Other Special Events - HOT ROD Drag Week

Check this out: five days, five dragstrips, you have to drive the car up to 330 miles from track to track, and the lowest average e.t. over the week wins. We're doing it September 11-16, starting in Kansas City and ending up in Martin, Michigan. The only really relevent rule is that you may not trailer, puch, drag, or tow the race car in any way, and no chace trucks. You can change anything you want along the way, but anything you need must be carried in the race vehicle or in a trailer towed by the race car.

Preregistration is $125. Call 877/413-6515. Full rules are in the June and July issues of HOT ROD.

DF

$125 to race all five tracks?

$125 to race all five tracks?

That's correct. We wanted to make it free like Pump Gas Drags, but the Drag Week is costing us a TON. I figured $125 usually pays for a weekend race, so a full week is a good deal. The price goes up to $150 on site.

DF

Sounds awesome, but I think alot of the "real street cars" that are fast, will not pass tech for how fast they are.

Great Lakes Dragaway holds the "Real Street Drags", and their tech for that event is much more lenient, as it is mostly a group of street racers, with street cars.

Any chance on being a little lenient on tech to allow some of the fast true street cars?

And even if not, most tracks I have been to allow you 3 runs before you're booted out. That would be enough to get your timeslip and move on to the next track.

Sounds awesome, but I think alot of the "real street cars" that are fast, will not pass tech for how fast they are.

Great Lakes Dragaway holds the "Real Street Drags", and their tech for that event is much more lenient, as it is mostly a group of street racers, with street cars.

Any chance on being a little lenient on tech to allow some of the fast true street cars?

And even if not, most tracks I have been to allow you 3 runs before you're booted out. That would be enough to get your timeslip and move on to the next track.

This event is already costing us a fortune. A liability suit would kill it. Cars must meet NHRA rules.

Also, don't forget this is not just for 8-second rides. Lots of slower cars will be there for the fun of it. It's an unforgettable road trip.

DF

1- Can you change tires?
2- What about race gas?
3- Like Jim was saying, what if someone cranks off a couple of 9.5's, but does not have all the safety stuff?

1, yes- if you have your other tires in your car.. no chase/tow/support vehicles allowed
2. yes.
3. I'm fighting off a major urge to to be a smartass, but see DF's response, all cars must be legal.

1, yes- if you have your other tires in your car.. no chase/tow/support vehicles allowed
2. yes.
3. I'm fighting off a major urge to to be a smartass, but see DF's response, all cars must be legal.

Brady's right.

DF

Whoopee, thanks so much Brady.

I like the concept. It seems to be catered to the EFI crowd and has a lot of potential, but the fact no chase vehicles are allowed will discourage alot of fast cars. If in fact one does break and they are far away from home what do they do; call a tow truck? Example: I live in MN and would first have to drive to Kansas approx 600 miles just to start, if I broke down in between or near Michigan I would literally be stranded hundreds of miles away with no backup. Doesn't make sense.

I routinely drive my car 450 miles round trip from MN to IA to race at a decent track.
Last year I drove from MN to Byron, IL ran high 11's and drove it home with zero problems. But I hesitate on entering this because of the long distance involved and the fact no chase vehicles are allowed.

This seems to catered to stock or near stock cars, not truly fast street cars. Cars like Vipers, C5 ZO6's and 03 Cobras will probably be the norm and take the win.

You should amend the rules and allow chase vehicles to tag behind the main group, BUT all race vehicles must drive together as a group with a predesignated leader and tail vehicle to prevent entrants from sneaking off to put their cars on a trailer between tracks. My .02

this sounds prety fun.

will there be race fuel available to buy at the tracks or will you have to carry enough for all 5 tracks?

i am concerned about the lack of a chase vehicle too. i am 99% sure if i was to do this there would be another truck load of people going with just to watch, it would be nuts for them to not drag around a trailer just in case i broke something. i can't wait to see the exact rules.

