Santapod Raceway's 2026 edition of Dragstalgia once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated events on the British drag racing calendar, serving up a thrilling blend of nostalgia, nitromethane and outright spectacle.
Healthy entry lists across virtually every category ensured fans were treated to non-stop action throughout the weekend, with the headline Dragstalgia Cannonball class attracting 20 diverse entries. From nitromethane-burning nostalgia funny cars to methanol-fuelled slingshot dragsters, the field perfectly captured the spirit of early British drag racing.
One of the weekend's standout attractions was the debut of OSCARs (Old School Classic Altered Racers). Although only two cars were entered—Nick Davies' "No Quarter" and Bryan Whitfield's "High Spirits"—the class quickly became one of the talking points of the event.
Created as a tribute to the fearsome fuel altered machines of the 1960s, OSCARs competitors must adhere to a deliberately demanding rulebook. Cars are restricted to a maximum wheelbase of 110 inches and a maximum engine setback of 25 per cent, while aerodynamic aids are prohibited unless replicating a genuine historic race car. Competitors must also run a minimum of 60 per cent nitromethane and use a clutch rather than a torque converter.
The result is a class that delivers exactly what spectators want: violent launches, unpredictable handling characteristics and some of the smokiest burnouts seen anywhere in European drag racing.
The Dragstalgia Cannonball field itself was equally impressive. Three Swedish racers made the trip to Wellingborough, including eventual class winner Erik Wallender in "Tre Kronor". He was joined by Fredrik Larsson in the beautifully presented "Psychotic Express" fuel altered and Torbjorn Jansson with his immaculate "Nitro Punk".
Colin Millar in The Flyin' Fyfer - Ben Feetham
Wild Bunch once again showcased remarkable engineering diversity, featuring dragsters powered by V6, V8 and V12 engines. Among the crowd favourites was James Auld's "Little Fauss", a 3.5-litre dragster originally built in 1972.
Alongside Robin Read's legendary "Little Car", Wild Bunch entrants Tim Roy's "Boston Straggler" and Ian Wild's "Wild'scat" proudly flew the flag for British engineering, both relying on thunderous Jaguar V12 power.
Other notable entries included Andy Raw's "Nitro Bug", British Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robin Read in the nitro-burning Daimler Hemi-powered "Little Car", and Tony Betts in "Venom", widely regarded as Europe's fastest, and arguably most consistent, nostalgia funny car.
Read's Hall of Fame recognition was richly deserved. Having finished runner-up in the 1999 FIA Top Fuel Championship, Robin Read Racing was often described as the epitome of a shed-built British drag racing team. Their pioneering achievements with the nitro-fuelled British-built Daimler engine secured their place among the sport's true innovators.
Santa Pod owner Keith Bartlett handing Robin Read and Tre Kronor's team their trophies - Ben Feetham
Among the weekend's most significant performances came from Nostalgia Cannonball racer Paul Harris. Driving the iconic "Chi-Town Hustler", Harris blasted down the quarter-mile in just 5.986 seconds at 222mph, resetting both his personal best elapsed time and speed while earning membership of the coveted Nostalgia five-second club.
Erik Wallender continued his impressive form by winning the opening Dragstalgia Cannonball final ahead of Robin Read, with the ever-consistent Rob Graham claiming third place aboard "Freddy's Revenge".
Another memorable victory belonged to Colin Millar in the famous "The Flyin' Fyfer". Millar defeated Albert Carter in the final after Carter left the line early, but reaching the final itself was an achievement.
Gasser Circus competitors "Honky Tonkin'" and "Cherry Bomb" doing what they do best - Ben Feetham
Earlier in the weekend, Millar experienced an unexpected encounter with the start-line centre barrier when his Ford Pop suddenly found traction during a burnout. The car veered sharply left, narrowly missing the retro-style Christmas Tree and forcing him to miss his qualifying run. His eventual victory made for one of the event's standout comeback stories.
The Gasser Circus delivered its usual crowd-pleasing entertainment, with machines such as Steve Matthews' "Honky Tonkin'" repeatedly lifting their front wheels high into the air. Combined with tyre-smoking burnouts and close side-by-side racing, the class once again demonstrated why it remains a fan favourite.
Dragstalgia Cannonball entries - Freddys Revenge, Psychotic Express and Chi-town hustler - Ben Feetham
Yet even amid a weekend packed with dramatic racing, one spectacle arguably stole the show.
Saturday evening saw the return of the legendary fire burnout.
After locating a suitably brave volunteer, the rear tyres of a slingshot dragster were doused in petrol and set alight before the driver launched into a burnout while almost completely engulfed in flames. The breathtaking display lit up the Santapod evening sky and drew huge cheers from the packed crowd.
Fire burnouts have become a rare sight in recent years, making their return one of Dragstalgia 2026's most unforgettable moments.
From five-second passes and Hall of Fame heroes to nitro-fuelled altereds and fire-filled theatrics, Dragstalgia once again celebrated the raw, untamed spirit of drag racing's golden age—and reminded everyone why no other event quite captures the magic of motorsport's wildest era.
