TOP DRAGSTER

[Cliff]

What if the class slowed to, say 6.20 or maybe 6.30. Would it make a difference? I have noticed there are still cars that get the boot cuz they ran 5 second run. So many cars that run 6.10 w/ little problem. I would hate to see the class slowed down, just my 2 cents. Really did love it when they ran on the 6.00 mark. Will be interesting to see who wins Indy.

 

[DG]

Honestestly... You can tell the difference in a 6.0 and 6.1 pass?

 

[Mike]

Jim, some pretty quick and fast cars sitting in the top ten. Myself, I'd like a deadly 6.50 car just skip a race like this.

 

[TD5023]

Jim, some pretty quick and fast cars sitting in the top ten. Myself, I'd like a deadly 6.50 car just skip a race like this.

Depending on where you are in the country, a deadly 6.50 car isn't going to cut it. Speaking from experience on this one...

 

[Mike]

Brad, good point, I guess i'm going to say at a majority of the races.

 

[Cliff]

Round 1 complete. Lotsa breakouts, 6 cars under 6.10. Ross Laris wins his race with a 6.137 - 190.59 on a 6.10 dial. Saw some runs like that & they were shuttin' off way early. Gonna be interesting.

 

[*******]

watching Q3 alone would have been worth the price of admission. Two racers were on the bump when they staged and went #1 on their last hit. (Even though Al Kenny's run was tossed ) flipping awesome.

 

[TK]

Regarding the current Top Dragster class, it takes a lot of driver skill and finesse to race the finish line stripe at those speeds and e.t.'s. To have a car capable of that level of performance, and do it consistently is impressive indeed!

 

[sammi]

Wouldn't you like to time travel any of the 32 qualifiers machines to the 1969 PDA race at OCIR?

 

[Cliff]

If you could take the top 10 Q (T/D) at Indy this year & go back to OCIR in 1969, the T/D cars would be quicker & faster than T/F.... as long as they could hook up. Track prep back then was using VHT on the burn out & hope there is enough rubber in the mid range & top end. If I remember right, the really quick T/F cars in 1969 would be high 6.40's and 6.50's, usually 6.50's at OCIR. All front motor cars....

 

[Nunz]

TF cars had never even run 6.20s until Garlits did
it at Indy in 1971, ultimately qualifying #1 with a 6.21.

 

[Cliff]

I remember that. I read the LA Times and article said Garlits had run 6.21. I thought it was a misprint. Heh I heard a story that said Ed Pink wanted Garlits to run a F/C style motor, around 480 CI. Instead, Garlits came up with his own version. Most T/F cars had smaller engines at the time. Also, Garlits infamous staggered wheelbase, which probably was worth .05. Crafty Garlits......

 

[Nunz]

I think the staggered wheelbase deal was part of racing before the back motor revolution. I may be wrong though.

 

[Cliff]

That could be true. I know NHRA made the 2" varience rule after they found out about Garlits staggered wheelbase.