These are the new RCI Platinum Series safety harnesses. Besides meeting all the SFI specs, they look great and are the ONLY belts that can be certified for four years at no additional cost. That is a good way to save some money.

The engine is pretty much a mystery right now, but we measured valve lift, adjusted the valves to .026 (just a guess but it runs great) and changed oil after cutting open the oil filter to see if there was any debris in it (there was not).

We just returned from the first weekend and I think we have just what we wanted. An easy to maintain race car that will run all day in the 8- second range and be easy on parts. We put a small 750-alcohol Race Demon carburetor on it and left the BG 400 electric pump that came with it. The small carb is probably holding us back some, but we ran 8.78 to 8.83 over the three-day weekend at 149 to 150 mph.

We do know the converter is way too tight (only flashes about 5200) and the electric pump needs to be a belt-drive to give us the extra pressure the alcohol carb needs at the finish line. Andy did the driving and I think he "staked a claim" on the car. It handles great, rides smooth and will make a great car. He made it to the semis Sunday and lost with a .001 break-out to eventual winner and good friend Tom Roschen and his wheel-standing, bad-ass Duster.

In the coming weeks and months we will take you through the process of maintaining and improving a "Basic Dragster." No exotic 4-link suspension, chrome plating, trick wheels or parts and what I like best: no expensive engine.

Some readers will think I am nuts and others will think I finally regained my senses. However you feel about the change is your own opinion. I know that I will be happier entering both cars in S/Pro every week.

Keep an eye on our "Back-2-Basic" articles that will be coming -- Quick Pit Tips, homemade tools and more. We are here to get you thinking while having some fun.

Best of luck to all of you and GO RACE SOMETHING!