The highlight of the nostalgia drag racing calendar has to be Dragstalgia – and this year’s event at Santa Pod Raceway certainly didn’t disappoint. Held from the 26th-29th June 2025, the weekend was a perfect mix of top class racing, displays of historic and iconic dragsters and festival style vibes, all under the most glorious weather. If you never experienced Dragstalgia, make sure it’s on your calendar for next year.
The usual line up of classes were out in force, including the NSRA-sponsored Gasser Circus, Willys Wars, Wild Bunch, Supercharged Outlaws, Nostalgia Superstock and Outlaw Anglia. For our roving reporter though, the standout action of the weekend came from the Dragstalgia Cannonball class. A class dedicated to nitro and alcohol-fuelled altereds and nostalgia funny cars competing for speed, timing slips, and the sheer enjoyment! Tony Betts and the Venom crew bagged the lowest ET of the event at 5.94 seconds and running an incredible 246mph.
Away from the startline, the live music stage had everyone tapping their toes, including a very lively and engaging set from The Houndogs. For those who prefer to sit and relax whilst listening to the bands, the beer festival marquee offered an inviting spot to chill out complete with an array of cosy, comfy sofas – it was like a DFS showroom in fabulous 1970s paisley! And the whole event was blessed with a blanket of incredible weather. Its not often you can be outside till 1.30am in the UK in a T shirt!
Additional family friendly entertainment included cycle-kart displays, vintage shopping hub, a fly-past from the RAF BBMF Hurricane and Lancaster and the ever popular show and shine run by our friends at the National Street Rod Association who were promoting the club and the upcoming NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals, whilst NSRA members enjoyed the track action from the best seat in the house – the startline VIP suite.
In the pitside marquee, the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame hosted their annual Grand Auction and Sale of Drag Racing and Hot Rod memorabilia alongside a display of vehicles from the past. Fans got a close up view of the first AA/fuel dragster to run in the UK, The Commuter, and the iconic Rat Trap altered, and newer builds including the Andy Robinson-Built Motor Mouse topolino and Robin Reed Racing’s latest Daimler-engined creation. Rounding off the weekend, the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame announced their latest inductees, Kenny Coleman, Keith Lee, Nigel Patrick, Kathy Taylor and Jon Webster, and Peter Crane, with the ‘Spirit of 76’ Award being presented to Bev Bradbury.
Since 1966, Santa Pod has been spiritual home of UK drag racing. Providing a place for records to be set, PB’s to be broken, and where amazing memories are made. And it’s those memories that will last all year through till the event is back again in 2026. As the raceway turns 60 in 2026, we can’t wait to hear what will be planned for their flagship nostalgia event!
As the official insurance provider for the NSRA, we’ll be catching up with their team next at the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals on the 7th – 10th August 2025. Looking forward to seeing you there!
