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This state of affairs has been greatly resented by the “traditional” nitro fans but has not seemingly bothered the newer fans or the die-cast set. So maybe in the long run all it has done is open up another venue for nitro fans while the major events continue on at about the same pace. If this turns out to be true then that would be a positive step forward for drag racing in general.

The major changes made in the nitro classes, particularly Nitro FC, at the national events has resulted in the birth of the Nostalgia/Classic/Outlaw movement. This movement is not only the fastest growing segment of the sport, but it may be the only part of the sport to show any growth. The term nostalgia was the right word a few years ago since the movement started with the restoring and displaying of the front-motored fuel dragsters primarily on the west coast.

Next was the Goodguys/VRA series of events, featuring nitro front-motored dragsters, which have continued to grow in popularity. The reunions have played a huge part in the Nostalgia movement’s allure as well, with more and more reunion events being either announced or in the planning stages. The interest in Nostalgia/Nitro FCs began a few years ago and from the beginning they, unlike the TF class, had a couple of options in the direction they might take.

Whatever it was called at the time, fuel dragsters always had a class or eliminator to run in. Nitro FCs were born as match-race cars and remained as such until they were basically put out of business by the proliferation of national events that included TV coverage. From this point forward they were NHRA/major event cars.

The resurgence of “Other than National Events Nitro FCs” has broken into two completely different groups with very little possibility of agreeing about anything other than body rules. The Goodguys/VRA group is called Nostalgia/FCs and has had successful races within the bigger Goodguys “Shows” and appears to have steady growth. The Goodguys---N/FC races have rules limiting almost everything, with a qualifying show, eliminations and a points system. In short “NHRA lite” with Nostalgia bodies, they are mostly a west coast group that runs in the low 6’s and about 240 mph.

The second FC group is “Outlaw Funny Cars” but before we discuss them let's talk about the word outlaw as it usually pertains to drag racing. For years I have heard the phrase “Outlaw track” used with a condescending tone of voice when in reality the track under discussion was merely not sanctioned by NHRA or IHRA, hardly a reason to be called “Outlaw”.

If, for instance, I hit the lottery and decided to buy the Joliet, Illinois facility, bought my insurance from the same supplier as the pervious owners and wanted to just run the track myself why would I have an “Outlaw” track? It seems to me I would own an independent Drag strip. Let’s take this a step further, if I owned a grocery store not affiliated with, say Kroger or IGA, no one would ever think I had an “Outlaw” grocery store. I have been told the “Outlaw Funny Car” group is self named so I will use the term.

In numerous phone conversations before writing this column I have found the Outlaw FC group are mostly old Nitro FC guys/owners/drivers or fans who remember what it was like to run a car and have fun while at the same time making a little money. They seem to have the quaint view if they have something of value to bring to the party and the track owners make money BECAUSE THEY ARE THERE, they should be paid.

The Outlaws are pretty much in agreement with the Goodguys group about the body rules but that’s about all. The Outlaw guys want to use some parts they already own along with ONE simple equipment rule to limit performance to some predetermined level (Some want a blower limit and others want to restrict fuel pump volume), the number I hear most often is 5.70s to 5.90s. I did ask several people about the performance limits and how they had arrived at that number. Everyone gave me the same answer almost word for word, “I don’t want to bring a Nitro FC to the track that won’t outrun a Pro Mod. It would be embarrassing.”

From researching this story I have reached a few conclusions. Whatever you call the movement, Nostalgia/Classic/Outlaw FCs are the fastest growing part of the sport and are going to continue to grow and hopefully prosper. The difference between the Goodguys and the Outlaws is more of a mindset than anything, with one group wanting a smaller version of a national event and the other is a throw back to the match race days.

The good news is there is room for both and in fact this will give the fans two new distinct choices in where they can get a nitro fix and that is a good thing. However big this movement becomes all fans of Nitro Funny Cars owe a debt of gratitude to both the Goodguys and the original group of car owners who worked so hard to get the ball rolling.