Spec-Dragster® gets a big response, pet peeves, and a safety check

You readers surprised me with all the positive response to the Spec-Dragster® class. You also gave me a lot of new ideas that might make this become a reality in certain regions of the country. The whole idea of the Spec-Dragster® was to stir up interest in the idea. Well, we did that and a lot more! With the response we got I would like to see a few of these truly economical rear engine (or front engine for that matter) dragsters start showing up at the track. From the responses I learned there are several racers out there with cars similar to this already and enjoying success in both S/Pro (with electronics) and No-Electronics classes. My proposal centered around a possible "heads-up" Spec-Dragster® class but I also said they should be capable of being used locally as well.

A few of the ideas that were sent in were great. I liked the following ones especially IF you were running a heads-up Spec-Dragster® class.

1. Larger rear tires. O.K. I agree. The 10" wide x 30" tall I proposed could be a little unsafe due to size and a guy who can afford new ones all the time would have an advantage due to money. A 13" wide x 31" tall would be better and actually a "spec-tire" by a certain company would be best.
2. Eliminate CO-2 or electric shifters. If you drive it, shift it. I agree.
3. No two-steps or transbrakes. Footbrake 'em. I agree.
4. Torque converter. Minimum 10" diameter. Reduce overall costs. I agree.
5. 750 Holley (certain model number). Equal competition, cost control. I agree.
6. $2,000 engine/trans/converter claim fee (exchange). Must be another competitor that claims and they give theirs up as exchange.
7. Engine Rules:
   a. Cubic inch limit: 380 cubic inch, small blocks only.
   b. Maximum lift at valve: .550", no roller rocker arms.
   c. SFI dampers, trans shields, flywheel shield required as per sanctioning body rules.
   d. Cylinder head modifications as per Stock Eliminator rules. No aftermarket heads or porting allowed.
   e. Any OEM or aftermarket cast iron or aluminum intake permitted.
   f. Any OEM or aftermarket ignition allowed, magnetos permitted.
   g. More engine rules can be fine tuned later but the general rule is keep it as stock as possible when running the Spec-Dragster® heads-up race events.
8. Basic rules: This one is simple for Spec-Dragster® use an Instant Green start. Basically, this eliminates red lights and makes more races real side-by-side races.
9. There should also be a consideration to have Spec-Dragster® use a "double elimination" elimination format. This increases the real racing these competitors get to participate in.

These rules would make the most sense for heads-up racing in their own class and I feel it has a real possibility if a group of racers ever tried it.

Here are a few ideas that would apply if you just want a low cost, safe way to go pretty darn fast at an affordable price. Follow the rules for Spec Dragster class with a few exceptions as follows:

1. If you want to run in S/Pro with electronics just add a delay box, two-step rev limiter and a transbrake. Most of these could simply plug-in.
2. You could spend more on an oiling system or something you think might help durability but it wouldn't need to be much.
3. A dragster like this without the delay box would make a very nice Foot-brake racecar.

I have to believe a kit could be put together for a complete Spec-Dragster® with engine and trans installed and wiring done for under $14,000. All you would add is a paint job as WILD or as MILD as you want and some driver safety equipment and it would be ready to go racing.

Is this the answer or the future of our sport? I doubt it, but I don't think $45,000 dragsters and new tube frame door cars are either. The people with the money will have the expensive cars and I think there is room for the economy racer too. The "Spec dragster" concept isn't all bad, as I had nothing but good responses on it. I guess time will tell -if there is enough interest they will start showing up. If you've got an idea on Spec-Dragster® send me an email and let's hear it.

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