Autoblog

VIDEO: With F1 program scrapped, where will Toyota Motorsports land next?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota GT-One - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Toyota president Akio Toyoda announced the withdrawal of his company from the Formula One World Championship, he reiterated Toyota's commitment to motorsport competition. But while this may have been pure lip-service, the Japanese automaker has a long history in racing, leading to speculation over where Toyota could land next. According to Toyoda:

Motor sports remain an important means of personalizing the automobile in the eyes of customers. Motor sports also remain an important means of cultivating human resources and our R&D operations. ... We will rethink our motor-sports activities with an eye to maximizing those benefits while addressing economic realities.

Even in the absence of a renewed F1 program, Toyota continues to compete in series as diverse as Formula Nippon, NHRA, Grand Am, Super GT and NASCAR. While the beancounters in Tokyo could continue to rely solely on these and other existing programs - or worse, start pulling out of more - sources point to potential racing programs at Le Mans, in the new FIA GT1 World Championship or possibly in the shifting World Rally Championship. Any of these categories would give Toyota a more direct tie-in to its road-going products, but which - if any - the Japanese motor giant will ultimately choose remains to be seen. In the meantime, enjoy the short clip after the jump highlighting the company's history and continued involvement in motor racing worldwide.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Continue reading VIDEO: With F1 program scrapped, where will Toyota Motorsports land next?

VIDEO: With F1 program scrapped, where will Toyota Motorsports land next? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In the late hours of October 4th 2009, the world lost an innovator in sport compact racing, Shaun Carlson. The NuFormz owner and fabricator extraordinaire had a genetic heart condition - however, it is unknown if the defect contributed to his death.

In more recent years, Carlson, 35, had been known for his lead on the Team MOPAR drift team, but his roots go all the way back to Truckin' and Turbo Magazine. Although he could shoot cars with the best of them, his talent in building them won out in the end. Carlson knocked the socks off the sport compact industry with the Honda CRX he created in collaboration with Jason Whitfield, but he really blew everyone away when he unveiled the world's first tube frame front-wheel drive Honda Civic. Driven by Stephan Papadakis, the car made the industry stand up and take notice that sport compact drag racing was a force to be reckoned with. Following his Civic's success, Carlson created the spectacular web of steel tubing, carbon fiber and titanium that is known as the Meguiar's Ford Focus. His ability to turn the unfortunate into amazing even transferred over from drag racing and into drifting. This is shown by the Dodge Charger and Challenger he built for two time Formula D champion Samuel Hubinette.

It is an understatement to say that Shaun Carlson will be missed. His influence has been far reaching and he undoubtedly had many more groundbreaking builds ahead of him. On a personal note,I will never forget the guidance and knowledge that he gave me as I was starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. I first met Shaun when he brought Stephan's yellow Civic to run on the East Coast. As I stared at the car in wonderment, he went out of his way to tell me all about it. After that, whenever I ran into Shaun at a race, he let me hang around his pit. He never dismissed my probing questions about his mechanical troubles either. He could see I wasn't just a female trying to hang around, but a student with a thirst for knowledge and someone looking for direction. I eventually found that direction with a degree in mechanical engineering. Now, in my work, I think back to design tips I learned from master fabricator Shaun Carlson.

Everyone at Autoblog extends their thoughts to all of Shaun Carlson's loved ones.

[Source: NHRA]

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, GM

As the only American automaker not recently put through a government-sponsored bankruptcy, it comes as little surprise that Ford has taken over the spot long held by General Motors as the Official Sponsor of the NHRA. The first sign of dissension in the ranks came earlier this year as GM's bankruptcy filing ended the contracts the automaker had previously forged with Cagnazzi Racing, KB Racing LLC, Kurt Racing and Pedregon Racing to provide cash, parts and support vehicles.

