{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The Guy Who Took Drag Racing Off the Streets","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-guy-who-took-drag-racing-off-the-streets","audioUrl":"https://pdst.fm/e/mgln.ai/e/135/verifi.podscribe.com/rss/p/swap.fm/track/i7NUCPwi3tJP053nG6mP/traffic.megaphone.fm/STU7116679370.mp3?updated=1759724166","description":"Get After It! Enter for a Chance to Win a Custom Car Co-Built by Donut and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. All brought to you by NOS Energy. For more details visit: https://bit.ly/3Jb9w2LThanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here [https://bit.ly/4kk8WwW] to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance.Also thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here [https://bit.ly/44p5YAF] to learn more about Dynapro tires!This week on Past Gas, we’re talking about the man who took drag racing from outlaw chaos to legit sport: Wally Parks. In the ’40s, hot rodders were crashing on city streets and scaring the hell out of cops and civilians. Parks had a crazy idea — make racing safer, organized, and bigger than ever. From Hot Rod Magazine to founding the NHRA, Parks didn’t just save drag racing — he gave it a future.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":60.0,"type":"car","title":"BMW M3","url":"/cars/bmw/m3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Aulitzky_M3_Competition_Touring%2C_EMS_2023%2C_Essen_%28P1160951%29.jpg","quote":"... or transcribing notes from a lecture you missed. M3 pro can help. And baby, if I had this in college,...","canonicalId":"car:bmw:m3","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines, sporty handling, and luxurious features. It has a significant place in automotive history as a benchmark for sports sedans, often praised for its balance of performance and everyday usability. The M3 is frequently discussed for its iconic status among car enthusiasts and its impact on the performance car market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is based on a regular BMW model called the 3 Series. It's famous for being fun to drive and has a lot of power, making it popular among people who love cars. People talk about it because it's considered one of the best sports sedans out there.","imageAttribution":"MB-one (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":90.0,"endTime":99.0,"type":"car","title":"Gm Sierra","url":"/cars/gmc/sierra-ev","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/GMC_Sierra_Denali_GMTT1XX_Atomsphere_Brownstone_%281%29.jpg","quote":".... Discover top brands at unexpectedly low prices. Sierra, let's get moving. This episode is brought to you...","canonicalId":"car:gmc:sierra-ev","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, towing capabilities, and upscale interior. It is often compared to its Chevrolet counterpart, the Silverado, and is recognized for its durability and versatility in both work and leisure scenarios. The Sierra is frequently mentioned in discussions about trucks due to its reputation as a reliable workhorse.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GMC Sierra is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. It has a comfortable inside and is built to last, making it a popular choice for people who need a tough vehicle. It's often talked about because it's one of the best trucks for getting things done.","imageAttribution":"Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":128.0,"endTime":130.0,"type":"term","title":"NHRA","url":"/glossary/nhra","quote":"...we are talking about Wally Parks and the genesis of the NHRA. The governing body for all drag race in the US.","canonicalId":"term:nhra","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is the governing body for drag racing in the United States. It was founded to promote safe and organized drag racing events and has played a significant role in the development of the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"The NHRA is the main organization that oversees drag racing in the U.S. They help organize races and ensure safety standards are met."}},{"startTime":144.0,"endTime":146.0,"type":"term","title":"hot rodding","url":"/glossary/hot-rodding","quote":"...was there from the beginning of hot rotting and tuning. And kind of formed it into this safe thing that we know of today.","canonicalId":"term:hot-rodding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hot rodding refers to the practice of modifying cars to enhance their performance, speed, and appearance. This culture emerged in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s and is closely associated with drag racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hot rodding is when people make changes to their cars to make them faster and look cooler. It started in the U.S. a long time ago and is linked to drag racing."}},{"startTime":192.0,"endTime":199.0,"type":"car","title":"Honda Airwaves","url":"/cars/honda/airwave","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/2005-2008_Honda_Airwave.jpg","quote":"...dance halls again. The lone ranger was riding the airwaves and the southernmost point in the US. Sloppy Joe'...","canonicalId":"car:honda:airwave","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Airwave is a compact station wagon that was primarily sold in Japan and is known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. It offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it a suitable choice for families and those needing extra room. Although not widely recognized outside Japan, it represents Honda's commitment to creating functional and economical vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Airwave is a small wagon that is great for carrying people and their stuff. It's designed to be very fuel-efficient, which means it doesn't use a lot of gas. While it's not a common car everywhere, it's popular in Japan for its practicality.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":192.0,"endTime":199.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Ranger","url":"/cars/ford/ranger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Ford_Ranger_%28T6%2C_P703%29_Wildtrak_IMG_7320.jpg","quote":"...re being delivered to dance halls again. 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It was one of the many cars that people used for racing and speed records.","imageAttribution":"Minnat.choudhury (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":203.0,"endTime":210.0,"type":"term","title":"accelerator","url":"/glossary/accelerator","quote":"Wally crammed into a 1925 Chevy and stomped on the long, thin accelerator pushing it across the flats.","canonicalId":"term:accelerator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The accelerator is the pedal in a car that controls the engine's power output, allowing the driver to increase speed by pressing down on it.","simplifiedExplanation":"The accelerator is the pedal you push with your foot to make the car go faster. It's how you control the speed of the vehicle."