The 2013 Street Machine Fall Nationals had a little bit of everything in regard to weather, from sunny and warm to rainy and cool. That didn’t dampen the turnout on Saturday, tons of great cars and trucks were on hand to shoot.
The great debate…Who ran the first 200MPH pass in the NHRA? In the minds of many, Karamesines was the first driver to exceed 200 mph on April 4, 1960, with a clocking of 8.82 at 204.54 mph at Illinois’ Alton Dragway. Don Garlits, Frank Cannon, and others who were among the first to break the double-century barrier did not do so until 1964.
Don Garlits hit it Aug. 2, 1964, the great innovator etched his name in not just the record books, but unquestionably in the history books as well with his 7.78-second pass at 201.34 that broke the 200-mph barrier that many believed would never be broken.
Kalitta made his historic 200-mph run during Nationals qualifying at three-year-old Indianapolis Raceway Park. It wasn’t the first 200-mph pass – that was either Chris Karamesines’ disputed 204.54 in Alton, Ill., in 1960 or Garlits’ runs earlier in 1964 in Great Meadows, N.J. – but it was the first 200 at an NHRA national event.
You decide.
From HBTV
HBTV: Depth of Speed - Salt Flats Speed Shop from HBTV on Vimeo.
Depth of Speed was born from a desire of story, travel, and a love of anything automotive related. Next year my wife and I will be taking to the streets to uncover and document the greatest stories from the automotive world. From coast-to-coast and from top to bottom, finding the best stories will take the highest priority. Every time I meet someone new or attend an event I amazed at the depth, passion, and love that the automotive world brings. Depth of Speed is just that, an in-depth look at these stories. There is something about motors and machines, that to an outsider looking in, would make us seem plain crazy.
We have begun the process of outfitting our trusty Scamp trailer to traverse the entire country. Known affectionately as a fiberglass egg, our Scamp will be our home for one year of our lives. At only 13 feet long it will make for a cozy year.
n this week’s episode of Depth of Speed, Josh Clason visits the garage of Salt Flats Speed Shop. The operation founded by Chris Davenport has developed a following based on his high-quality customization and restorations of vintage cars dating back to the 20s and 30s. Despite an increasingly automated world, Davenport’s penchant for handcrafting makes him one of the greatest advocates for utilizing ways of the past.
