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CROSSED UP
According to a published report, May 15 at
Redding (CA) Drag Strip track workers were jumping
out of the lane of Sloan Taylor's Crossfire
Camaro when the alky funny car abruptly reversed,
going out of control and veering back and forth
across the left and right lanes. Taylor hit
a guardrail and landed in a chain-link fence
in front of a spectator grandstand. In the freak
incident the 25-year veteran driver from Central
Point, Oregon said that when the car jerked
backwards the kill switch broke off while backing
up before readying for the second of his licensing
passes in the new car. No one was injured. Guess
the license will have to wait. (Jason
Ellis photo) [5-19-2004]
TO 'BE' OR NOT TO 'BE'
One of the Agent's Pro Stock operatives called
to say that apparently the NHRA tech department
is growing increasingly concerned about the
possible use of the lightweight and very, very
expensive metal Beryllium (Be) to make some
Pro Stock engine
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components.
A little research by the Agent found that reportedly
some F-1 engine builders and possibly some NASCAR
teams have used the metal. Further research turned
up the fact that it is as strong as forged aluminum
but about 20-25 percent lighter. Beryllium alloys
are used to make springs and structural components
for spacecraft.
It could be used to make very light pistons
and rocker arms which would allow an engine
to rpm much quicker than one built using aluminum.
According to one source the Agent checked with,
the only problem is that a set of eight pistons
could cost upwards of $15,000! According to
the Agent's source, NHRA is looking at banning
Beryllium engine components very soon.
[5-19-2004]
PRO STOCKER FOR SAMUELS?
Agent 1320 hears that Outlaw Pro Street hitter
Chuck Samuels, who just won the World Ford Challenge
and the 35 Grand that goes with it driving his
small block, turbocharged, Ford-powered Mustang,
is having a Pro Stocker built and that the project
is just about complete. The only question the
Agent has is, Do you really want to slow down
and drive a Pro Stock, Chuck? [5-19-2004]
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