This new multiyear agreement between Ford and the NHRA means that for the foreseeable future, all official vehicles used by the racing organization will now carry the Blue Oval badge, including trackside safety vehicles. For its part, Ford seems pleased with its newly prominent role within the drag racing community. Brian Wolfe, Ford's North America Director of Motorsports, said in a statement:

We're very excited to be partnering with NHRA on this program. We see this as a very good business proposition in terms of being able to actively reach out at-track and online to the NHRA fan base in ways that we haven't been able to do in recent years. We'll be able to allow that fan base to see and experience some of our great new products at-track while also partnering with the successful Motorcraft and Quick Lane program to give fans a look at the total Ford ownership experience.

[Source: NHRA]

Continue reading Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA

Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM pulls its chute on NHRA support

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, GM, Earnings/Financials

It comes as little surprise that General Motors has canceled its contracts with the NHRA teams it had previously been boosting with money, support vehicles and free parts. "I knew it was coming, I was forewarned," Ken Black, NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock team owner told CompetitionPlus.com. "That's why they filed bankruptcy ... to get rid of all of this stuff."

According to Black, the writing was on the wall when Fred Simmonds, Drag Racing Marketing Manager for General Motors up until last October, left the automaker ahead of its government-backed bankruptcy filing earlier this year. As far as the teams are concerned, the lack of GM sponsorship means they'll either need to purchase their own support vehicles and parts or find a new manufacturer for support, though those options are also limited.

With "Chrysler in the same boat as GM," as Black puts it, the only likely partner is Ford, though its remotely possible Toyota may be interested. Sounds good to us - the new 2010 Prius is already the perfect wedge shape for drag racing.

[Source: Competition Plus | Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty]

REPORT: GM pulls its chute on NHRA support originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2009 Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

At last year's SEMA show, Ford unveiled the latest Mustang to join the Ford Racing stable, the FR500CJ Cobra Jet. The purpose-built drag racer came standard with go-fast parts from the Ford Racing catalog, including a 400 horsepower version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 (de-tuned to meet specifications needed for NHRA's AA Stock class) and a drag-specific wheel and tire combination. The 2009 model was a success both with customers and on the track. Ford Racing sold the entire run of fifty cars in less than two weeks, and it won its very first race at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA back in February.

Building on that success, Ford Racing announced today that it will be building a 2010 version of the Cobra Jet, with production to begin during the fourth quarter with deliveries taking place in early 2010. The base price is expected to be less than $75,000, and once again production will be limited to just fifty units. Like the 2009 model, the 2010 Cobra Jet will be modified with all Ford Racing parts including the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that is now rated at 425 horsepower. Perhaps the most exciting news is the availability of an optional 475 horsepower aluminum block motor that we dearly hope will somehow find its way into a production car. Follow the jump for the press release from Ford Racing, and look for more details and photos to come around SEMA in November.

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Shelby to unveil a new special-edition Mustang at NHRA Winternats

Noah Joseph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Rumormill

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

We don't know what it is yet, but according to the folks at InsideLine, Carroll Shelby is preparing to unveil a new special-edition Ford Mustang next week. Rumored to be less powerful than the GT500KR, the limited-run model will make its debut as part of a benefit dinner for a new museum of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), held during the Winternationals. Shelby will reportedly be joined at the unveiling of the new 'Stang by top-fuel drag-racing legend Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. We'll be eagerly watching the timing lights to see what the Snake Charmer has in store for gearheads this time, and hope that Ol' Shel is feeling better.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Shelby to unveil a new special-edition Mustang at NHRA Winternats originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1963 LeMans Tempest sells for $226,521

Chris Tutor — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Pontiac

1963 Pontiac LeMans Tempest on eBay - Click above for high-res image gallery

The eBay auction for this 1963 Pontiac LeMans Tempest started out innocently enough. Obtained after owner died. Appears to have original interior but no motor, no transmission. Body has a little rust and some dents. There's stuff in the trunk, but no key to open it. Opening bid nine days ago was a mere $500. After one week, eBay seller 123ecklin will pocket $226,521 before auction fees. What happened between Day 1 and Day 9 is an amazing story.