I couldn't agree more with Gino and Parish. I really think Hot Rod should reevaluate their position on chase vehicles. First of all, there is NO WAY you can enforce this. Guys will simply have one, but remain in the shadows. They take alternate routes,dealy their departure times,etc. The multiple track locations assure they will be far from home. Many of these guys run hard to find parts. If they brake, their screwed. This will scare off MANY cars.
It looks like this type of format is designed for REAL street cars. I think it's a great idea. For enforcement, have them drive in a group with a lead and back car. But allow them to have a chase car or trailer simply for security and safety. The mileage will weed out any pump gas 800 lift cam cars or street pretenders. I won't do it without the security of a trailer. If I have to use it, I'm DQ'd. End of story.
Tom

My point on the gas Brady was that some folks might have to carry 25-50 gallons of gas if they run race gas, and I think some folks might feel funny about that... SEEE? [insert doy face]

My point on the gas Brady was that some folks might have to carry 25-50 gallons of gas if they run race gas, and I think some folks might feel funny about that... SEEE? [insert doy face]
Then people that rely on race gas to make their race cars run should stay home. ;)

Amoco 93 or nothing. :D My biggest problem would be if rain came up. But that's my problem to deal with.

Hmm, Kansas City to Martin. Just a quick peek at the map makes me think.
-KCIR (KC)
-Waitway (St. Louis)
-IRP (Indy)
-Norwalk (Norwalk, OH)
-US31 (Martin, MI)

Sounds like a damn good time! Each leg is about 4 hours of driving (@ 75mph). So is there a reward for fastest times and whatnot?

The worst thing to me about the whole deal is the "Legal" thing. Many cars that would attend including myself do not have things like a cage, scattershield, 5 point harness, cutoff switch, chute, ETC.
I do not run any of this because I have a "street" car, not a race car. I only get 2 runs at GLD, but that is good enough for me to not warrent putting $3k worth of safety stuff and butcher my old street car.

So if you think about it.... hypothetically they are saying if you are loaded, you can win.
I could build a fresh radical 800 ci. mountain motor with a turbo and drive the whole trip tearing up my $50,000 motor and win in my NHRA-certified 7 second race car. BUT, a guy with a very well set up stock chassis car with his cheap 1000-1500 hp motor like me or alot of other people, are stuck not being able to race with our "real" stck suspended, stock chassis, full interior street cars. :cry: :cry: :(

The worst thing to me about the whole deal is the "Legal" thing. Many cars that would attend including myself do not have things like a cage, scattershield, 5 point harness, cutoff switch, chute, ETC.
I do not run any of this because I have a "street" car, not a race car. I only get 2 runs at GLD, but that is good enough for me to not warrent putting $3k worth of safety stuff and butcher my old street car.

So if you think about it.... hypothetically they are saying if you are loaded, you can win.
I could build a fresh radical 800 ci. mountain motor with a turbo and drive the whole trip tearing up my $50,000 motor and win in my NHRA-certified 7 second race car. BUT, a guy with a very well set up stock chassis car with his cheap 1000-1500 hp motor like me or alot of other people, are stuck not being able to race with our "real" stck suspended, stock chassis, full interior street cars. :cry: :cry: :(

Take John Meany's 160 mph pumpgas vette for example, that is a serious fast, yet docile street car. He could'nt enter unless he had his TT motor in a race car or completely trashed his vette and turned it into a full blow race car to go 8.0's! Then it would'nt be a street car would it? :confused:

Meany is like 135 on pump 93, and 160mph on C16. If I ran a car like his, I would have 10 gallons of C16 in the tank. Figure you use it all up racing and driving to the track. You would need 25-50 gallons then.

I think this is going to be a great deal! I'm already making plans to show up! :)

Those of you that are complaining about having to be legal.....

This is a sanctioned event, being run on NHRA sanctioned racetracks, with national media coverage. Insurance and liability constraints prohibit allowing non-legal cars from running. Plain and simple.

So you set out to build a quick street car. Good for you. I give you my props. You say you didn't want to cut the car up to put a rollbar or cage in it. Fine. But if you want to play with everybody else at an organized event, YOU HAVE TO BE LEGAL! That's why you get kicked out of your home track! It's not safe for you and anyone else on the property.

