s take: While debates over legitimacy persist, Freiburger emphasizes that the spirit of Drag and Drive lies in using the car—whether towing a trailer, running pump gas, or competing in daily driver classes.
The Global Impact: Drag and Drive Today
Fast forward to 2024, and the Drag and Drive format has exploded. There are now 40+ events across three continents, including the iconic Rocky Mountain Race Week and Australia’s burgeoning scene. These events have revolutionized motorsport, pushing innovations in parts like fuel pumps, torque converters, and cylinder heads.
Freiburger notes:
“Drag and Drive is about more than just racing—it’s about using your car, proving it on the street and track, and being part of an incredible community.”
Legacy and Future
David Freiburger’s video highlighted the rich history and ongoing evolution of street car racing and Drag and Drive events. From the dry lakes of California to international competitions, this culture continues to inspire innovation, foster community, and fuel the passion of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
With Hot Rod Drag Week celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024 and 40 events now part of the Drag and Drive circuit, the future of street car racing has never been brighter. Whether you’re a fan, participant, or newcomer, there’s no better time to join the action.
Stay tuned to Drag Drive Repeat for more coverage of this exhilarating world. Who knows? The next chapter of Drag and Drive history might just include you.
