On the Grid: 1963 AA/Fuel Dragster “Dead End Kids”

Notes on the 1963 AA/Top Fuel Dragster “Dead End Kids” Built by famed drag racer and television personality ‘TV’ Tommy Ivo

• 130” wheel base Dual Tube Frame Chassis
• Hand formed Tube Front Axle with 1932 Ford Spindles
• Hand formed aluminum body by Bob Sorrel
• Interior upholstery by the famed Tony Nancy
• 392 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi motor with GMC supercharger
• Engine produces approx.. 1500 horsepower

Red Lang, Joe Anahory, and Spider Razon were originally from Brooklyn but traveled to Southern California to purchase the car and go drag racing. They lived out of their tow car which was parked at the end of the street, adjacent to the Milodon Racing Equipment shop…hence the nickname “Dead End Kids”

Red Lang had virtually no experience in drag racing when he got behind the wheel but learned quickly and was Top Eliminator at the 1963 American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) Summernationals in Maryland. Lang was the first NHRA Division 1 Top Fuel Champion in 1965 Top speed in the quarter mile was between 170-180 MPH with ET’s in the low 8 second to high 7 second 1963 saw the return of Nitro fuel to drag racing which had been banned from the late 1950’s to 1962.

1963 also saw the first use of the “Christmas Tree” at the starting line.

Now on display at the IMRRC, come visit us and see it in person!