NHRA car numbers in late 60s.

[Rory McNeil]

I have a program and entry list for the 1970 Winternationals, and I noticed at that time, the car numbers were not based on the Division the driver was from. Also, most of the Stock and S/S cars had 3 digit numbers. In the entry list, for example, car numbers 812, 813, 814, etc could be assigned to racers from several different divisions. Just wondering if these numbers were assigned to a particular car and driver, just for that one National Event, so the same car would have a different number for each National, or were they similar to the "permanent " numbers, that have been in place, since at least the mid 70s, with the first number denoting the drivers NHRA division. If so, what year did NHRA come out with the permanent divisional number system? I have had my number since 1976, so I assume it was some time between 1970 and 76?

[Steve Stasko]

Numbers were assigned per race.

The permanent/division numbers came out in 1972.

[frank johnson]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

Numbers were assigned per race.

The permanent/division numbers came out in 1972.

I had #648 back in the 60's

[Hacksaw]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

Numbers were assigned per race.

The permanent/division numbers came out in 1972.

That may be true for the Sportsman but an old friend, Don MacArthur ( RIP ) raced Top Fuel starting in the 60's and on at times he would pull out his licence from his wallet and show off his number, think it was like # 68 or something like that. Funny but he always called it Top Fool.

[nhramnl]

Originally Posted by Hacksaw

That may be true for the Sportsman but an old friend, Don MacArthur ( RIP ) raced Top Fuel starting in the 60's and on at times he would pull out his licence from his wallet and show off his number, think it was like # 68 or something like that. Funny but he always called it Top Fool.

Probably called it that because he periodically looked at his lifestyle and bank balance, and understood, at those times, the wonderful life he was giving up to be filthy, broke and endlessly disappointed.

[Hacksaw]

Originally Posted by nhramnl

Probably called it that because he periodically looked at his lifestyle and bank balance, and understood, at those times, the wonderful life he was giving up to be filthy, broke and endlessly disappointed.

What you say maybe true for the most part but endlessly disappointed is not. He was quite successful, ran with likes of Garlits, Prudomme, Sneaky Pete Robinson, Karamesines and many others. Had many track records and not sure but I think he held the Nat. record at one time.

[nhramnl]

Originally Posted by Hacksaw

What you say maybe true for the most part but endlessly disappointed is not. He was quite successful, ran with likes of Garlits, Prudomme, Sneaky Pete Robinson, Karamesines and many others. Had many track records and not sure but I think he held the Nat. record at one time.

So sorry. Was not, in any way, actually focused on your friend. Rather, was just speaking for "us", the numerous "fools" who have frittered away multiple fortunes, just to smell race fuel exhaust, do burnouts, and leave the starting line with our eyes stuck to the back of our head. Your friend is just a member of a large and crazy brotherhood, to which I am very proud to belong. RIP to him and those pioneers like him.