There are two more HA/GR's under construction at Hindmans shop!! Two frames are on the ground and ready for assembly. One is for Dave Lewis and one is for Don Alexander. It looks like both will have six cylinder Jimmy's, one with a glide and one with a four speed. The frames are the same design as "The Hornet" but will have several different details. I'm not sure they will be ready for Mokan, but they will run this fall at the Tulsa Raceway and anywhere else we can race heads up. Welcome to the "Gas Rail club" fellows, Nailhead Mike
I'm sure he will have a good car and his kid will be a good driver with great reactions. We're TOAST!!! Have you sold your race car yet?
no I am going to pull eng and trans sunday and sell it as a roller i guess, .so much for the hamb drags.........
This would be a good time to hear from all the rest of the HA/GR guys who are going at MOKAN with cars
Im not worried about daves engine,I cant believe your going to build one with the glide after reading the rule about getting away from them for next year.
Looks like all that is left to complete the field is a Hudson 6 and a straight 8 Buick. Have found the Hudson but haven't covinced the gentleman to sell it.
I think I talked with these guys in the pits at the Nitro Nationals. They were very excited about building their cars. I have heard that there is an underground movement here in OKC to get another car under construction. I would love to see an 8 car field. There could be some benfits to being able to put together an 8 car HA/GR field. It is a little too early to get into it...though. I have just finished working 7 days on Rodan. It has gotten me a little closer to having it going...but I am still waiting for the engine. Just details after that. As for the big bad Jimmys...man, it would really suck to get beat by a little Chevy six...go get'um Hornets...........................
How fast can these things go before NHRA clamps a bunch more rules on 'em? Man I'd hate to see that. Carburator restricter plates anyone?
I dont think the roll bars will go under 11.99 .. at any track so that will be the bottom as i see it for now, as for glides i think it makes since to run one to cut down on the carnage of old parts....just 2 cents ...
What RULE? We didn't vote on any rule. The GOODGUYS are "recommending" automatics as a safety factor (no blown flywheels/clutchplates). I know an automatic wasn't used by the "BUG" but how many transmissions and clutches have you guys had to replace so far?
I think this is what Ted is referring to: "20. Automatic transmissions are allowed, but NOT encouraged (this rule could change next year as we really like to see three pedals). All automatic transmissions mustrun STOCK torque converters. All cars with clutches must run a stamped steel bell housing or a 1/4" scatter shield." Don't worry, nobody can change any rules without a vote first. Goodguys? This is a HAMB class run according to HAMB rules- set in place and voted on by HA/GR owners - even at Goodguys events- and that comes FROM the horses mouth (Goodguys). You want to see this all go to hell? Then let the Goodguys take this over. Brad
Oh brother, We could beat this subject up for ever.So here goes. And yes the auto wasnt used in the bug era and that what we been trying to stay too,just like it was in the 50"s. It's more fun, You have to drive the car. I thought the fun factor was what this was all about. Safety, probably the auto safer,I have seen my share of them blowing up to. Goodguy! When did they start helping us with our rules?
At this point, I'm not too worried about automatics or Jimmiy sixes. We can run just as quick and and a lot faster than the sixes with our flathead. I vote for standard transmissions only for this class for this reason. Manual shifting makes this a game of skill. Anyone who wittnesses the Hornet's car leave the line will see a perfect launch. Let ten different drivers run the Hornet's rail the same day. The crowd will see it leave the line nice, with little wheel spin. Then you can hear the engine "spool-up". About the time it reaches the sixes peak torque, the car leaps forward and pulls hard to the end. If you all wear the same suit, who's to know who drove it. Stick with the stick or splt the classes. I also don't give a shit what Goodguys does.
sounds like it is time to settle the auto trans thing once and for all. right now the rules allow for them, but are 'discouraged'. They either need to be allowed or not allowed. My vote? manuals only. Simple, fun.
Back when I use to race in "formula stock" I had to give a car with an automatic tranmission a .3 head start. It was a disadvantage to run one. Today there are shift kits and torque converters that one would think should even the playing field...so why not just let them run them...but keep all races "heads up". I don't think the spectators really give a damn if it is a stick or auto, the cars just look cool and sound neat zigging down the track. I think the guys who have/are building these cars, and already run in this class will serve it better by focusing on rules that will lean toward including as many possible people who are interested in building cars. They need to find it easy to get the parts together to build....auto or manual. Where do you stop when you start writing rules? Next...there will be a spec tire that everyone has to order. Then I suppose I won't be able to run my two speed Lenco and over drive rear end, and the guy who is building the Jag or rear engine car is going to have to find somewhere else to run. Booo, that does not seem to be in the spirit of the BUG...does it.
Godzilla, Thanks for your input and I agree about the spectators just wanting to watch a good heads up race. The Hornets want to race more than once a year and if promoters see spectator interest we will find more places to race. Why not have all the HA/GR's race at Noble, Lawton, Tulsa and Mokan as a series. The fans would like it and so would we. When one of you flathead guys get off your butt and outruns us no one will give a shit about our automatic. Let's go racing!!!!!!
Nailedinthehead Mike As soon as we overcome your great 60ft times due to your Racing glide and its little bitty converter we will beat you. Our 55 ford three speed standard with its 10in clutch just has a hard time doing it. Wait a minute, seems like we have beaten you, I out drove ya.
The Jalopy Journal
