Heart-Pounding Horsepower: 74 Years of the NHRA

September 29, 2026 – January 31, 2027

The first drag race probably occurred in an unknown town when two cars lined up, side by side, to see which was the fastest.

Post-WWII, the world of “hot rodding” exploded, and with it, an increase in street racing.

Dry lake beds became an alternative, but as they disappeared, a solution was desperately needed.

In 1951, the National Hot Rod Association, in conjunction with Hot Rod Magazine, was formed.

Initially an umbrella organization for car clubs, the Association recognized that the “need for speed” warranted a structure that provided safe venues for races, rules, classes, insurance, and good relations with local law enforcement.

Seventy-five years later, the NHRA is still the premier governing body of a sport that has grown far beyond the realm of hot rods.

This exhibit showcases race cars from varying classifications in the NHRA drag racing series.