Imports -vs- Domestics

Madik · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 10:36 AM

Speedworld is hosting an imports -vs- domestics drag night on Sept 11th. They seem pretty Cobra friendly. Is there any intrest in entering a few Cobras in this competition?

Here's the link for more information.

http://www.after9events.com/show_rac.../info_nodj.htm

Thoughts?

-Madik

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 11:27 AM

Speedworld observes NHRA regulations on every event except the Wed night street tire drags. That means on Sept 11th, Saturday you cannot go under 14.0 sec in the quarter or you need roll cage. They will allow 12.0 sec if your have a hard top. Below that you need fire suit, outside power shut off, arm restraints if convertable, Blow-proof bell housing, etc.

Bob

Karl Bebout · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 11:32 AM

I'd be real interested but everything I've read about Speedworld says that they follow NHRA safety regulations. Things like an external battery shut off if the battery is in the trunk, jacket, gloves, and arm restraints, meeting SFI specs, if you run quicker than 11.99, and it looks like a forward roll bar strut, on the driver's side is required for quicker than 11.99 cars. There are other requirements for open cars as well. I'm pretty sure I'm reading the rules correctly from an on line source. Has anyone been able to run there without these?

Madik · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 11:50 AM

Yes, I have ran my cobra out there with very limited safety requirements. In fact, I have a very short (drivers side only) roll bar and (believe it or not) lap belts. They said as long as I don't go under 12.0 it was ok.

I can't break 12.0, can you?

Also, Bob might be right about Wednesday night only, but I'm checking on that now. This is a street competition like on Wednesdays, so I don't know why they would change the rules for it. I have a call into them and I'll update when I hear back.

-Madik

Karl Bebout · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 12:46 PM

Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but with my 345.55.15 drag TAs, I get pretty good traction, and with my 4 1/2#s/HP ratio, I'd be VERY disappointed if I couldn't get well into the 11's. Maybe its been too many years and too many beers but my little hot rod sure feels much stronger than the 69 stocker Nova 427 I raced for 6 years, so long ago.

BPWilliams · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 01:01 PM

Karl if anybody could hit below 12 it would be you, your car is totally set up for the straight line attack! I just do not understand why

It's not the straight, it's the first turn after

that is so much fun! I would for one night like to see what the green machine could do, I am sure just spin the tires

and run 14 flat! I have a pair of arm restraints if you need them..........................

Keep it above 100............

Brian

ItBites · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 02:24 PM

I'd really like to attend if someone can find out if they are going to waive the roll cage (5 point) requirement for convertibles going faster than 14.0 (per NHRA rules)...

I am putting the transmission back in this weekend and should be on the road next week, so I would gladly trailer out there for this.

Madik, when did you run out there last? I seriously doubt I'd break 12.0, so if you are correct, I will definately go. Please confirm.

Karl, with the nitrous, you should be well into the 11s...

Brian, if you're going maybe we could caravan.

Madik · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 07:40 PM

I was just out there this Wednesday and raced. Then of course, it started to rain. With no where to stash the car we all got very wet.

I expect to hear back from the race director this Saturday. I'll update as soon as I hear back. Even if he doesn't allow us to race, it will still be a cool event to attend.

However, if I can get approval on a Wednesday night for us, would you all still like to go?

-Madik

Madik · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 10:55 PM

Race on!

Madik · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2004, 10:59 PM

Rained on!

Karl Bebout · #11 (**permalink**) 08-21-2004, 07:42 AM

I could do a Wednesday night, if I had some notice. I live in 'way eastbumscrew Mesa so Speedworld is about like driving to California for me. I'd have to pack a lunch, fuel, and a water bag. I'd be willing since I'd really like to know what my clunker will do.

oleyellar · #12 (**permalink**) 08-22-2004, 01:29 PM

Karl,
We recently went to Speed World for a Wednesday night gig. I went through tech inspection and got a sticker, no questions ask.
No sooner than we got back to the pits, a pickup comes flying up and a guy jumps out and says who teched this car. I politly said, one of your guys over there, and pointed to the tech line.

