Last weekend was the Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway. Two years ago we raced the car at this event with the smokey old 307 motor. Back then we ran a 14.8s then on the second run snapped a Dutchman axle. With a fresh 327 motor and new Mark Williams axles I was keen to see how we'd fair. Frustrated by rain all day Saturday then a number of oil downs on Sunday meant we only managed two runs. Easing the car off the line, as not wanting to break anything, our first run was a 14.03s at 100mph then this was the second run, 12.98s @ 105mph. This is only the third time I've ever been on a drag strip so quite pleased. Still feels like there's more in the motor and I didn't break anything, so managed to drive the 175mile home again! Thanks must go to my Pendine nemesis, Matt Farrant for crewing and taking the video.
Steve Cracking run, and as you say, there should be more to come out of that motor. But did the track crew have to do a lacquer paint flake-down clean-up? Dougie
Very cool! Love the video. You did good. Must have been just a little intimidating with that strong sounding '59 pulling up next to you.
You did good Steve. My first time running the car at a strip netted a 12.90 et. She sure looks at home in race trim!. Wish I was there to give you a driving lesson. HaHa!!
Cheers Dougie, Ha ha, yeah but don't give the Shakey track crew yet another excuse for slowing up the racing!
Yeah, Bevis has loads more experience and he's running mid 11's (with a 0.076s reaction!) in his '59 Impala so it was always going to be a struggle.
Thanks Dean, I'm happy to take all the lessons I can get! It did feel good though, that car just picks up runs straight!
Gary, the best legal NHRA times were 123.87 at LIONS, and 11.14 at Carlsbad. Without the 140 lbs of ballast it ran 11.06 at San Gabe one night. The best set up for B/SR was the trusty 301 small block, T-10 4 speed with 2:20 low, and the 5:38 gear set in the Champ Halibrand. Minimum legal cl*** weight was 2430 lbs. Tires were 9:00 15 M&H's on a 5" rim and 5lbs of air. The car ran over 144, around 18.90 seconds at the Riverside 1/2 mile. But, NOT on 5lbs in the slicks!
Well, yes, I was wondering how one man could be a "legion". But I wasn't going to argue over a compliment.
The coolest thing I can recall in my old mind was dean with his helmet on and his dad riding shot gun while taking notes on all the vitals as the hot rod did a fast run. Dean The first time I saw that car in print I was impressed with the workmanship . I was told you and your dad had some fast sprint cars. Did you ever wheel one of them? Steve thank you for posting... Bobby..
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