I don’t follow drag racing

[f6john]

But I do find old guys doing what they love into their 70’s interesting. John Force, who has to be one of the best ever just announced that he is done driving. I didn’t know that he suffered a terrible head injury last year in the finals and has been been recovering and under a doctors care since. The thing about John Force that strikes me most interesting is that he and Trump could have been brothers. Very successful for several generations, at the top of their games throughout their careers, and not bashful about any of it. Plus has family has followed him into the racing career lifestyle. John says he will continue to operate John Force Racing and grow the business for and with his kids. Sounds familiar to me.

[Rams]

Agreed.

I'm also not much of a drag racing fan, I'm waiting on the day that electric dragsters totally take over from gas powered dragsters.   The instantaneous torque produced seems like a sure bet to beat our older technology and after all, it's only a quarter mile trip to the destination.  It's more about getting that power to grab the road and hooking up effectively.

Auto Crossing is something I really enjoy, more of a driver's competition IMHO.

Rams

[f6john]

You have a Soltice, I have a Vette, what’s the hold up?

Auto Crossing is something I really enjoy, more of a driver's competition IMHO.

Rams

[old2soon]

      I've always liked racin Anything with ICE power!  LONG time ago I raced my 59 Desoto at Union Grove WI. in A Stock Automatic. Saw Arinie The Farmer Beswick race and one of Art Arfons Green Monsters! Be awhile for Anyone beats his Championships-John Force. His Daughter Ashley has been on a rampage the last 2 years or so setting records in Top Fuel Dragster. ALL the work in Top Fuel fer sub 4 second runs!  I really Enjoy Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car runs at night!  Specially IF all Eight pipes contiue to belch fire!  RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

I don’t follow drag racing

Me either.

I appreciate the engineering (and burning tires and noise), but the racing is boring.

In my youth, a group us us would drive up north in MI and go camping.  One older guy always had some kind of beater car that was fast.  We'd pile in his car and he'd take us in the woods, hills, sand dunes and mud... fast, and scare the hell out of us (or me anyway).  He was a very good driver and although we'd get airborne and sideways, we never had an accident or mishap or hit a tree.  You did wear seat belts, so you didn't break your neck on the roof.   

My brother did dirt track and he let me drive his car in one race.  That was a blast.  A beat up 340 4-speed Roadrunner.      

[Rams]

You have a Soltice, I have a Vette, what’s the hold up?

Auto Crossing is something I really enjoy, more of a driver's competition IMHO.

Rams

I really don't enjoy embarrassing Corvette owners. 

Rams

[f6john]

You have a Soltice, I have a Vette, what’s the hold up?

Auto Crossing is something I really enjoy, more of a driver's competition IMHO.

Rams

I really don't enjoy embarrassing Corvette owners. 

Rams

Not saying it couldn’t happen, but embarrassment promotes more modifications!

[Rams]

[Jersey mike]

I don’t watch any racing anymore, however I do enjoy the rally cars on YouTube from time to time.

Use to watch NASCAR and NHRA quite a bit but my favorites for NHRA are the old time videos from the sixties, seventies and eighties.


We had a great dragstrip near me called Raceway Park, in Englishtown, NJ and the Spring and Summer Nationals were held there for decades but not anymore. The area was empty when the track was built but people bought homes in the vicinity and then complained about the noise…go figure. It’s like those who buy homes near a farm then complain about the smells.

Raceway Park was a fun place to go for a fun night at the track. There was a lot of history at this track.

Lots of classic videos as well as a documentary on the track. I believe this was the place the goofy voice for drag racing originated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptKrjVuAFpY

[f6john]

At least NASCAR is beginning to face the reality of the negative changes they have been making after the controversy over this years championship battle and the outcome!


NASCAR really suffered after the manufacturers dropped the win on Sunday, sell on Monday mindset.

[Jess from VA]

people bought homes in the vicinity and then complained about the noise…go figure. It’s like those who buy homes near a farm then complain about the smells.

