Drag racing at California Speedway Today

Well it was a beautiful warm if not hot Southern CA day today. A slightly heavy cross wind on the track. Four Vipers showed up along with a bunch of mostly late model cars (a large Corvette contingent). Plenty of nice cars and people hanging out for the day. Thanks to Hugh Hoard for offering me a Racing jacket when the track officials wanted to boot me off. Chris and Lyle were there from DC performance offering support to Hugh in his NHRA licensing runs.

The car ran consistent and hard as usual and I must say the man upstairs was watching over me today. My last pass was up against an altered dragster. I was sure he would immediately blow by me. Whether it was a shake down run or just inexperience or both, I was clearly ahead of him. As we were approaching half track I felt his presence in my peripherey. It seemed like he suddenly dissapeared and I quickly glanced in my rear view mirror only to see the top of his cage and his car flying in the air just over my rear spoiler. I've gotta say the results looked frightening and it was a miracle that this person actually was able to walk out of the wreckage. I can only imagine what the results would have been if I was just a hundreth of a second slower. I guess I should rethink the deal of not running a roll bar.

The car ran an easy 11.29 @ 128.8 with a consistent 1.8 60'. Pilot sport cups. My goal is an 10.9X pass in this pure street combination. I think a full day of practice should honestly establish this car as a true N/A, no power adder, all emissions, 91 octane daily driver 10 sec machine. The real question is do I tempt fate and run it again without a roll bar?

I ran a new Z-06 a couple of times, nice power from the factory, but he was 10 mph slower.

all stock? awesome! I'd say get a roll bar... you're worth every penny.

Warfang said:

all stock? awesome! I'd say get a roll bar... you're worth every penny.

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Warfang, it's a head/cam car. The key here is no nitrous, blower, turbo etc. same tires and wheels I always drive with and if anything more of a road race type car. Besides the heads and cam it's all stock right down to the airfilters. No puke cans or emission control changes, or any fuel system alterations (stock injectors as well). This car amazes me everyday, and when it breaks into the ten's I guess I'll be speechless (actually just the opposite).

Hey Camfab,
Glad to hear you had a great day at the Drags. Even happier to hear that you out ran disaster!!

How did Hugh and the other Vipers do?

Lance, I think everybody was having a good time. I had to leave about 1 pm because we had family coming in from out of town. That last pass I made shut the track down for more than an hour.
How was Willow? I can't wait to run a road course.

Willow was so much fun. It was my first time out there, so I was a bit nervous. Dan arranged for Bob Blizzard (head driving instructor for Viper Days) to give us private instruction. It was extremely comforting having him coach me around the course. I learned so much and I'm looking forward to the next track opportunity.
I'll let you know so you can join us.

I'm actually heading back to Willow tomorrow. They are shooting a show for Speed Channel using my car. Sam Hubinette is driving, so it should be a lot of fun. Come out if you can get away for the day.

Sounds like fun Lance, it would be an honor to have Hubinette run a car. No way I can miss work tomorrow, so let's hear about it tomorrow night!

You know me....I'm taking my camera!!

Camfab said:

Warfang, it's a head/cam car. The key here is no nitrous, blower, turbo etc. same tires and wheels I always drive with and if anything more of a road race type car. Besides the heads and cam it's all stock right down to the airfilters. No puke cans or emission control changes, or any fuel system alterations (stock injectors as well). This car amazes me everyday, and when it breaks into the ten's I guess I'll be speechless (actually just the opposite).

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stock headers to? Nice run by the way.

For 10's with your street trim combo you'll need 130+ Mph. and 1.6-60fter.
I'd upgrade the halfshafts before the roll bar.

nice running so far.

TOOOFST said:

For 10's with your street trim combo you'll need 130+ Mph. and 1.6-60fter.
I'd upgrade the halfshafts before the roll bar.

nice running so far.

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I agree with you. First time I took it out in October it was just as hot, but without the wind it ran just a tick under 130. Do you really think I need the half shafts already? I'm letting the clutch out real easy. No burnouts either, just a quick spin outside the water box. I think with a little more practice consistent 1.7's will come, couple that with no wind and 70 degree air temps.

Sam ran my 08 at Buttonwillow and Willow. It was the first 08 he had driven so I had him sign my owner's manual.