DRO: How consistent does your car have to be for you to feel like it can win anywhere at anytime?

Frankie: My car is probably one of if not the most consistent and predictable cars running off the top bulb around the Carolinas. A good example was last weekend at the WinterFest. I made 10 runs and had a total variance of only .010 of a second. It ran 7 6.43s at that event. With a car like that your confidence grows and you become a tough round for anyone.

DRO: Do you use a logbook, weather station with a pager or any high tech equipment to keep the car consistent?

Frankie: NOPE! No logbook, no pager system, no high tech equipment, I have a hardware store temp, humidity and barometer setup we look at sometimes but we don't rely on them for our dial-in. The car is always the same, jetting, tire size, gearing, timing,

ADVERTISEMENT

everything. From week to week or month to month we work hard at NOT CHANGING ANYTHING...except tires! I use four sets a year and will not go to a race without good, fresh tires.

DRO: What are your "keys" to building and keeping a car consistent? I mean from week to week and also round to round.

Frankie: Quit changing things on the car #1. I see more guys hurting their consistency by constantly working on their car, timing, jets, suspension, tire pressure, etc. Find a timing setting that starts and runs good, then leave it. Find a jet setting that works in the summer heat and the cool springs and fall weather, then leave it. Find a tire that is a little too big for the car but hooks everywhere. Get the suspension set up and leave it alone. Frankie Tip: I keep a real close eye on trans temp and engine oil temps from time runs through elims. I run alcohol so water temp isn't a problem. I try to get oil and trans to stay about 150 degrees, if it climbs to 180 degrees I know I will have to dial down at least a .01 because of the thinner fluids. Get the gauges and monitor them. It will pay off with hitting the dial in a little more often.

DRO: The general conception is that to win a lot of races you need the latest style electronics, pit equipment, etc. Describe in brief terms what you take to the races to win with.

Frankie: #1 is my confidence, #2 is my wife's support, #3 is a racecar I know inside out and have learned how it reacts in certain weather and on certain tracks, #4 is I have an enclosed trailer (bought it at the track one day after winning enough money to pay for it) and I just got a 1988 Winnebago that is a real plus with the many two and three day events we attend now.

Ed note: He mentioned that he isn't sure how he did the number of races he did without the motorhome; now it seems like a very necessary piece of equipment. I have to agree with him. If I don't have the motorhome I don't go racing anymore, period. I have a four-year-old Digital Delay CrossOver Plus, the same driveline combination since 1997 and a car that would literally struggle to get through some tough NHRA or IHRA tech inspections.

DRO: Why do you think there are so many rear engine dragsters in S/Pro now and seemingly less and less door cars?

Frankie: I think a lot of the guys who are winning with dragsters were also winning when they had door cars. They look good, easy to work on, lighter and probably less maintenance overall, lighter to tow and two can fit in most trailers so two racers can share cost of a trailer and towing expenses. Actually, I would like to find a good, consistent one and see how I do as the faster car for a change but I won't be selling the old Camaro just yet.