"Original hot rod builders were very liner in purpose regarding their machines: go faster than the other guy. Asthetichs were secondary, performance was primary. Dry lakes and abandoned runways converted to drag strips quickly became the preferred meeting places for these machines and there enthusiastic owners who were launching an industry and hobby with lasting power they could not possibly imagne.
Over time, the hot rod craze cooled somewhat. only to see many of them re-emerge years later in other configurations built or rebuilt with and eye towrds comfort and style , rather than performance. Hot rod drag events dwindled, reflecting the new trends known as cruise-ins, rod runs, and in the last few decades the mega show. This style of car also had some legs, these types of rods exsist in great numbers and are enjoyed by many to this day. Dispite their popularity, many individuals longed for events that wouldallow them to wring out their homebuilt machines and compete against them selves as other like minded hot rodders.
Fortunately for all of us, the old style hot rods came roaring back, spurred in part by a young new generation of builders who have discovered the charicter and charm and simplicity of these machines. These young enthusiasts also appreciate the original concept of building it, bating the heck out of it at the track. The idea was as simple then as it is now.Building the car to the best of their abilities, going to the track, fighting for that last tenth of a second, and fixing it when it breaks.
A prime example of these young hot rod guns is the Road Devils Car Club. This worldwide club boasts over a dozen chapters in far-flung corners of the globe. Best of all they have a real affinity for buliding cars and using them for their intended purpose.
Case in point: The first annual Hell On Wheels, a full on tradtional flag drop drag race event held this past summer by the Road Devils at national trails raceway in Hebron, Ohio. The Road Devils are no stranger to hosting great events, having sponsered such events as the Thaw Out , and the Fender Bender. While these events were fun the fellows knew it was time to go racing. Enter the powers that be at National Trails Raceway. They approched the Road Devils, after several meetings to plan their attack, The stage was set for some serious hot rod abuse.
As it was in the beginning. these drag races were flag start, 1/8 mile. Although some nostalgia dragsters made exhibition 1/4 mile passes. Regardless of the length of the race participants responded by using every last inch of the track. There were some very impressive demonstrtions of power on this day. Participants had to adhere to a pre 1972 American Built mandate. Motorcycles were welcome if built in a tradtional manner. Regarless of typ of machine, most participants got out on the track and let it all hang out, as the saying goes.
Not wanting to leave any stone unturned, The Road Devils also added some standard hot rod show far to the burning rubber and race gas. Flame throwing, pin up, and a burnout contest sponsered by Daimond back Tires were all on the agenda. Three bands belted out great music in the evening, and everyone congregated in the timing tower after hours to bench race, have a beer, and enjoy the atmosphere of a historic race track littered with hot rods.
As can be seen from the photos, ominous clouds hung low most of the day: the occasional rain burst casuse a delay or two. No matterfolks simply congregated in the vendor area, and waited it out. Towards the end of the day a severe storm rolled throught the area, but as is always in the midwest, the weather straightened out after a while, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening entertainment.
Once again, the Road Devils have struck a hot rodding nerve. and they want to do it again next year. No doubt it will be even bigger and better. Get the old Bomb tuned up razor sharp and drive to Hell On Wheels 2, line up on the starting line, peer over your cowl at the flag starter, and pretend it's 1952.
This article is from the Hometown Hotrods Magazine christmas 08 issue with photos from the event by Keven Carter.
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