In the law, this is called "moving to the nuisance."

If the nuisance was there and obvious when you bought your home there, you lose in court.   

The most common cases are where people move near airports (like I did). 

[John Schmidt]

I have a race every day...when I first wake up. Nothing all night long so don't stand there, it's dangerous to impede until I have....   

As for drag racing, I picked up a few trophies in my quiet, demure, and unassuming youth. Usually gave them away to my lover du jour, which never seemed to win any favors but no matter. I'd just go fishing again! 

[f6john]

I received many awards in my youth which ultimately lead to state sponsored traffic school. I wasn’t a standout student but I “passed”!

[Rams]

I received many awards in my youth which ultimately lead to state sponsored traffic school. I wasn’t a standout student but I “passed”!

Not sure if this is still true (when I was much younger) I was told that a large percentage of speeding ticket fines went to public schools.   I'm thinking that may have been true in that three different schools are named after me.

After getting three speeding tickets in a very short time, I signed up for the class to put me back into good graces.   Was running late and got another speeding ticket on the way to that school.

Yes, I've learned several lessons the hard way........................

Rams

[Jersey mike]

people bought homes in the vicinity and then complained about the noise…go figure. It’s like those who buy homes near a farm then complain about the smells.

In the law, this is called "moving to the nuisance."

If the nuisance was there and obvious when you bought your home there, you lose in court.   

The most common cases are where people move near airports (like I did). 

If memory serves, the township somehow got involved and put all kinds of “pressure” on the owners to end drag racing. I’m not sure of the specifics.

I did a Quick Look and found this article, some of the property will now be affordable housing.

https://www.nj.com/news/2025/07/legendary-nj-raceway-may-soon-be-replaced-by-600-affordable-housing-units.html

I haven’t been there in many years but I believe they still hold motocross events there and other events.

At least once a year, maybe twice they hold classic car events along with swap meets.

https://etownracewaypark.com/

[Jersey mike]

I received many awards in my youth which ultimately lead to state sponsored traffic school. I wasn’t a standout student but I “passed”!

I’m a proud graduate as well, in 2 states!

Multiple times here in NJ. Never for accidents or running lights or anything like that just those pesky speed limit signs.

[Willow]

I received many awards in my youth which ultimately lead to state sponsored traffic school. I wasn’t a standout student but I “passed”!

As a seventeen year old I got an invitation to come downtown and visit with the state traffic control.

The trooper (if memory serves) at the desk apologized to me.  "Normally we would cal you in after two violations," he said, "But that third one came in so quickly that we didn't get that done."  Three violations would call for a suspension of driving privileges.

He continued with the discussion, "If you will agree to surrender your license voluntarily if you get another violation in the next year we will wipe your record clean to this point."

"A year from now?"  I had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but had not left for boot camp.

"Yes, from today."

I had ten more tickets on their way in.  You see, as a youth I felt it was hypocritical to drive or ride differently when one saw a police officer.  I didn't want to be a hypocrite so I just didn't watch for the law.

"Okay.  I'll do that."  I signed the paper and soon afterward flew away to San Diego for my new life.

Home on boot leave I was out in the wee hours of the morning.  I encountered a friend stopped at a traffic light, intersection of two two lanes with no other traffic.  I pulled next to him and we chatted, on the wrong directional side of the road.  We chatted.  The light turned green and he left.  The light turned red on my location.  I was pointed the wrong way.  Looking around in the dark I could only see one set of headlights over a half mile away.  I was in the wrong lane pointed the wrong way.  I decided the most practical thing to do was make the turn and clear the intersection.  The distant headlighted vehicle erupted into flashing red.

Yes, I spent a large portion of my first year as a Marine as an unlicensed driver.

[Jess from VA]

In my youth, I got right up to the edge of license suspension for points, twice.  Mostly speed, but I pretty much batted the cycle (improper lane, failure to yield, stop signs, etc).

What I did both times, I sold my hot rod car and bought a van.  I still broke the speed limits (more slowly), but I never got tickets.

