In 1955, the National Hot Rod Ass’n hosted a major drag race in a central geographical location that would provide an opportunity for the best racers from each region of the country to meet in an ultimate showdown of speed and high performance to determine a national champion.

Back then, the race was known simply as The Nationals, and the first edition was run at Great Bend, Kan., in 1955 hosted competitors from nearly every state, even Hawaii. There were 30 classes of competition including dragsters. roadsters, coupes, sedans, stock cars, sports cars and gassers — eligible for participation in the inaugural event.