The American Hot Rod Association: A Rebel’s History By Doug Boyce

Learn the complete, fascinating story of the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) in this richly illustrated color history.

When the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was formed in 1951 by Wally Parks, its goal was to “create order from chaos” by introducing safety rules and performance standards that legitimized the sport of drag racing. The AHRA emerged in 1956 as a bold alternative — a racer-focused organization where drivers themselves voted on the rules.

The AHRA quickly made its mark by challenging the NHRA’s restrictions. When the NHRA banned nitromethane in 1957, the AHRA approved it. When aircraft-powered dragsters and the new “Funny Cars” were outlawed elsewhere, the AHRA welcomed them. When fans and racers demanded heads-up Super Stock racing, the AHRA delivered.

Dubbed the “rebel association,” the AHRA became a fan favorite throughout the 1960s and 1970s, rivaling the NHRA with massive crowds and high-profile events. In this engaging history, veteran author Doug Boyce chronicles the AHRA’s rise, innovations, fierce competition, and ultimate downfall following the death of its president, Jim Tice, in 1982 — a loss that sparked internal conflicts and eventually led to the association’s collapse.

Packed with rare photographs and first-hand accounts, this book captures the spirit, influence, and legacy of the AHRA — a force that helped shape the golden era of drag racing.

A must-have for any drag racing enthusiast, The American Hot Rod Association: A Rebel’s History belongs in every motorsport library.