via NHRA
Art Chrisman, one of the founding fathers of NHRA Drag Racing and a member of one of the sport’s legendary families, died July 12. He was 86. Many people will remember Art Chrisman rocketing down the track in his #25 car . His #25 car cemented its place in the history books as the first car to make a pass at the 1955 Nationals in Great Bend, Kan., NHRA’s first national event. Chrisman took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, then made the opening lap of the race as well as the first drag racer to exceed 140 mph & 180 mph.
Chrisman, who with his son, Mike, founded Chrisman Auto Rod Specialties to build and restore hot rods, restored Hustler I to 1962 vintage in the mid-1980s and made full quarter-mile smoking runs for the fans.
RIP, GODS BLESSINGS……..