}},{"startTime":210.0,"endTime":218.0,"type":"concept","title":"speed records","url":"/glossary/speed-records","quote":"He clocked in at 82.19 miles per hour. More than double while your average 1925 American car could muster.","canonicalId":"concept:speed-records","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Speed records refer to the fastest speeds achieved by vehicles under specific conditions, often set during racing events or attempts to break previous records.","simplifiedExplanation":"Speed records are the fastest speeds that cars have gone, usually measured during races or special events where drivers try to go as fast as possible."}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":432.0,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Tucson","url":"/cars/hyundai/tucson","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/HYUNDAI_TUCSON_%28TL%29_China.jpg","quote":"Which is a really nice track. Yeah, Tucson Speedway, great track. But I'm not super into dra...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:tucson","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features. It offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families and urban drivers alike. The Tucson is often discussed for its value proposition, as it typically comes with a long list of standard features at a competitive price.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that is good for families or anyone who needs extra space. It has a nice design and is comfortable to drive, plus it usually comes with a lot of features for a reasonable price. People like to talk about it because it's a smart choice for an everyday vehicle.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":432.0,"type":"concept","title":"Tucson Speedway","url":"/glossary/tucson-speedway","quote":"Yeah, Tucson Speedway, great track. But I'm not super into drag racing.","canonicalId":"concept:tucson-speedway","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tucson Speedway is a motorsport facility located in Tucson, Arizona, known for hosting various racing events, including stock car racing and drag racing. It's a popular venue for local racing enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tucson Speedway is a racetrack in Tucson, Arizona, where different types of car races happen. It's a well-known place for racing fans."}},{"startTime":489.0,"endTime":495.0,"type":"term","title":"drag racing","url":"/glossary/drag-racing","quote":"That was the track that Brittany Force beat the record on, I think, last year. And she just beat it two more times this year.","canonicalId":"term:drag-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Drag racing is a type of motorsport where two vehicles race in a straight line over a short distance, typically a quarter-mile. The goal is to reach the finish line as quickly as possible, and it often involves specialized vehicles designed for high acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drag racing is a sport where two cars race each other in a straight line to see who can go the fastest. It's usually done on a track that is a quarter-mile long, and the cars are built to go really fast in a short time."}},{"startTime":507.0,"endTime":510.0,"type":"concept","title":"Funny cars","url":"/glossary/funny-cars","quote":"Funny cars scare the shit out of me. They're wicked.","canonicalId":"concept:funny-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Funny cars are a type of drag racing vehicle known for their unique design and extreme performance. They feature a modified chassis and body, often resembling production cars, but are built for maximum speed and acceleration on the drag strip.","simplifiedExplanation":"Funny cars are special racing cars that look like regular cars but are super fast. They are designed to race in a straight line and can go really quickly, making them exciting to watch."}},{"startTime":730.0,"endTime":735.36,"type":"car","title":"Plymouth Roadrunners","url":"/cars/plymouth/road-runner","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/1968_Plymouth_Roadrunner_6.2_v8.jpg","quote":"Yeah. By 1937, he was in tight with the Roadrunner's car club, a crew of like-minded speed junkies and gear heads who weren't just shown up to set records.","canonicalId":"car:plymouth:road-runner","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Plymouth Roadrunner is a classic American muscle car that was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its distinctive styling and powerful performance. It became an icon of the muscle car era, offering high horsepower at an affordable price, which made it popular among car enthusiasts and racers. The Roadrunner is often discussed for its cultural significance and representation of American automotive history.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Plymouth Roadrunner is a classic car from the muscle car era, famous for being fast and powerful. It has a unique look and was designed to be affordable for people who wanted a fun car to drive. It's often talked about because it's a symbol of a time when cars were all about speed and style.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":853.7,"endTime":854.5,"type":"part","title":"V8","url":"/glossary/v8","quote":"He immediately ripped a V8 from a passenger car and crammed it into a Willis jeep.","canonicalId":"part:v8","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A V8 is a type of engine configuration that features eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. 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These vehicles were often used in military contexts, especially during World War II, to enhance their capabilities in challenging terrains.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'jeep rod' is a modified Jeep that has been customized for better performance or specific tasks. They were often used by the military to help with various jobs, especially in tough environments."}},{"startTime":872.0,"endTime":876.4,"type":"term","title":"wide open exhaust","url":"/glossary/wide-open-exhaust","quote":"...driving his jeep rod with wide open exhaust all over the Philippines doing mechanical troubleshooting for the military.","canonicalId":"term:wide-open-exhaust","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"'Wide open exhaust' refers to an exhaust system configuration that allows exhaust gases to exit the engine with minimal restriction. 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It helped legitimize hot rodding as a legitimate automotive culture and community.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hot rod exposition is a car show focused on modified cars that are often faster and more powerful than regular cars. It celebrates the creativity and skills of car enthusiasts who customize their vehicles."