Who founded the National Hot Rod Association in 1951?

Wally Parks founded the National Hot Rod Association in 1951.

Parks was an editor at Hot Rod magazine and a dry-lakes racer who wanted to give hot rodding a safer, more organized future. The NHRA was created to promote rules, sportsmanship, safety and sanctioned competition rather than uncontrolled street racing. Its early work helped persuade officials and the public that organized hot-rod events could be legitimate motorsport.

The association soon expanded beyond administration. It sanctioned tracks, published rules and sent the Drag Safari around the country to help communities stage controlled races. NHRA held its first sanctioned drag race at Pomona in 1953 and its first national event at Great Bend, Kansas, in 1955.

Parks remained central to NHRA for decades, serving as its president before later becoming chairman. A common mix-up is confusing him with famous drivers such as Don Garlits or Connie Kalitta: they were important competitors, but Parks was the organization’s founder. NHRA’s winner’s trophy, The Wally, is named in his honor.