It’s rare to see an authentic documentary, detailing the life, times, people, and cars of drag racing’s most prominent era. From drag racing’s birth to a recap of the 1966 NHRA season, it’s all here. So, when we come across not one but two action-packed segments illustrating just that, we jump at the chance to filter it through, and refine it for your addiction to everything hot rod. Thanks to our friends at bangshift.com, we’ve got it all here…just for you.

After the jump you’ll see parts one and two of a true classic. It’s the 1960’s drag racing film called, “Big Numbers.” In addition, all the usual suspects are accounted for with mentions of Stuart Hilborn, Edelbrock, Wally Parks, and Don Garlits. What’s more, the narration of legendary sportscaster, Keith Jackson only adds to the nostalgic film.

Jackson, most notably known as one of America’s favorite sportscasters, had a long career with ABC Sports and covered everything from college football to NASCAR Racing. His down-to-earth commentary, distinctive voice, deep cadence, and operatic tone considered him the authority in all-things sports.

With Jackson leading the way, he takes us through the beginning of drag racing, featuring some footage we’ve never seen before. We start off in drag racing’s infancy on the salt beds of Southern California, which then led to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and their help towards the growth and progress in drag racing.

Jackson details the growth, too, showcasing the drag racer as a man of ingenuity, taking over inactive military air strips to race, heads-up. By 1951, the NHRA was born as was the birth of the twin-engine dragster along with a full-out drag tire.

’59 saw the first opening of the Riverside, California raceway and was the year Don Garlits went after the speed records in his Hemi-powered dragster. Index drag racers, and an expansion with the rules caused drivers to be careful not to break out of their index’s. Wait for the 8:24 minute marker to watch and see what drivers did to prevent from breaking out. It’ll drive you in circles, literally. You won’t believe your eyes! By 1963, the NHRA was in full swing at the Winternationals.

Guess what, this is all in the first 15 minutes of the first segment! The film is chalked full of some great head-to-head vintage drag race car shown downs. Ultimately, we end up with a recap of the 1966 season and corresponding footage.

Guys like Jere Stahl are given lots of love, which is cool as the sportsman racer is no longer covered in this light anymore. We’ll stop yapping now and just tell you to sit back and kill a half our watching these two vintage videos!

Take a ride during the swinging 60’s, an age of innovation, and some of the most exciting times during drag racing history. So, sit back, relax, reminisce and check out parts one and two from this historic film. of course, we won’t reveal all of the goods, you’ll just have to watch the two videos we’ve included.