The car's plexiglass windows, unusual suspension setup and a dash plate bearing the name of a racetrack tipped the owner to its racing history. But what he didn't know is that the car is one of only six 1963 Pontiac LeMans Tempest Super Duty coupes ever made. Hemmings recently did a story on the rare cars in which they listed all ever built. This one looks to have been driven by Stan Antlocer and was the fastest drag car in 1963 before disappearing.

Reading through the questions on the auction gives us reason to believe the seller truly didn't know the car's provenance. In his answers, he seems both surprised by the car's potential value as well as overwhelmed by the attention. He turned down an offer of $160,000 to end the auction early because he feared getting negative eBay feedback. That decision paid off. With only seven minutes remaining, the highest offer was $95,000. When the virtual gavel fell, eBayer ccsi2000 had bought a very rare, if a little rusty, LeMans for $226,521. Thanks for the tip, Trevor!

Gallery: 1963 Pontiac LeMans Tempest on eBay Motors

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1963 LeMans Tempest sells for $226,521 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition

Drew Phillips — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, ROUSH

NHRA Stock Car drag racing has generally been reserved for vehicles with factory-spec powertrains, but for the first time the rule book is allowing vehicles with aftermarket parts to compete. Two versions of the ROUSH's supercharged powertrains -- the 430 horsepower V8 from the Stage 3 Mustang and the 510 horsepower V8 from the P-51A -- have been approved to race in the Stock and SuperStock classes. The Haas, Carrothers & Wagner Racing team has already lined up to race a ROUSH Mustang and is currently building the car around the Stage 3 powertrain. Follow the jump for the press release from ROUSH.

Gallery: ROUSH P-51A Mustang

[Source: ROUSH]

Continue reading ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition

ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Dodge

2006 Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept

With a name like Challenger, Dodge's new muscle car had better put down some serious quarter-mile times or else be able to propel itself into outer space. Fortunately, Chrysler's performance parts division Mopar is preparing to do one (if not the other) when it unveils its new Drag Race Package for the Challenger at the annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals at the Bandimere Speedway in Denver next week.

While specific details on the package - which we previewed in our exclusive video last week - remain scarce before the official debut, the Challenger Drag Race Package marks the 70th anniversary of Mopar and forty years since the company's last factory-built drag-race package. Based on the Challenger SRT8, the Drag Race Package features a composite "Body-in-White" direct from the factory and a host of lightweight components, to say nothing of all the parts being deleted for drag-strip use. The engine has been repositioned and the wheelbase actually shortened to optimize weight distribution and driveline angle. Designed in cooperation with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and previewed back in 2006 by the 392 HEMI Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept at SEMA (pictured above), Mopar will build 100 examples of the race-prepped Challenger with three different engine packages available.

Stay tuned for more information on July 13, but don't blink or you just might miss it. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Mopar]

Continue reading Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13

Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Safety concerns cause NHRA to limit races to 1,000 feet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety

The NHRA has acted very quickly in an effort to improve the safety of its Top Fuel and Funny Car races. Due to the tragic death recently of '94 and '95 Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta, the drag strip for these two fastest classes will be shortened from the traditional 1,320 feet to 1,000 feet. Race officials and team managers believe that this compromise will continue to make for an entertaining race as the cars will still be hitting speeds of around 300 mph. This is an interim change as the sanctioning body investigates the crash and its causes, and will stay in effect until more definite changes can be made. The first race which will incorporate the new shorter track length will take place on July 11-13 at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado.

[Source: NHRA via AutoWeek]

Safety concerns cause NHRA to limit races to 1,000 feet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA driver Scott Kalitta killed in NHRA qualifying

Merritt Johnson — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:44:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It is never pleasant to report auto-related tragedies. Thats why it's particularly saddening to report the death of NHRA driver Scott Kalitta, who suffered a horrific crash during Funny Car qualifying at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ on Saturday. Witnesses pegged his speed to be in the range of 300 mph when his engine exploded, engulfing the car in flames. Kalitta was the '94 and '95 Top Fuel champion and his presence will certainly be missed in the NHRA. He is survived by his wife and two sons. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Kalitta's family and friends. Thanks to all who sent tips.

