Dear Mr. Agent 1320,
Just a couple of quick notes regarding Robin Judd's 6.179sec
pass at the Konica Winternationals at Willowbank last week.
Judd's Top Doorslammer is powered by a 511 cubic inch BAE-topped
hemi (as does nearly everyone in Australian Top Doorslammer). Yes
he does run a 16-71 hi-helix blower (with severe overdrive restrictions)
but, no, he didn't run twin magnetos. In fact, whereas Oddy/Hahn
use an MSD 44amp unit, Judd was using an old Mallory 3amp unit,
upgraded to 5amps. It should also be noted that Judd's car weighs
in at around 2,650lb, which is required to be legal for T/D.
In regards to the car, it is the original 1953 Studebaker built
by Murray Anderson for George Clasby in late 1995. Yes, it is a
four-link car and runs straight down the groove... (That gets you
thinking doesn't it. Is it the rear suspension or just the whole
chassis package?).
Now, regarding the top end charge of Judd, he topped out at 220
and that's really about as fast as he's ever gone. It is interesting
to note that Judd covered the first 660ft in 3.99s and Oddy/Hahn
in 4.00. They covered the second half of the track in 2.3 and 2.2s
respectively. Victor Bray, who has run 233mph has covered the second
half of the track in 1.9s... It would seem if Bray could get his
car to leave less violently, not pedal it a few times as he usually
does and covered the first half of the track in 4.0, he could be
first into the fives...
Who's giving odds on who will be first into the fives?
Gerald McDornan
Motorsport News
Australia
