Fuel Altereds have been a fan-favorite since the mid-60s, when cars like “Pure Hell,” “Rat Trap,” “Winged Express,” and more captivated crowds. Big on power and short on wheelbase, these nearly untamable beasts use up the entire racing surface, whether it’s on the eighth or quarter mile.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #190, the State of Drag Issue, in September/ October of 2024.]
Leading the charge to ensure these nitro-burning machines continue to get the recognition they deserve is Nitro Chaos promoter Chris Graves. While Nitro Chaos offers a variety of body styles – it features Funny Cars and front-engine dragsters as well – Fuel Altereds typically represent the majority of the field.
“Fuel Altereds have always been a crowd favorite due to their badass stance and unpredictable behavior on the dragstrip,” says Graves. “They are arguably the most entertaining form of drag racing in history. They have stood the test of time and continue to be popular across the United States.”
In addition to running Nitro Chaos – and its sister series Funny Car Chaos – Graves took over the Outlaw Fuel Altered Association in 2020. The series was started in 1996 by Bobby Marriott, and Graves intends to carry on that tradition into the future.
“The Outlaw Fuel Altered Association is the longest lasting independent drag racing series in the country,” Graves says. “Going on 30 years in 2025, it has always been a popular venue for AA/FA competition.”
Fans on the West Coast also have incredible access to the AA/FA class, with events like the Bakersfield March Meet and California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Dragstrip in California, as well as other NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series events.
While modern-day Fuel Altereds may look slightly different today than their old-school counterparts, the action and unpredictability of the category still hit like they did 60 years ago. Here’s hoping we see it continue for another 60.
This story was originally published on November 11, 2024. 