And the van was always more practical, and fun with friends and girlfriends.

[Oldfishguy]

1966 Impala SS

My ride as a junior and senior in high school.  Something like 6-8 warning tickets from different various area local town police during that time.  What a great ride as a kid! 

I could have very easily died in that machine.

I remember buying it as a 16 year old after a few summer jobs, from a relation. $1350.  Original 396.  It had 3 deuces on it as it was a regular at the 1/4 track.  I put a Quadra Jet on it and later the Holley 4 barrel.   

Joind the Army and the machine was parked for about 15 years before I pulled it out and started the resurrection process; I still own it.  A solid 3 out of 5 and no longer causing kaos in the middle of the night.

[Rams]

Nice ride there.

Since this thread has changed directions, I will tell my story.   At the ripe old age of 16, I finally had the money to buy my dream car.   I'd been working and saving for several years to do that.

Found the first love of my life, a 69 Corvette Convertible, 427, 4 speed and I was all over getting it.   As it ended up, I was fifty bucks short of what I needed.  I called my dad.   He had told me previously that if I could pay for it, I could get it.   Dad drove about 40 miles to come take a look.

The end result was, it had to be my money.  He said, if this car was a bit more reasonable, I might help you out but, you're the only boy I and your mother have and I can't make any more.   Although extremely disappointed, I left with out the Corvette.  Had I had that extra fifty bucks, he would have allowed it although, it would be going against his better judgement.   He was right.

But, as I grew up, had children of my own, I completely understand how he felt.  

Rams

[crow]

Back in the day, before computer and such, when you got a ticket, your paper drivers license would be stapled to the ticket. 

Until court,  your copie of the ticket would be your license.  Not cool to get pulled over and presenting a ticket as your license. But that's another story.  When you went to court the judge would hold your real license up to the light to see how many staple holes were in it.  Lots of staple holes equals no mercy,  lol.   BTW,  best time at the strip was. 12.56. not to shabby for a motorcycle in very early  70's   

[Hook#3287]

I used to somewhat follow east coast drag racing when my buddy Danny O'Day used to do drag wheelies.

We used to go to Eppng NH or Lebanon NY every time he was there and he did his between race show.

Danny is a local boy that moved to NC and was/is a mechanical genius.

His drag wheeler car was amazing and he converted a Greyhound bus to his living quarters with a garage in the back with a lift.

Haven't been to a race except one since he retired 5 Years or so ago.

Force and his family are royalty in drag racing, if I remember correctly.

[Jersey mike]

Though I don’t follow NHRA anymore, I do miss the great nicknames that followed many of the drivers.

Excuse any misspelled names, it’s been awhile.;

Big Daddy Don Gartlits, Shirley Muldoney was Cha-Cah, John Prudome was The Snake, Tommy McGuewen was Mongoose and the last one I can remember was Connie Kalitta was Bounty Hunter.

[crow]

Grumpy, Bill Jenkins.  Small block Chevy V8, regular 4speed. 250 passes never missing a shift.  Also Jungle Jim Leberman and jungle pam.   Beautiful girl, gogo boots, no bra.  Best lane worker there ever was !

[Jersey mike]

Grumpy, Bill Jenkins.  Small block Chevy V8, regular 4speed. 250 passes never missing a shift.  Also Jungle Jim Leberman and jungle pam.   Beautiful girl, gogo boots, no bra.  Best lane worker there ever was !

Yes! They had a great poster which was in many of a garage and tire shop. Good call!

[f6john]

TV Tommy Ivo. If I remember correctly he had a multiple engine, 4 Buicks I think , with four wheel drive and big slicks at all four corners. I was mesmerized by concoctions like that back then.

[crow]

Without any doubt, there was a young man named EJ Potter. Called the Michigan mad man.  Raced several different motorcycles.  He mounted a Chevy small block transverse in the frame. He was more of a showman than actual racer.  He was paid one dollar per each mile over 100 mph.  The bike was direct drive.  He placed the bike on a self contained stand, rev the engine wide open, then launch.  The tire would smoke the entire quarter mile. Record was 172 mph.  There  are many pictures and videos of him online.