}},{"startTime":1217.2,"endTime":1221.4,"type":"concept","title":"Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance","url":"/glossary/pebble-beach-concours-d-elegance","quote":"Before this, car shows were more like the Pebble Beach concourse delgons and less like a cars and coffee behind a grocery store.","canonicalId":"concept:pebble-beach-concours-d-elegance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a prestigious annual car show held in Pebble Beach, California, showcasing classic and vintage automobiles. 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These events are typically casual and open to all types of cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cars and coffee is a casual meetup where people bring their cars to show off and chat with other car lovers while enjoying coffee. It's a fun way to connect with others who share a passion for cars."}},{"startTime":1427.6,"endTime":1430.4,"type":"concept","title":"Hot Rod community","url":"/glossary/hot-rod-community","quote":"It became the definitive voice for the Hot Rod community. The magazine was pumping out positive vibes...","canonicalId":"concept:hot-rod-community","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Hot Rod community refers to a group of automotive enthusiasts who modify and customize cars, particularly classic American cars, for performance and style. This culture is deeply rooted in the history of American car culture and often emphasizes speed and racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hot Rod community is made up of people who love to change and improve cars, especially older ones, to make them faster and cooler. It's a big part of car culture in the U.S."}},{"startTime":1628.9,"endTime":1630.4,"type":"concept","title":"National Hot Rod Association","url":"/glossary/national-hot-rod-association","quote":"...the seed was the National Hot Rod Association. So he's so effectively what's happening is he's saying everybody you guys should all race,...","canonicalId":"concept:national-hot-rod-association","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is the largest and most recognized drag racing organization in the world, promoting and organizing events for amateur and professional drag racers. It plays a significant role in the development and regulation of drag racing as a sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"The National Hot Rod Association, or NHRA, is a big organization that helps people who want to race cars in a straight line. They set the rules and organize races for both beginners and experienced racers."}},{"startTime":1726.0,"endTime":1728.7,"type":"concept","title":"SCTA","url":"/glossary/scta","quote":"The SCTA was great for dry lake runs, but drag racing needed its own champion.","canonicalId":"concept:scta","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The SCTA, or Southern California Timing Association, is an organization that promotes and organizes land speed racing events, particularly on dry lake beds. 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It represents Sony's entry into the automotive market, focusing on integrating entertainment and technology into the driving experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Sony Afeela is a new electric car from Sony. It has a special screen on the front where you can show messages, making it unique in how it interacts with people."}},{"startTime":2228.3,"endTime":2229.8,"type":"term","title":"fire suppression systems","url":"/glossary/fire-suppression-systems","quote":"...fire suppression systems. His dedication to safety was absolute...","canonicalId":"term:fire-suppression-systems","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fire suppression systems are safety devices designed to extinguish or control fires in vehicles, particularly in racing environments where the risk of fire is higher. These systems can include automatic and manual options to protect drivers and vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fire suppression systems are tools used to put out fires in cars, especially in racing where fires can happen. They help keep drivers safe by quickly controlling any fire that starts."}},{"startTime":2247.9,"endTime":2251.5,"type":"concept","title":"dragster","url":"/glossary/dragster","quote":"...the cook and bedwell dragster driven by Emory Cook set three new records in its first three runs.","canonicalId":"concept:dragster","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A dragster is a specialized type of vehicle designed for drag racing, which is a straight-line race over a short distance, typically a quarter-mile. These vehicles are built for maximum acceleration and speed, often featuring powerful engines and lightweight construction.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dragster is a fast car made for racing in a straight line. They are built to go really fast over a short distance, like a quarter of a mile."}},{"startTime":2254.2,"endTime":2256.3,"type":"term","title":"elapsed time record","url":"/glossary/elapsed-time-record","quote":"First, Cook bested the track elapsed time record.","canonicalId":"term:elapsed-time-record","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The elapsed time record refers to the fastest time taken to complete a specific distance in a race, such as a quarter-mile in drag racing. This record is crucial for determining the performance of a vehicle in competitive racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The elapsed time record is the quickest time it takes for a car to finish a race over a certain distance. It shows how fast the car can go."}},{"startTime":2258.0,"endTime":2259.2,"type":"term","title":"track speed record","url":"/glossary/track-speed-record","quote":"Then in his second run, he tied for track speed record.","canonicalId":"term:track-speed-record","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The track speed record is the highest speed achieved by a vehicle on a specific racetrack during a race. This record is important for showcasing the maximum performance capabilities of a vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The track speed record is the fastest speed a car has reached on a particular racetrack. It helps show how fast a car can go on that track."}},{"startTime":2261.8,"endTime":2262.8,"type":"term","title":"world record","url":"/glossary/world-record","quote":"And on his third run, he beat the world record.","canonicalId":"term:world-record","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A world record in racing refers to the best performance achieved globally in a specific category or event. Setting a world record is a significant accomplishment that highlights a vehicle's exceptional capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"A world record is the best performance ever recorded in a specific event or category, like racing. It shows that the car is among the fastest in the world."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Donut Media","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-guy-who-took-drag-racing-off-the-streets/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}