"Running Wild" - The Modern Drag Racing Jounrey
Brendan Murry
Grassroots Grit. Top Fuel Heart. Brendan Murry: Decades at the Edge of Nostalgia Drag Racing From the slant-six streets of San Jose to the fire-breathing nitro rails of Famoso, Brendan Murry’s journey is a testament to hard work, heart, and horsepower.
Fan Zone
The Beginning
Late 1980s – Mid-90s:
After high school in San Jose, Brendan Murry grabbed a ’75 Plymouth Duster, installed a slant-six motor and 4.13 gears, and started winning local street races. What began as after-school fun quickly became an obsession—and a calling. Caption: Brendan’s first drag car: the 1975 Duster with a slant-six, prepped in his parents’ driveway.
Good Guys Winner’s Circle
1998: First Major Win
Breakthrough In 1998, Brendan rolled his homemade muscle into the Good Guys Nostalgia Nationals and stunned the field. Winning the event from the garage-built underdog spot put his name on the map—and gave him the taste of victory that fuels every racer. Caption: Winner’s circle at the Good Guys Nostalgia Nationals, 1998. Brendan’s first major victory.
“Running Wild” at Famoso
2005: March Meet Inferno
Trial by Fire Qualifying at the March Meet, Brendan’s beloved ‘Running Wild’ erupted in flames downtrack. The crowd held its breath. Brendan walked away, battered but unbowed. “Brendan’s okay, but a lot lighter in the wallet,” fans joked, as racers everywhere pitched in to help rebuild. Caption: The moment it all changed—March Meet, 2005. The fireball that nearly ended ‘Running Wild.’
Rebuilding the Dream From scorched steel
2006–2013: Rebuild and Rivalries
to reborn rail, the Murry Building garage was a flurry of late nights and determined friends. With partner Karen Oie and a crew of rotating friends, Brendan returned to the NHRA Heritage Series and Good Guys events—grassroots racing at its finest. Caption: Karen Oie and Brendan wrenching in the ‘Murry Building’ home garage, 2007.
No Quit The 2013 March Meet:
2013: High Drama, Fast Times
A hard-fought pass, smoke billowing at the 1,000-foot mark. The ET was fast (6.42), but the DQ was inevitable. “Sometimes it goes boom,” Brendan laughs. “We just fix it and go again.” Smoke signals—2013 March Meet, just before the DQ.
Still Charging The Challenges Kept Coming
2022: March Meet Challenge
Tire shake knocked Brendan out in round one at the 2022 March Meet. The team hustled, the fans cheered, and Brendan proved, once again, that spirit beats budget every time. Between rounds—Brendan’s crew resets after a wild ride at the 2022 March Meet.
Back on Top In 2023
2023: A New Chapter—Top Fuel B Victory
Brendan stormed to the Top Fuel B class win at the NHRA Nostalgia Nationals, running a career-best 6.034 seconds to claim the trophy. Proof that with grit, community, and heart—anything’s possible. Victory lane at Famoso—Brendan and crew after clinching the Top Fuel B class, 2023.
The Legacy Continues
2024–2025: Still Running Wild
Brendan continues to show up and show out—laying down a 6.24-second pass at the 2025 March Meet. “The goal?” Brendan says. “Keep running wild.”
The story goes on—qualifying at the 2025 March Meet.