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The 1981 season was one of change for NHRA, as the sanctioning body began expanding in certain areas. One of those was their television presence. In 1981, NHRA expanded to coverage of EIGHT drag racing events.

Diamond P, who produced NHRA drag racing, gave up the staple of its annual presentations to an expanding ABC Wide World of Sports and allowed the group to broadcast the east coast July barnburner - the NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown, NJ.

Check out the iconic Chris Economacki team with newly retired Reggie Jackson to bring drag racing coverage.