NHRA Motorsport Museum

Years before the conception of an NHRA Motorsports Museum became reality, the first notable car that NHRA acquired for historical representation was the famed Dragmaster Dart campaigned by Jim Nelson and partner Dode Martin. Running a 430-cid Dodge wedge engine, Nelson piloted the Dragmaster to the Top Eliminator win at the 1962 Winternationals with an 8.71 at 170.13 mph against Tom McEwen in the final round.

(© 1999 NHRA Photographic Services)

From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Nelson and Martin were the country's most prolific dragster chassis builders. Their customers included Roland Leong, Danny Ongais, Pete Robinson, and Mickey Thompson.

When Dragmaster unveiled its Streetster hot rod kit in the mid-1960s, more than 50,000 letters of inquiry poured in. The company still exists today as a specialty automotive shop.

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