[Dick Kirkpatrick]

NHRA Timeline: 50 Years of Power (1951-2001)
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
1951 - NHRA founded by Wally Parks.
1952 -- NHRA sanctions Pomona Drag Strip at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds under the auspices of Pomona Police Chief Ralph Parker.
1954 -- NHRA creates the Safety Safari, a team of drag racing ambassadors and officials who tour the country to introduce the sport to new audiences.
1955 - First NHRA national event held in Great Bend, Kan. Approximately 200 competitors enter for competition in one category: Top Eliminator.
1955 - Calvin Rice wins Top Eliminator at first NHRA national event with run of 10.30 seconds at 143.95 mph.
1956 - NHRA Nationals moved to Kansas City, Mo.
1956 -- NHRA publishes first comprehensive rule book for drag racing.
1957 - NHRA Nationals moved to Oklahoma City.
1959 -- Parachute braking device is first used and soon made mandatory for all cars exceeding 150 mph.
1959 - NHRA Nationals moved to Detroit.