It’s a very simple fact: A nostalgia drag race – like the Geezers Reunion at The Grove, for instance – just wouldn’t be complete without the appearance of a fuel altered car or two.
 
During the early 1960s, these cars were known for the rebellious nature, as they burned nitro fuel during a time when the NHRA, believe it or not, banned the substance in competition.
 
In fact, this ninth edition of this event, presented by Yuengling, will have two of them – Rat Trap and Pure Hell. They will be part of a special round of races at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday night.

It’s a very simple fact: A nostalgia drag race – like the Geezers Reunion at The Grove, for instance – just wouldn’t be complete without the appearance of a fuel altered car or two.
 
During the early 1960s, these cars were known for the rebellious nature, as they burned nitro fuel during a time when the NHRA, believe it or not, banned the substance in competition.
 
In fact, this ninth edition of this event, presented by Yuengling, will have two of them – Rat Trap and Pure Hell. They will be part of a special round of races at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday night.
 
Both of these cars, which resemble cars that have their bodies pulled off, will be making exhibition runs during the event. Besides their unusual look, about the only predictable thing is that they go fast and it’s a challenge to keep them going straight down the track.
 
The Rat Trap name has been around since 1968 and at the time was considered to be an innovative machine at the time. It had an independent front suspension that turned out to be a competitive advantage, earning grudging respect from rivals.
 
The original nitro-burning car raced until 1973 and is currently based in Alaska. The present incarnation of Rat Trap started racing 1997 and was put together by the original team of Dennis Watson (chassis) and Don Green (tuning).
 
It has competed in match races ever since with Ron Hope behind the wheel and Brian Hope as crew chief.
 
Pure Hell has been just that on competition over the years and has set numerous speed and time records, with times and speeds of at least 6.32 seconds and 238 mph, respectively.
 
Pure Hell is owned by Rich Guasco, who first drove the dragster in 1963.