[Source: The Star-Ledger]

NHRA driver Scott Kalitta killed in NHRA qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get in, sit down and shut up! Chrysler confirms drag package for Challenger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Dodge, Specialty

Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show

Fans of going as fast as possible in a straight line, which includes some of us at Autoblog, have reason to rejoice. Chrysler has officially announced that the drag package for its upcoming Challenger, initially shown at SEMA in late 2006, will be released on an unsuspecting public. Previous rumors have the drag pack getting hi-po versions of the 5.9-liter Magnum and Hemi V8's, while jettisoning around eight-hundred pounds of dead weight unnecessary for mass-acceleration. The National Hot Rod Association is said to be going through the package as we speak in order to certify it for racing duty. After all of the necessary paperwork is complete, the Challenger is expected to race in the Stock Eliminator class. According to Chrysler spokeswoman Patricia Georgevich, Chrysler is looking at a possible introduction in July.

[Source: Inside Line]

Get in, sit down and shut up! Chrysler confirms drag package for Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ashley Force makes history with finals win over dad

Drew Phillips — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Score another one for women! Less than a week after Danica Patrick recorded her first IRL win, pro drag racer Ashley Force made history this weekend by becoming the first woman to win a Funny Car national event at the Southern Nationals in Atlanta. Not only is the 25-year-old Force red hot in her second season in the Funny Car division, having been to the finals in each of her last three races and currently leading the Funny Car point standings, but she also knows how to make a headline. Standing in the way of her and history this weekend was her own father, legendary drag racer John Force, who she beat in the finals with a run of 4.837 seconds at 320.36 mph. She also reportedly wrestled her Ford Mustang off the wall in spectacular fashion during the semifinals to beat Jim Head. What could make a poppa prouder, eh? Father Force himself suffered a bad crash last September that broke a few bones, but we're sure his return to the sport is all that much sweeter with his offspring currently holding court in the division. It's kind of like when you finally beat your dad in basketball for the first time, except this isn't basketball and you're using 1,000+horsepower drag racers.

[Source: MLive.com]

Ashley Force makes history with finals win over dad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show

Just like in the '60s, some people will take their new 2008 Dodge Challengers to the drags. Chrysler is reportedly ready to make this very easy for new Challenger owners. Allpar is reporting that within a few weeks, there will issue forth from Chrysler a Super Stock special version of the Challenger. The intended application is Stock Eliminator drag racing, and the cars get their own VINs and lots of lightening. Powering drivers down the strip will be versions of the Hemi and 5.9 liter Magnum V8s, twisting through manual or automatic boxes.

Jettisoning things like wipers, HVAC, sound deadening and seats make for a Challenger that's definitely not road-ready, but much lighter for track applications. 800 pounds have reportedly been trimmed out of the car through the omission of equipment and special composite body parts. Mechanicals have been modified to better suit the use, too. The main body unit gets tweaks, and the front crossmember is modified to a drop-out unit. Front brakes are largely unnecessary when the nose is in the air for part of the run, so lightweight units have been fitted. The fascia support and cooling system also get the slim-fast treatment. More information will supposedly arrive soon, but a 1,320-pounding neo-E body pony car appears close at hand.

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA 2007 season ends in Pomona

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

The 2007 NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series ended this weekend at Pomona Raceway in California. It was a fitting end to a dramatic season marked with the passing of John Force Racing driver Eric Medlin and NHRA founder Wally Parks. There was also the spectacular crash in Texas between John Force and Kenny Bernstein that left a potential Funny Car champion out for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, unlike the rest of the season, all the drama during the finals was limited to the competition. Follow the jump to see the results.

[Source: NHRA]

Continue reading NHRA 2007 season ends in Pomona

NHRA 2007 season ends in Pomona originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA founder Wally Parks passes at 94

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In our own little subsection of society, few men have had as much influence on our pistonhead way of life than Wally Parks. Over 94 years, he was a test driver for GM, founded the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), had a hand in starting Motor Trend in 1948, co-founded Hot Rod magazine and deemed a quarter-mile as the length of a drag race. Far better scribes have eulogized him after his death on Friday, and we'd ask you to check out the NHRA's website for every detail and facet of his life, rendered in heartfelt words and historic pictures. Godspeed.

