I
don't usually do these kinds of cars, the spindly frames aggravate
me a bit. But Revell did their homework on these new drag
kit chassis', they go together well and are a crisp mold.
Other
pages on this site you may be interested in:
American
Drag Racing - Top fuelers, funny cars, super stocks, pro stocks,
and fuel-altereds are all included in this look back at the evolution
of drag racing from the 1950s to today. Modern color photography
of these landmark cars is accompanied by imagery from the
NHRA archives and the stories of the legends who built and drove
the cars on drag strips across the nation.
Top
Fuel Dragsters - A fascinating look at the history and development
of the top fuel dragster, from its beginning as a crude, stripped-down
hot rod to today's sophisticated machines that deliver thousands
of horsepower. The chapters will be the birth and golden age of
top fuel, the rear engine era, anatomy of a modern top fueler,
and racing a modern top fueler.
Slingshot
Dragsters of the 1960s - In
the early 60s, front-engine dragsters, or slingshots, featured
tubular built chassis powered by a variety of power plants, consisting
of small-block Chevrolets, Chrysler Hemi's, Ford, Pontiac, Cadillac,
Oldsmobile, and Lincoln motors either fueled on Nitro Methane
or pump gas. Wheelbases varied from 110 inches in 1962 to over
200 inches in 1969. During the early sixties, racing legend "Big
Daddy" Don Garlits ran a series of "Swamp Rat"
dragsters which not only dominated the quarter-mile, but many
of his creations were made by using experimental aerodynamic parts
to give better traction and faster speeds. During a fuel ban from
the late 50s to the early 60s, many chassis builders utilized
a two-engine power plant to gain more power that was lost due
to running pump gas instead of fuel. One of the most popular twin-engine
dragsters was the "Fright Train", powered by twin small-block
Chevrolets. The dragster was driven by 16-year-old Bob Muraviez
who used the alias name of Floyd Lippencott, Jr. to fool his parents
who did not approve of his racing. Near the end of the 60s, the
Chrysler Hemi came to dominate Top-fuel racing, as it produced
tremendous torque and horsepower. These dragsters were the quickest
accelerating vehicles in motorsports. Elapsed times in the quarter-mile
were ranging from the 8-second bracket in the early 60s to the
low 7's late in the decade with speeds over 200 mph.In 1970 at
the AHRA Nationals at Lion's Drag strip (Long Beach, CA), Don
Garlits experienced a violent clutch explosion that cut his dragster
in two and severed a portion of Don's right foot. After being
sidelined for several months, Don returned to racing with an innovative
rear-engine, top-fuel dragster, which would eventually spell demise
for the front-engine dragsters. Relive the 60s era of the front-engine
dragster, nicknamed the slingshot for it's aerodynamic design
in crisp high quality color and black and white photos.
Enjoy memorable moments from some of the famed drivers that are
highlighted throughout this book.
