Event Coverage 2011 MELTDOWN DRAGS -VINTAGE DRAG MEET- July 23-Byron, IL

Less than four weeks away............

 

Just stopped at the strip today to have the tech guy check out my 55. It only needs a couple of things to pass inspection....A second throttle return spring, and I will need a helmet.

Wanted to be sure that I can get in OK, without any problems, and without slowing anyone else up, at the gate.

 

...I've been spreading the word wherever I go; it seems like a lot of guys have already heard about it so that sounds good.

 

Can you post the tech rules/what the inspectors will be looking for here?

I know it's the same as the Heads Up for "slow cars" but it wouldn't hurt to "officially" state it here.

 

Oh , I must also add that Ron Leek is a hoot on the horn from the tower. Cracks me the F up sometimes.

 

Ron always makes my day at the Byron strip, he's just great at what he does. BTW, the Byron Dragway got the Business of the Year award in 2010;
pretty neat.

 

James or Ryan...please add what I forget... some of these may seem obvious but I will cover them.


Meltdown Drags SAFETY RULES:

#1 - Helmet

#2 - dual carb return springs that work.

#3 - seat belt

#4 - coolant overflow can that doesn't leak. ( anti freeze or water ok)

#5 - all lug nuts MUST be installed

#6 - if you have cracked side glass replace or I would suggest clear packing tape on
each side of the glass to ensure it does not fall out

#7 - replace old plastic oil line with new plastic, brass, or braided, and
USE GROMETS so it cannot be cut!!

#8 - ensure ALL FUEL lines are safely run, and no old cracked hoses....take a few
minutes to replace...a fire will be alot more work to fix.

#9 - battery securely mounted in stock location or trunk, and USE GROMMETS on
cables running thru trunk floor pass. compartment, etc...arc welding with a
battery cable is not a class at the Meltdown....

#10 - Please use common sense...DO NOT show up with a train wreck expecting to
race.

Barn Finds/ Out Dated Race Cars / - The Meltdown is geared towards REAL vintage drag cars & Hot Rods, restored, tribute, or a barn find...or your outdated 60's FED or Altered.

That being said, replacing a few fuel lines, and ensuring carb return springs work and that lug nuts are tight etc....ARE JUST PLAIN SMART.....
If your car is no longer dragstrip legal....but you want to run, barring any massive unforseen safety issues you will probably be able to race.....meaning please do not try to click off a 200mph run in your 1962 barn find.....NO ONE CARES HOW FAST...just bring it out....racing or not!! The track was GREAT last year about letting guys race, but Ryan and I will be at tech helping out...so please ensure you do a few minor things for a safe fun day...for all!!!!

Fellow Fugitives - Please explain the 'we are not impressed by the speeds deal'

 

Rusty 1....bring that 37...I want some more pics of it....Koop

 

I think this is obvious but nobody wants to see what happens in the video below:
We want everyone to have a fun and safe time at the Meltdown. It will be cool just to be surrounded by so many vintage race cars and hot rods. No one cares how hast your car runs. If you are concerned about winning this event is not for you. If you still show up and want to win,then race a slow car!

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GBiIW80MVG4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

wow - not good - hope the driver was OK

 

Running the number should not be on top of your agenda if you plan on racing. The event is designed to bring as many period correct cars together, running or not for all to enjoy. Use common sense and be safe. Your car on its roof is not a good way to show off your vintage wheels.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

Didnt see drive shaft loop on there, but just a good safety precaution anyways?

 

FYI...we do not have a class for roof racing....so be safe!!!

Use common sense...NOW is the time to replace hoses and check your return springs...if your concerned...RUN SLOWER RUN SAFE.....
As the crew has stated....
"NO ONE CARES HOW FAST OR SLOW you run" Bring it run it if you want to.....

If your into speed and seeing how fast something is...I think there are some Pro-Stock Events that may be of more interest....we all know door slammers can do...6,7,8 seconds...
We wont be seeing them at the MD...they didn't exist in the 60's...

 

That being said Eric, is your gas pedal fixed so you can't blame you loss on it again?

 

Dang that's the same excuse I was trying to use at the
Heads Up.............Looking forward to the event !!!!!!!

 

Eric I think you put it in a nut shell about tech. Again just like last year we will help try to find you parts if you brake at the track. I cant wait

 

Count me to be there with my 55. I have quite a bit of work to do, but I believe I can make it. Hopefully done enough to run down the track against "Old Injun" 56 Pontiac...Bill

 

Bill...EXCELLENT....it is rare to see Pontiac Gassers...and we hope you can do a massive Thrash...GREAT PHOTO opp's with the Old Injun....I am doing the same on my new 55....massive Thrash!!!

 

Paul...keep taking....and I might pick up the fiat and carry it to the other side of the track and hide it on you....

 

Sacagawea are you still out there?
I would expect your black and white '55 should be SLOWER with the new suspension mods.Not sure if we can class it the same as last year.

 

Dear BGas56,

I do expect my 55 to run slightly slower this year, primarily due to the rear-end ratio change. Thank you very much for the inquiry. I appreciate the fact that based upon how you ran at the Heads Up you are sizing me up to race against.

I am not sure if you know this, but your avatar is of a 55 chevy. Did you mistype your username? Or, are you having a difficult time distinguishing between a 55 or 56 chevy? You may want to check out the website www.oldcarsforidiots.com to help you learn the difference between a 55 and 56 chevy.

Lastly, when we run at the meltdown, I am going to have my window down and a bucket in my hand to catch all of the "popcorn" from that finely built motor of yours. Pop-pop-pop.

See you in Byron and I look forward to your meltdown!

 

Thank you for showing you are still around.Your valued input is always appreciated.

I do have a suggestion for you.Please make sure we double tech your car.I cannot stress how important a steering wheel is to the control of the vehicle.You plan on running one correct?

I am looking forward to a fantastic day running circles around your chuck wagon.

Sincerely,
BGAS56

 

Keep taking what? The win light

 

Finally got all my parts in to fix my wheel hop problems... 20 days until the Meltdown... I just hope I can put it all together by then!

 

Holy shit....20 days...when you put it that way...I better get my gas pedal fixed so Paul can quit whinning...or better yet I won't fix it and beat him with a messed up pedal...

 

Joe...time for some traction masters....

 

Well I have kinda hit a snag. I am up in eagle river for the 4th and I was on my buddies 90cc dirt bike, took a spill and now have 11 stitches on the inside of my left foot. Hurts like hell, stitches can come out next wed. I'm hobbiling around on crutches, ugh. So getting my car done is gonna be a hell of a thrash. Gonna keep watching Two Lane to keep my motivation up, so wish me luck!!!

 

stiches? no big deal - the adreniline will pump and you wont feel a thing when you mash that gas!

Hope you can get it ready!!!
seeya there

 

Well when ya cant walk and are gonna try using crutches to hobble around the car.to work on it, it could get interesting lol.

But ill try my best!!!

 

I had just collected new springs and all the parts to build my own CalTrack-style bars when I found some more carnage from my Heads Up race. The spring mount at the front of one of the rear springs has completely pulled away from the frame. I knew this are was rusty and needed to be repaired, but I didn't know it was that weak. I think the chances of the van racing in the MD are extremely slim. I'll probably take my 59, but it will be a gentle, low and slow pass.