He then told me that I could only run if I shut off at the eighth mile. He then told me that that if I went flat out for the full quarter it would be my last run, and they would ask me to leave.
So, we blasted down the quarter and went home. Total waste of time and money.
I can imagine how much they will like your slicks.

Madik · #13 (**permalink**) 08-22-2004, 10:24 PM

Ok, here's the skinny. Sept 11th is out for Cobras. Too big of an event, to many people and the NHRA rules must be enforced.

However, the rules get much more lax on Wednesday nights. I was just there last week, no problem. I did call ahead and got approval from the race director over the phone. When I got there he wrote 12.0 on my windsheild and said stay under 12.0.

I'm going back there with my car this Wednesday. I plan to discuss the possibily of a bunch of us running on a planned Wednesday night.

-Madik

Karl Bebout · #14 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 08:15 AM

Oleyellar John, so, did you get any traction at all? You didn't mention your time or speed. Just how far away is that track? My tires aren't really slicks, just a little thin on tread, sort of like I'm a little thin on hair.

ItBites · #15 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 11:16 AM

Madik,

I'm up for a Wednesday session. I can't do it this week, but next week (09/01) would work. WIll you be going then?

Karl, Brian, would youse be up for that?

I just have to pack dinner, trailer the car to work, and have a full tank in the truck when I head west...

Karl, the track is about half-way to Wickenburg... Grand and Jomax. Way out there... Ther is usually very little track prep at Speedworld. Last Friday there was no stick-um on the starting line. My friends blown alcohol PSCA car couldn't hook at all.

mikiec · #16 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 11:58 AM

Depending on what you guys setup... Let me know. I can get an email out and increase your participation.

The last time we went out there as a group we had 6 or 7 cars. For one run only they let a member blast as fast as he could. He was sporting a 454BB with Nitrous and turbo400 with shift kit. He was called to the tower and they told him he could make one run and they would waive all rules. Bob, staged and nailed it.... All electrical went out and he ran a sizzling 29 seconds. Just before that I was kidding him in that I had a 12 second car with 30 second driver. He is now the 30 second driver.

My little 302 with severe wheel hop and track ambient temp of 107degrees, running 3:27 gears ran a 13.2. Best 60' time was 1.94.

Mike

Madik · #17 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 12:18 PM

Well, let me talkwith the track before anyone goes out there. I'm going back Wednesday and it's not a long ride for me.

I would hate for anyone to show up and then be told that we can't run. It sounds like others have had troubles with consistancy in the rules. That probably works out to our advantage since technically we're probably not supposed to be allowed to run a full 1/4.

I will follow up with you all this week.

-Madik

BPWilliams · #18 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 01:09 PM

Sounds like fun

But where is this place? I would need to drive the car to work and leave after work to be there by 9ish.. wonder if they would say anything if I had my 5gal race gas can next to my desk at work?

I have not draged the car (except with Fitz) and not sure how she would hold up, is somebody bringing a trailer? I need some more info before I can commit on a Wednesday...... Let me know the vitals (time actual location, cost ect..)

Keep it above 100.................

ItBites · #19 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 02:58 PM

Brian,

Speedworld is 9 mi N of Bell on Grand (at Jomax or Happy Valley Roads). Way NorthWest Valley. Used to be called Phoenix Raceway Park (PRP).

This will get you to directions:

http://www.speedworldmotorplex.com/directions.htm

The cost is $15 to race, $10 for spectators.
Racers enter off Happy Valley Road.

Also, I'll be taking my trailer, but my car will be on it (way too far to drive my high CR, big cam ride). However, if you were to need a trailer ride, I would be happy to make two trips. Really doubt you'd break anything that couldn't be fixed there and I always take a pretty full compliment of tools.

I can definately make the 8th, so lets try to get the ball rolling.

Madik, will you let us know what you find out wrt tech on these cars?

Thnaks,

Karl Bebout · #20 (**permalink**) 08-23-2004, 04:32 PM

Sept. 8th will be pretty tough for me to make. That's my first day back after a short, but so justly derserved vacation. I'd think some Wednesday in October would be much more comfortable and the cars would probably run better too. Is the track open for the grudge racing every Wednesday night?