The Big Bud Shootout started the ball rolling for the race-within-a-race events in 1982. With the support of Budweiser, the NHRA's Funny Cars accumulated points during the season based on qualifying, and on the grand stage of the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, battled it out in a shootout staged on Sunday for a $25,000 grand prize. The purse eventually doubled to $50,000.

The specialty event would last for ten years before Budweiser stepped away from the program. We have been in our video archives and found the first five years of the program for your entertainment.

Some call these years - 1982 through 1986 - the glory days in drag racing. This video is a reminder of the aura Funny Car projected back then. You'll see all the big names and even a few up and comers.

Want the hottest in drag racing apparel? Visit https://t.co/QR7z0rKzRO to get your shirt, hat or face covering. Check us out today! pic.twitter.com/sno4JR6eeH

— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) December 27, 2020

This afternoon take a trip back to the good old days with this popular playlist of vintage drag racing. #ClassicDragRacing - https://t.co/snV3HWtMGj pic.twitter.com/LNR64oHuGh

— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) June 28, 2020

A 30-for-30 style documentary by CompetitionPlusTV featuring the epic championship battle between two of the greatest Pro Stock drivers Bob Glidden and Lee Shepherd. #ClassicDragRacing - https://t.co/NemVS6kPFk pic.twitter.com/Bmkm2zW9DD

— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) June 19, 2020