I worked as a handicap starter and later as track EMT at an NHRA dragstrip back in the late 1960s early 1970s and saw a lot of the old time Pro Stock champs. For a time NHRA ran a AA gas dragster category with the dragsters using pump gasoline instead of the nitromethane. This class evolved into two engine behemoths which were amazing to see. I was amazed how they could get to engines to run in sync back before electronic engine controls.
I think part of my affection stems from it being a huge deal when they’d come to our small strip in SD. Was lucky enough to take in the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd MN.