Namely Nick
Nitro Member
Based on 1st round....glad I did not go to Dallas
Low # of cars in TX
- Thread starter Namely Nick
- Start date
The Swegian
Nitro Member
If it's the fuel cars you're referring to, personally I don't see anything wrong with 17 TFer's and 16 FC's, AND the chance to throw down some suds with Greggo, the Aussie, Justin, and Kelly.
Frickin' beats workin'.
Frickin' beats workin'.No, this year @ E-town was terrible with pro car count, Pro stock was the ONLY class that had more than 16 cars, Pro Stock Motorcycle barely had 16, FC had 16 Top Fuel had 15, If there are MORE cars qualifying for Top Alcohol Dragster than in Top Fuel, Funny Car or Even Pro stock Motorcycle (TAD had 17, most cases they have had less than 16 cars), THAT'S SCARY.
Dave
Nitro Member
I thought this was rather odd.
10 4442 Mike Bowers, Plano TX, Swindahl-TFX 4.394 207.37 207.37
I don't remember the exact year Al died, but I know it was a while ago. The reason I bring this up is because I seem to recall NHRA telling Garlits he couldn't run Swamp Rat 34 anymore because the car was too old. Even though Big made updates to it, they still said it was too old. Suddenly NHRA allows an Al Swindahl car to compete. I know Swindahl built some of the best cars ever, but come on. Unless it's a typo, this is a little strange.
Dave
10 4442 Mike Bowers, Plano TX, Swindahl-TFX 4.394 207.37 207.37
I don't remember the exact year Al died, but I know it was a while ago. The reason I bring this up is because I seem to recall NHRA telling Garlits he couldn't run Swamp Rat 34 anymore because the car was too old. Even though Big made updates to it, they still said it was too old. Suddenly NHRA allows an Al Swindahl car to compete. I know Swindahl built some of the best cars ever, but come on. Unless it's a typo, this is a little strange.
Dave
Not strange at all if it has all the upgrades NHRA asked for.I know for a fact theres not too much of that car that started out as the Swindahl.
If the right updates are made to make them legal, they are allowed to run. Age is not an issue.
There are a lot of Swindahl cars still in circulation. He was one of the greatest innovators the sport ever had and his cars always looked beautiful. The welding on those chassis was the best in the biz, not to mention the revolutionary design with the Jerry Ruth car in the early 80s. If he is not in a hall of fame somewhere.... he should be.
There are a lot of Swindahl cars still in circulation. He was one of the greatest innovators the sport ever had and his cars always looked beautiful. The welding on those chassis was the best in the biz, not to mention the revolutionary design with the Jerry Ruth car in the early 80s. If he is not in a hall of fame somewhere.... he should be.
Just Paul
Nitro Member
A lot of it was. The fuel ran through the lower frame rail.
lots of competition in the TAD class. See what happens when you let them go THROUGH the staging lanes? second session and seven cars in the twenties. With one more session to go.
Swindahl was an innovator for sure. But the popularity of the clones of Jerry Ruths car started out as an accident. Jerry Ruth had two specifications that he wanted Al to meet. He wanted a big cage like his funny car because if i recall he got quite a head knock during tire shake with his previous top fuel car. AND he wanted to be able to use his front mount Childs and Albert funny car style starter, which meant they needed to move the driver forward. The car ran like a rocket ship in its first outing in silver with no paint. The rest is history and that basic configuration if i recall bore the f-86 designation. Brad Hadman of Progressive Metalcraft was Swindahl's protege during that era. And Brads cars are enjoying similar popularity today.
Swindahl was an innovator for sure. But the popularity of the clones of Jerry Ruths car started out as an accident. Jerry Ruth had two specifications that he wanted Al to meet. He wanted a big cage like his funny car because if i recall he got quite a head knock during tire shake with his previous top fuel car. AND he wanted to be able to use his front mount Childs and Albert funny car style starter, which meant they needed to move the driver forward. The car ran like a rocket ship in its first outing in silver with no paint. The rest is history and that basic configuration if i recall bore the f-86 designation. Brad Hadman of Progressive Metalcraft was Swindahl's protege during that era. And Brads cars are enjoying similar popularity today.
Frame rails as fuel lines? Its always been a Garlits thing.
If I recall almost all of Garlits rear engine cars ran fuel through the frame rail. With today's fuel volumes it would probably take all four rails to keep up.
If I recall almost all of Garlits rear engine cars ran fuel through the frame rail. With today's fuel volumes it would probably take all four rails to keep up.
Just Paul
Nitro Member
Re: Frame rails as fuel lines? Its always been a Garlits thing.
The lower rails were much bigger then traditional lower rails.
Speaking of Swindahl, Shirleys last car was a Swindahl and ran well past his death. I think Mckinney did the updates and halfed it both ways, but it started life as a Swindahl.
The lower rails were much bigger then traditional lower rails.
Speaking of Swindahl, Shirleys last car was a Swindahl and ran well past his death. I think Mckinney did the updates and halfed it both ways, but it started life as a Swindahl.
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