Fri, 11 Mar 2005, 03:25 PM NHRA Legends Program Established to Further Recognize Pioneers

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Of the Sport of NHRA Drag Racing

GLENDORA, Calif. -- NHRA announced today the NHRA Legends Program, designed to recognize the on-track legends of the sport of NHRA Drag Racing by granting them lifetime access to any NHRA event.

"NHRA is very proud of our rich tradition and appreciates the immeasurable contributions made by those selected as the Top 50 drivers of NHRA's first 50 years," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "These individuals are always welcome at NHRA events, and the NHRA Legends Program will assure their involvement in NHRA for years to come."

During NHRA's 50th anniversary celebration, a distinguished panel of NHRA Drag Racing experts, including print media, broadcast media and long-time historians of the sport, identified the top 50 drivers in NHRA's first 50 years. Those names have been selected as the first members of the NHRA Legends Program and will be provided a lifetime NHRA Legends Hard Card allowing access to any future NHRA event including the 23 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events. The hard card issued also will provide sponsor viewing area and tower access. In addition, the members of the NHRA Legends Program will be afforded one red key parking pass at every national event they attend. Also, at any NHRA national event they attend, they can receive, free of charge, one additional non-restricted event credential, also with sponsor viewing area and tower access.

"It is very important that NHRA maintain a close relationship to those individuals that played an instrumental role in growing and building the sport of NHRA Drag Racing to where it is today," said Compton.

NHRA Legends Program - Inaugural Members

.  Don Garlits

.  John Force

.  Don Prudhomme

.  Bob Glidden

.  Shirley Muldowney

.  Kenny Bernstein

.  Warren Johnson

.  Bill Jenkins

.  Joe Amato

.  Dale Armstrong

.  Mickey Thompson (posthumous)

.  Lee Shepherd (posthumous)

.  Pat Austin

.  Eddie Hill

.  Ronnie Sox

.  Tom McEwen

.  Jim Liberman (posthumous)

.  Don Nicholson

.  Ed McCulloch

.  Raymond Beadle

.  Connie Kalitta

.  Pete Robinson (posthumous)

.  Jack Chrisman (posthumous)

.  Gary Beck

.  Tommy Ivo

.  Gene Snow

.  Jim Dunn

.  George Montgomery

.  Art Chrisman

.  Chris Karamesines

.  Dick LaHaie

.  Darrell Gwynn

.  Brad Anderson

.  Willie Borsch (posthumous)

.  Terry Vance

.  Blaine Johnson (posthumous)

.  Edmond Richardson

.  James Warren

.  Danny Ongais

.  Frank Manzo

.  John Mulligan (posthumous)

.  David Rampy

.  Frank Hawley

.  Dave Schultz (posthumous)

.  Scotty Richardson

.  Ken Veney

.  Billy Meyer

.  Malcolm Durham

.  Richard Tharp

.  Elmer Trett (posthumous)

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