Clay drives Tony's Canopy Car
- Thread starter DixonFan
- Start date
z28
Nitro Member
In his last youtube video he said he'd do what was best for the team. We know Tony won't drive an open cockpit car so for the team two canopy cars is better.Old habits die hard Ken... As long as we've known Clay, he's been kind of set in his ways - for racing' at least!
My Wife's car has been gone since the 90's and he's been running NHRA for a long time.
That's saying something because Tony S. isn't particularly tall either.
sfw1960
Nitro Member
OOOOHHH!!! An opportunity to post Clay PiX LOL!!
Tony's taller for sure., but his NHRA Bio stats say only by an inch - but heavier.
This was taken in 2005 - My wife was probably around 5'8" and he is too (she's not standing straight in that pic).
Clay's Bio:
(2005:08:13 12:29:27)
65 Goatboy
Nitro Member
Doubt it.
CS
Nitro Member
Clay always said he would NEVER drive a canopy car. However Tony won't drive anything but. So my guess is Clay was "asked" to try it in an effort to make both RWR cars identical in 2026. Clay did say afterwards it was quieter and added that he was told that a canopy addition would happen if he wanted it to. Clay went on to explain that the cage would need to be replaced and other modifications made to fit a canopy.
z28
Nitro Member
maybe they found out he had other plans for next year
I think part of Clay's resistance to moving to a canopy car is that he recognizes his small stature is a performance advantage for most crew chiefs and gives him extra value as a hired driver. The lack of weight in the center of the car allows it to arch more freely. In a time where drivers are often seen as replaceable they need to prove their value, whether it is good RT's or in the case of Clay, staying trim to offer that little bit of advantage to the CC. By moving to the canopy car and adding the 40lbs or so, it reduces that advantage that he has worked for. And if you don't think he takes this seriously, listen to him talk about his restricted diet on race weekends and look for the stationary bike that he hauls around to the races. It's kind of like a horse jockey, LOL.
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65 Goatboy
Nitro Member
True!Ok I'll come up with a smart-ass comment.
On the positive side the extra 40# will eliminate any chance of the ballast bag falling on the track.
LoPony
Nitro Member
Ill play. I’ll counter that the extra 40 lb is in the wrong place. Clay will do what’s best for the team. But a canopy car putting 40 pounds right in the middle of the frame is not gonna help the performance.Ok I'll come up with a smart-ass comment.
On the positive side the extra 40# will eliminate any chance of the ballast bag falling on the track.
Brutus26
Nitro Member
I’m on the side of, like a lot of us on here; and willing to say/bet. Clay’s age (born in the mid 60’s) and how he has always “done it”; is why he is skeptical about it. Just like we are on here about how thing’s/racing used to be and the state it is in today. He & crew may not want to change because that is how they have always done it. But on the other side of this. Brittany Force is most likely lighter than Clay and Justin Ashley is probably close to Clay’s weight (maybe a little heavier) and seem to have figured it out & doing pretty well. And the most interesting example is Doug Kalitta. Was having a mediocre season 2 years ago when he wrecked at the first race in playoffs & pulled his backup car (without a canopy) and went on a terror to win his first championship! Was anyone else surprised that he came back out the following season with a canopy car, like I was? Seems to be working out for him quite well.
Just my $.02
Now folks, you gotta love that....Ok I'll come up with a smart-ass comment.
On the positive side the extra 40# will eliminate any chance of the ballast bag falling on the track.
How about y'all? Would YOU prefer a canopy? Weight and CG aside, would you prefer the intensity of the noise and wind in your face or a quieter ride that helps keep the bugs out of your teeth? Do you consider it to be a safety hazard in the event of a fire? I believe I'd take the canopy but being as I've never driven a TF car, that's just a guess. And Millican might have a change of heart if the differences in Stewart's car weren't factors.
