1980's
Page 1
It is said that the only constant
is change, and on that note, the 24-year date cap for WDIFL is
moving from 1979 to 1989. The 80's were when drag racing officially
went from doing it for love to doing it for money. Corporate
sponsorships grew throughout the decade and ET's and speeds went
quicker and faster respectively. This move is also a precursor
to some huge changes coming to WDIFL in the next several months.
Your feedback is welcome on
this huge change to WDIFL. Photo contributions are also elcome
(yea, funny cars, too). Enjoy.
Jerry Ruth in his game changing
Swindle car throwing the front tires at Seattle International
Raceway in 1980. Along with several other incidents of the "air"
tires this should have brought about a rule change. It took Shirley's
accident in Montreal to do that. No more bike-type
rubber.
Connie Kalitta and Shirley backing
up from their final round burnouts during the 1982 NHRA Grandnationals
in Montreal. Connie taking the win at 5.78-241.28 over Shirleys
5.85-220.58. This was Kalittas 2nd career National Event
win and the first since the 1967 NHRA Winternationals. Muldowney
would get her revenge 2 months later in the final round of the
US Nationals at Indy.

Gary Beck at Englishtown in 1980.
The Larry Minor entry qualified #8 at 5.974-236.84. A broken
fuel pump shaft ruined their day prior to a second-round meeting
with Marvin Graham.

Frank Bradley during the 1980
AHRA Finals. Qualified #6 but lost to Ernie Hall 1st round.
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