THE RPM NATIONALS

The RPM Nationals is a throwback to the early days of drag racing, back when street cars and race cars competed head-to-head to see whose garage had built the faster car.

- Dean Powers

The event takes place at the beautiful Santa Margarita Ranch just a bit northeast of San Luis Obispo. This was the 3rd year of this event and was happy to see that it hadn’t changed much from last year, apart from maybe a slightly larger spectator presence.

There are 6 different racing brackets competing head to head for cars built in the style of 1955 or earlier, street classes for 4 cylinder and V8s, modified 4 cylinder and V8s and full race 4-cylinder and V8s. All the classes are restricted to running period speed equipment.

Santa Margarita Ranch is one of the oldest continually operated cattle ranches in California. The ranch was established in the late 1700s. The ranch now hosts a wide range of events including weddings, fundraisers, and festivals. There are some old barns and narrow-gauge railroad also on the premises. The racing takes place on what looks like it was or maybe still is used as an airstrip. It really is a beautiful location.