[Robert]

Wow, down memory lane we go with this thread, Thanks Guys  

Often wondered about the clutches in a top fuel dragster and found this video of the rebuild, fascinating to have all that power go through the clutch and it hold. Replaced many clutches, some even multi clutch discs but never have seen a clutch like this.

This 12,000 HP Race Car Clutch Must Be Rebuilt In 1 Hour!
https://youtu.be/ZzcvZDlWPBs?si=3u6n9CurKQssx9AU

[Robert]

1966 Impala SS

My ride as a junior and senior in high school.  Something like 6-8 warning tickets from different various area local town police during that time.  What a great ride as a kid!  

Great job in restoration and the fact that you had the car and kept it. A bit of history and fun driving. That was the quintessential sleeper of the time.

[f6john]

My one owner Impala may never hold the mystique of the 60’s SS cars but it is the last of the full size, body on frame, rear wheel drive cars that GM produced. That’s why I have held on to it for 30 years now.




I’m trying to hang on to my Chevelle that has been off the road since 1997. It’s parked in my mothers garage because my garage space if packed full. My son has called dibs on the Chevelle which is not a point of contention as he is an only child, but he doesn’t have garage space either.

[Jess from VA]

1966 Impala SS

That car is a blast from the past, as I learned to drive in 1967 Chevy Impalas (2).

It was my driver's ed car from school.  Three of us guys would pile in with the varsity basketball coach (and biology teacher) as instructor.  He was a great big guy and a bully, and if you screwed up or didn't do what he told you, he'd slug you in the arm.  After he slugged me several times one day trying to parallel park, I slammed it in park while rolling and bounced his head off the windshield.    We didn't get along in driver's ed or biology either.  

Then, my dad's 1st new car was also a 1967 Impala.  But he was pretty wary of letting me drive it, and after I put a small scratch in the bumper parking it in our carport, never again for a couple years.  He quickly helped me buy my 1st car, an old Volkswagen, and told me to scratch that up all I wanted.  

Both were 4 doors, and neither was an SS.  

[Robert]

My one owner Impala may never hold the mystique of the 60’s SS cars but it is the last of the full size, body on frame, rear wheel drive cars that GM produced. That’s why I have held on to it for 30 years now.

Here you go for an idea 

https://youtu.be/GeJTkA0RAb4?si=OmuW6CvR4S1aCMDP

[MAD6Gun]

Agreed.

I'm also not much of a drag racing fan, I'm waiting on the day that electric dragsters totally take over from gas powered dragsters.   The instantaneous torque produced seems like a sure bet to beat our older technology and after all, it's only a quarter mile trip to the destination.  It's more about getting that power to grab the road and hooking up effectively.

Auto Crossing is something I really enjoy, more of a driver's competition IMHO.

Rams

 Whats not to like?  Two 12,000 horsepower Top Fuel dragsters that can go from zero to almost 350 mph in less then 3.7 seconds in 1000 feet.

 I'm sorry Ron but an electric drag car doesn't thrill me nearly as much as a 12,000 HP 500 CID engine cackling on the line and then the absolute thunderous sound that follows when they "punch it". Years ago the NHRA did a experiment. They put earth quake monitors around the Denver track. Two dragster on a run measured over 2.0 on the Richter scale. Lets see an electric car do that...

[f6john]

My one owner Impala may never hold the mystique of the 60’s SS cars but it is the last of the full size, body on frame, rear wheel drive cars that GM produced. That’s why I have held on to it for 30 years now.

Here you go for an idea 

https://youtu.be/GeJTkA0RAb4?si=OmuW6CvR4S1aCMDP

I don’t need any help with ideas!  But if you have a spare $100k, I could get close that. At my age I’m still just a dreamer when it comes to cars like that.