Drag Racing Online- "Dead-On" Vol. III No. 2

There are my "basics rules." I think these cars could be built from kits or at a number of chassis shops. The engine claim will keep costs down and tire size will keep the cost down. Also, a lot of horsepower will just spin the smaller tire. Everyone probably has an opinion on this type of deal but it is my opinion that I have seen enough Camaros, Dusters and old muscle cars. Today's young racers have seen rear engined dragsters since they started coming to the races. They are as "normal" to them as the old muscle cars are to their parents. They will be a low-tech version of the state of the art dragsters you see in national competition. They would also be very easy to convert over to local S/Pro races by plugging in a delay box or run on No-Electronics in "Spec-Dragster" trim.

If I had the equipment I would like to build one of these just to haul around to area tracks and see how much interest there is in it. The engine claim is something that may not be necessary in every area since the smaller tire controls power anyway. I think they should be built so they could be hauled on a lightweight open trailer so the young racers would not need big tow rigs. Low maintenance has to be mixed with reliability and I am sure it will be a "learn as you go" experience. This type of car will let the young racers learn all the basic mechanical and racing skills and still have a fun, safe, and fast car.

In recent years about the only new racers I see in Pro and S/Pro are the second-generation racers who "inherit" dad's parts, trailer, etc. The "Spec-dragster" will open up this part of the sport to a lot more racers. I am waiting to hear from you racers, chassis builders or parents of young "wanna-be" racers. Let me know what you think about this idea. We could be onto something really big. The first people who thought this same type of idea would never work in stock car racing were wrong. Am I wrong? Time will tell. We need to bring this sport to younger people and make it affordable to young enthusiasts.

How about it chassis builders, want to give this a try? E-mail me and we can discuss it. I'd really like to get a lot of input on this so don't just sit there, start the e-mails coming in. Let's don't just be whiners…let's look for some solutions.

Now that I have you all thinking about the "Spec-Dragster" deal lets talk about what the "ultimate bracket car" really is. There will be as many opinions on this as there are racers out there, but by looking at results of big races you can get a pretty good picture. The following is just my opinion, now let's hear yours.

In Super Pro (where electronics are permitted) it is getting pretty evident you can order a rear engine chassis (hardtail, slip-joint or four-link is a personal choice), plug in a 500" to 555" crate motor from a well known engine builder, put on an alcohol carb, hook it up to a 'glide and you have the type of car that has won the Million Dollar Race the past few years and dominates bracket races and S/Comp races coast to coast. Without a doubt there are doorslammers out there that are every bit as good as the dragsters, especially on the eighth-mile. The quarter-mile is a different story, though. With headwinds, crosswinds and overall repeatability of "the package," the high horsepower dragsters are probably the "ultimate bracket car" right now. Pretty hard to argue with the success these machines have enjoyed.

In Foot-Brake class, I feel the 10.20 to 10.50 cars, mild big-block, tight converter and slightly over-tired is the hot ticket right now. Enough power to be able to keep their competition in front of them for a better view in driving the stripe at the finish. To have a door car running these e.t.'s ,the engine is very likely reliable and powerful but not so powerful that poor traction becomes a limiting factor in winning. Again, there are hundreds of combinations that can win but from what I see this makes for a very tough No-E car. I also feel the No-E racers are more likely to be dominated by a "killer driver." Someone who can really focus and be consistent off the bottom bulb can make up for a car that is a little off that day. I have all the respect in the world for some of the "killer" bottom bulb racers. I have run them both, and while each type of racing is a little different, the racers who are consistent on the bottom bulb really impress me.

Well, that is about it for this month. I hope you take a few minutes and read the first installment of our new tech series "Project 4-Link". It will cover all aspects of ordering, building, and testing a state of the art rear engine dragster. The stories will be updated twice a month so log onto our magazine regularly.

Thanks for reading "Dead-On" this month. If you have a comment or an idea you can reach me at jok@racingnetsource.com. I will be glad to reply to as many of your letters as possible.

Race On!!!!!

Good Luck in 2000
and BE SAFE!!!!!
(We need the readers!)

Fill out your Bracket Report Card!