NHRA founder Wally Parks passes at 94 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA legend John Force injured in crash

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

The good news: he's alive. The bad news: he's a little busted up. John Force's dragster (yeah, that John Force, the one with the Driving Force tv show about him and his hawt drag racing daughters) went out of control at the O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Texas on Sunday. In the process of heading for the wall, he also took out Kenny Bernstein's car before smacking the barrier. Berstein is fine, Force is also largely fine, suffering a broken wrist and ankle in the crash. As he was being stabilized and extricated from his car, Force was apparently more concerned with Bernstein's fate, even though he was obviously aware of his own injuries. Force's chassis broke, which seems to be what caused the collision. His daughter Ashley, also an NHRA drag racer, withdrew from the semifinals to be with her father at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Our main question, after making sure he was okay, was the fate of the famously filthy Nomex suit - will he finally get a clean one?

Video embedded after jump

[Source: AP]

Continue reading NHRA legend John Force injured in crash

NHRA legend John Force injured in crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA pro racing assets get a new owner

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Although we've never been huge fans of racing in a straight line, it pained us to read that the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) sold its professional racing assets to HD Partners yesterday for a cool $121 million.

The sale will not affect the NHRA's non-profit status, although the new series will be named "NHRA Pro Racing," and specifically includes the POWERade Drag Racing Series, the TV contract with ESPN and the rights to commercialize the brand even further.

We doubt this is what Wally Parks had envisioned the series would turn into 56 years after its advent, but we'll remain open to the idea until we see NHRA-branded accessories at Kragen.

Thanks for the tip RF!

[Source: HD Partners Acquisition Corporation]

Continue reading NHRA pro racing assets get a new owner

NHRA pro racing assets get a new owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drag-racing legend Dick Landy passes on to the big strip in the sky

Eric Bryant — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:36:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports

Dick Landy, the man synonymous with Dodge's wildly-successful factory drag racing program in the 1960s and '70s, has died from kidney failure. He was 69 years old.

Landy made a name for himself and his factory sponsor by combining the legendary Hemi with an altered wheelbase to create the first "funny car". The combination of horsepower and traction led to the banning of his vehicles by the NHRA; relegated to the exhibition circuit, Landy then introduced nitromethane, mechanical fuel injection, and supercharging to the equation and established the foundation for the highest tiers of modern drag racing. Landy later returned to the world of officially-sanctioned racing to participate in the formative days of the Super Stock and Pro Stock classes, and remained involved with Chrysler for the remainder of his long career.

The muscle car era would not have been the same without Dick Landy, and he will be missed.

[Source: NHRA; a hat tip to Jalopnik]

Drag-racing legend Dick Landy passes on to the big strip in the sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The art of the 75-minute rebuild

Eric Bryant — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Motorsports

Anyone who's ever taken some time to observe professional Top Fuel drag racing has probably marveled at the teams' ability to rebuild an engine between rounds. In less time that it takes most of us to TiVo through a week's worth of The Daily Show, the crews in charge of engine maintenance are able to swap out the parts required to keep these ticking time bombs together for another five seconds.

A mere thirty seconds after pulling the car into the pits after a run past 300 MPH, a specialized tool organizer is set into place on top the car's roll cage, and a team of about eight men goes to work. Less than 14 minutes later, the engine is torn down to a block containing only the camshaft, cam bearings, crankshaft, and upper crank bearings, and the reassembly process begins. The cylinder heads get dropped back on the block just a bit more than a half-hour into the overall process, and at five minutes past the one hour point, it's time for each crew member to man his station for the warm-up process.

Check out the Read link for a lengthier tear down of the the 75-minute rebuild.

[Source: Hot Rod]

The art of the 75-minute rebuild originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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