The 2026 NSRA Hot Rod Drags certainly had a few challenges to contend with. Held at Santa Pod Raceway, a former airfield, the 38th NSRA Hot Rod Drags was treated to plenty of wind, cold and wet spells, along with a few incidents and oil downs. But that didn’t stop our roving reporter from getting trackside and enjoying as much of the racing as possible.
The NSRA Hot Rod Drags is for pre-1973 Rods, customs, American cars and nostalgic dragsters, with plenty of nostalgia fuelled racing across classes including Gasser Circus, Wild Bunch, Supercharged Outlaws and Outlaw Anglia. Friday also saw a great selection of Run What Ya Brung cars taking to the track, with drivers getting several runs in as they made the most of the opportunity. Despite the challenging conditions, there was still plenty to enjoy, with everyone making the most of the weekend.
This year’s event was particularly poignant for the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) and the Hot Rod Drags community as everyone remembered a dear friend, Ian Armstrong, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Ian was a familiar face at the event and a much loved member of the NSRA and wider community. His wife Julie was presented with an award at this year’s NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals and, as a fitting tribute, this year’s Hot Rod Drags T-shirts and merchandise featured Ian’s own Ford Pop, a car we were also delighted to feature on the ClassicLine Insurance blog a few years ago.
ClassicLine Insurance has been the official insurance partner of the NSRA since 1992, supporting the club and its members with specialist insurance for hot rods, custom cars and American cars. NSRA members who insure through the ClassicLine Insurance NSRA Members Insurance Scheme can also benefit from additional features, including unlimited mileage and access to a free valuation service as part of their membership.
Don’t forget that there’s laid up cover for off the road vehicles, in progress builds and newly imported projects. Ideal if you are working a winter project ready to enjoy for the 2027 season. See you next time!
