1970’s – Drag Racing Goes Hollywood

1978-1986 was a special time period in NHRA Drag Racing, and special in the hearts
of drag racing fans. 1979 marked the 25th Anniversary of the U.S. Nationals, and
with the heavy promotion of the First Lady Of Drag Racing (Shirley Muldowney)
mainstream media could no longer ignore the massive appeal of professional drag
racing. Thanks to Diamond P Sports (and the fine work by the late great commentator
Steve Evans), we began seeing Drag Racing on cable channels like TNN and ESPN,
‘Big Daddy’ Don Garlits, Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato,
and so many more, brought professionalism to the sport both on and off the track.

Kings Of The Sport (1986) – 43 min  
An excellent 1986 documentary that shows how drag racing evolved, and focuses on
the biggest names in Top Fuel at the time, Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Connie
Kalitta, Gary Ormsby, Joe Amato, and Gary Beck. – Condition (Excellent)

Fabulous Floppers (1986) – 74 min  
A great 1986 documentary covering the history of Funny Cars, with tremendous vintage footage from
the 1960’s and 1970’s. Hosted by Steve Evans, along with two of the greatest names in Funny Car
Racing, Don Prudhomme and Kenny Bernstein. Great information (and footage) on how the Funny Car
developed from its roots as an altered wheelbase car in the 1960’s. – Condition (Excellent)

Wheels Of Fire (1978) – 77 min  
A fantastic documentary, produced for theatrical release, but movie studios rejected the final version. Great
footage of Top Fuel and Funny Cars, all professionally filmed for cinematic release, and even includes some
dramatization of some racers childhoods. Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don Prudhomme, Billy Meyer,
and many more are all here. Great cinematography, and a truly rare film. Note : Some sources incorrectly
list this movie as being from 1973, but it is in fact from 1978. – Condition (Excellent)

Don Garlits – Behind The Headlights (2004) – 40 min  
Rather than a larger-than-life study of Big Daddy himself, this documentary is centered on Swamp
Rat 14. In keeping with the stated mission of the show, the changes Don Garlits and his team made
in perfecting the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster created a vehicle so unique that it changed the
history of drag racing. This was originally broadcast on Speed Channel, and all commercials have
been eliminated. – Condition (Excellent)