The "Utah Charger" as it raced at Bonneville Raceway back in the 70's. Photos: UtahCharger.com

Somewhere in my heart there is a sweet spot for these old hot rods that raced hard for nearly a decade before I was even born. From the car shows to the race track you often see pieces from the era of home built hot rods and racers. The Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing group has been promoting races since 1999 for these vintage cars. Even by watching popular auctions like Barrett Jackson you will see a flourish of popularity for the time period correct race cars that have plenty of prominence and fame. It appears that the trend is going to continue on from the looks of the progress on the “Utah Charger”.

The “Utah Charger” is an original AA/FD dragster that did battle back in the 70’s during the rage of the gasser wars. The dragster has been completely restored and revamped with upgrades for safety. One goal was set and that was to be the only dragster of its type that is certified to run full out quarter mile while competing in match races. Match races were all the rage in the 70’s from coast to coast and the Goodguys continues that tradition til this day.

The crew works to prepare to fire the dragster for its maiden voyage.

The dragster has been completed and even had some shakedown runs late last season to prepare for this year. While the exterior looks the same from the paint to the period correct body style it has quite a bit of new technology on the underside of the massaged body panels. The blown big block is reminiscent of how the Hemi became so popular. The fore fathers of the sport originally commissioned 392 cubic inch engines and they progressed to the 500 inchers that they are today in competition. The maiden voyage last September showed much promise under the lights at Rocky Mountain Raceway in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pilot Steve Watson eased out on the throttle and ran it to the 700 foot mark and lifted. The pass netted a 6.31 second elapsed time which should easily place them in the high five second range on a full out pass.