Jim Nelson
The original National Hot Rod Association Technical Director, Jim was turning the Southern California Timing Association clocks at El Mirage before the birth of NHRA. In fact, his 135-mile-per-hour pass in 1946 was made in a 1934 Ford pickup with a flathead engine. Record holder of several top speed and ET records in the early 60s, Jim was co-creator of the Drag Master Company which produced countless championship drag racing cars for many notable racers. His concern for the growth of the sport and the safety of its participants is documented in his nearly four decades of involvement with the NHRA Safety Safari.