Today we’d like to introduce you to Kurt Kuehl.
Kurt, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Starting in the 1950’s, a lot of guys, many of them WWII vets, started modifying older passenger cars and adding more powerful V8 engines.
Most of these cars were considered obsolete for family transportation, the Ford Model A and two seat Willys coupe are prime examples. But in the hands of a 20 some year-old adrenaline junkie returning from WWII he saw potential for a custom-built speed machine. What they figured out is that if they remove the front independent suspension and replace it with an old truck straight axle, they will accomplish two things: eliminate weight and lift nose of car to transfer weight to rear wheels. Hence the Gasser was born. These were high powered, nose up in air cars that thrilled fans from 60’s to early 70’s.
NHRA entered scene in late 50’s and set rules for various Gasser classes. They were crowd favorites and are known today for some of the most famous grudge matches in NHRA. By late 60’s these cars were getting too fast for their straight axle design. The Gasser classes were eliminated and Funny Cars took their place. I started Dirty South Gassers in Jan 2017.
We’ve raced at Texas Thaw, Texas Nostalgia Nationals, SHRA Spring Nationals this year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not smooth at all. Main obstacle was surviving attacks from other Gasser groups. Guess they don’t like new kids on the block.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dirty South Gassers – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most proud of fact that we’ve put together a fun group of people that share same passion and take care of each other.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We’re going to race our old cars, heads up, first to finish line wherever and whenever we can.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1904 Robin Meadow Dr., Carrollton, TX 75007
- Website: Dirty South Gassers
- Phone: 972-786-6785
- Email: rebelrouserhotrods@gmail.com
- Instagram: Dirty South Gassers
- Facebook: Dirty South Gassers
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