Three weeks prior to the 1973 U.S. Nationals, Gary Beck Canadian earned his Top Fuel license, then won Top Fuel Eliminator at "the Big Go." Beck, a former NHRA National Record holder in BB/Dragster, vaulted into the Indy winner's circle with an impressive series of low 6-second runs, culminating with a conquest of Jerry Ruth.
Ruth was the heavy favorite, having recorded the quickest-ever clocking in drag racing, a stunning 6.06 performance, engaged Beck in a final-round "burndown," only to go up in smoke in the final and Beck became the first Canadian to ever win an Pro-class eliminator with a run of 6.11.
