Question:

Can you tell me what are the quickest and fastest times recorded by a front engine top fuel dragster? - Mark Vaught, Indiana


Answer:

Mark,

Our Nitro Thunder car holds both the speed and the ET record. We recorded a 265.09 MPH at the California Hot Rod Reunion back in 2005. The ET record of 5.56 seconds (at 263 MPH) was also set at Bakersfield during the March Meet in 2008. Just for the record Troy Green in Frank Ousley's car ran 264.23 at the CHRR last October.

I am sure you are wondering why those numbers haven't been bettered in the years since then. We feel it is because of two factors. The first being that the conditions were just right when both of the runs were made. The second is how we run the car. We had a different tire on the car back in '05, one that would mile per hour better, and the car is also about 50 pounds heavier now. We'll be playing with some aerodynamic changes in the next couple of races to see if we can get our MPH back. Thanks for the question.

Jack Harris - Owner / Crew Chief / Former Driver


Question:

Have any of the drivers checked out the new track in Bakersfield yet?


Finch - Anaheim Hills, CA

Answer:

Finch, we were one of the first fuel cars to try out the new surface and it is outstanding. Usually a new surface needs a lot of runs before it develops any teeth, but this place is ready to go now. It is so smooth. When we made our first run the track temperature was only 65 degrees, but we ran a 5.88 at only 209 MPH shutting off early. We were using our standard clutch settings and the engine drove through the clutch. We added more counterweight pressure than we usually run, and it still drove through the clutch. I can hardly wait to get back there and stand on the gas again. The March Meet is going to be a great race.

Jim Murphy, owner/driver - WWII Top Fuel

Question:

Any luck with a future nostalgia race at infineon? - Tom Carroll


Answer:

Tom,

The front engine top fuel dragsters would love to have an event at the Sonoma facility. Not only is it a beautiful track and a great place to race, but many of our members are from the surrounding Northern California area. Unfortunately at this time the only thing we have on tap there is a display of our cars during the NHRA national event in July. However, don't be surprised if you see a few of our guys testing there on the Wednesday between the division race and the national event.

Perhaps if you directed your question to the nice folks at Infinion it might help get the ball rolling. Thanks for your question.

Bob McLennan - President, AAFD

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