Gassers gather a lot of attention at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
From their stance to the way they leap off the starting line, the cars take us back to the 1950s and 1960s racing scene, and are beloved by many.
With the introduction of the Inaugural Gasser Invitational as part of the 24th Annual Blue Suede Cruise presented by Cometic Gasket, July 25-27, 2025, there will be even more Gassers to eye and envy.
“We are very excited to add the Inaugural Gasser Invitational to the 24th Annual Blue Suede Cruise presented by Cometic Gasket, and we are confident that it will feature some of the finest Gassers our fans will ever see,” said Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park president. “Whether they have seen Gassers in action before, or will be seeing them for the first time, they are in for some big burnouts, big wheelies and a boatload of fun.”
Drivers will be taking part by invitation, and will be racing to the 1,000-foot timers for a great guaranteed payout of $13,3000. Winners will walk away with $2,000 and a custom-made trophy, while the runner-up will walk away with $1,000. Semifinalists will secure $750, quarterfinalists will secure $500, eighths will earn $350 and sixteenths will earn $250. There will be no charge for the driver, car and two weekend crew members. Drivers with a 1966 or older Gasser are invited to send pictures and an overview of their car to Bader at wab@summitmotorsportspark.com. Here is important information:
CLASS OVERVIEW
Field Size: 32 Cars
Year: 1966 and Older
Purse: $13,300 Guaranteed
Tree Type: .500 Full Tree
Ladder: Sportsman Ladder
Dial-In: 12:00 ET or quicker. Must dial in tenth second increments. Breakout disqualification.
Finish Line: 1,000’
PROCEDURAL RULES
• Eliminations are run on a dial your own time in tenth second increments, using a full .500 Sportsman Tree. The elimination ladder is built based on a pill draw within 9-second, 10-second, 11-second and 12-second cars based on performance after three dedicated qualifying sessions.
• Your dial-in will be fixed beginning with the first round of eliminations.
• There is a “No Break Rule.” That is, if a winning car cannot make the next round, the loser will not advance in his/her place. A competition bye will be awarded to the driver that was to race the car that was unable to continue.
• No Buybacks.
• Old School ‘Smokey Burnouts’ strongly encouraged.
• Good Sportsmanship is expected.
GENERAL RACE RULES
SAFETY:
• All participants must have a current NHRA competition license for the ET and MPH they are competing in. Cars must meet NHRA safety requirements for ET and MPH. No exceptions.
• Engine diapers, transmission shields or blankets for automatic transmissions are required. Standard transmission cars are required to have a scatter shield.
APPEARANCE:
• Cars MUST have a period-correct paint scheme or primer. No wild or modern graphics allowed. No car shall promote a bracket car appearance.
• All cars must run traditional drag slicks. No DOT approved slicks or cheaters permitted.
• All cars must run with open headers.
• All cars are expected to run full body panels.
• Body modifications are limited to radiused rear wheel openings and top chop. Raised quarter panels, dropped rocker panels, and aero wings are not permitted.
• Modern “pro stock style” hood scoops are not permitted.
• All cars are subject to the approval of the Summit Motorsports Park Tech Department.
ELECTRONICS:
• Playback tachometers are permitted.
• Data recorders are not permitted and may not be in the car.
• Delay boxes are not permitted and may not be in the car.
• Air shifters are not permitted and may not be in the car.
• Throttle stops of any kind, mechanical or electric are not permitted.
• Rev limiters are permitted only to protect the engine and cannot be used to control the car’s launch. If a car has a two-step, the low side chip must be removed.
ENGINE:
• Any automotive-type engine is allowed. No diesel engines will be permitted. No LS motors will be permitted. Engine must be conventional 4, 6 or 8-cylinder internal combustion engine.
• Any intake and carb combination or mechanical fuel injection is permitted.
• Electronic fuel injection (EFI) is not permitted.
• Only gas and alcohol are permitted fuels. No nitromethane.
• Power adders are limited to belt driven roots type superchargers, i.e. GMC Style 6-71 or 8-71. No supercharger larger than 8-71. Turbochargers are not permitted. Nitrous oxide is not permitted.
IGNITION:
• Any ignition system permitted.
TRANSMISSION:
• Any standard or automatic transmission permitted.
• Current Lenco “high tower” or modern slick shifted/clutchless type transmission is not permitted.
• Transmission brake permitted.
• Line Lock permitted.
Summit Motorsports Park is at 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio. For more information, call 419-668-5555 or visit summitmotorsportspark.com.