If you wanted a fast 'street car', but didn't want to make it legal to race on a racetrack, that's your choice. But quit complaining about it!!! If you're not legal to go the ET and MPH your car is capable of, STAY HOME and QUIT WHINING!

I'm getting sick of it!

Then people that rely on race gas to make their race cars run should stay home. ;)

Amoco 93 or nothing. :D My biggest problem would be if rain came up. But that's my problem to deal with.

Hmm, Kansas City to Martin. Just a quick peek at the map makes me think.
-KCIR (KC)
-Waitway (St. Louis)
-IRP (Indy)
-Norwalk (Norwalk, OH)
-US31 (Martin, MI)

Sounds like a damn good time! Each leg is about 4 hours of driving (@ 75mph). So is there a reward for fastest times and whatnot?

Actually, it's going to be:

KCIR
Gateway
National Trail (Columbus, OH)
US31
And a track to be named (I would guess Indy, but not sure)

All I am saying, is that a car that goes mid 8's has so much safety stuff on it it is not a practical street car anymore. Have you seen the cage you need to be legal for that! Hotrod is pushing the "Lets race your pumpgas street car and drive it cross country" But it has to be a race car to compete due to safety requirements! Kind of a catch 22 situation. That is all I am saying.

They could have all entrants sign waivers saying it's no big deal if they die. I had to sign one when I used to race motocross, same deal.

Basically, it is who can detune or beat up there race car the most to win.

My local track will kick me out with my old motor for going 11.0 after I drive there 30 miles with my baby, wife, 17" performance street tires and pumpgas. That is not that fast!

Do you see my point at all?? :confused:




I think this is going to be a great deal! I'm already making plans to show up! :)

Those of you that are complaining about having to be legal.....

This is a sanctioned event, being run on NHRA sanctioned racetracks, with national media coverage. Insurance and liability constraints prohibit allowing non-legal cars from running. Plain and simple.

So you set out to build a quick street car. Good for you. I give you my props. You say you didn't want to cut the car up to put a rollbar or cage in it. Fine. But if you want to play with everybody else at an organized event, YOU HAVE TO BE LEGAL! That's why you get kicked out of your home track! It's not safe for you and anyone else on the property.

If you wanted a fast 'street car', but didn't want to make it legal to race on a racetrack, that's your choice. But quit complaining about it!!! If you're not legal to go the ET and MPH your car is capable of, STAY HOME and QUIT WHINING!

I'm getting sick of it!

All I am saying, is that a car that goes mid 8's has so much safety stuff on it it is not a practical street car anymore. Have you seen the cage you need to be legal for that! Hotrod is pushing the "Lets race your pumpgas street car and drive it cross country" But it has to be a race car to compete due to safety requirements! Kind of a catch 22 situation. That is all I am saying.

They could have all entrants sign waivers saying it's no big deal if they die. I had to sign one when I used to race motocross, same deal.

Basically, it is who can detune or beat up there race car the most to win.

My local track will kick me out with my old motor for going 11.0 after I drive there 30 miles with my baby, wife, 17" performance street tires and pumpgas. That is not that fast!

Do you see my point at all?? :confused:

No, I'm sorry I don't see your point. Rules are rules. Either play by them, or go home.

And yes, I've seen what's required to go faster than 9.99.

Also, think of it this way.

How many 8 second 'street' cars do you know that can handle multiple 300+ mile drives? Also, think of the ones that will break along the way. I bet the group of cars will be much smaller in MI than what it started out as in KC.

That's true. It's just that Through the years I have been upgrading my suspension and drivetrain. I go to car shows twice a week, and want to drive my car alot. I am finishing up a pumpgas motor that should go 9's(traction limited) at about 150 mph on 17" drag radials. It's sucks to think that I cannot enter anything because I do not cut the original body up to put in a 12 point cage, move the battery to the trunk, and drill a hole in the back to put a master cutoff switch. I guess I just never thought of my car being so "dangerous" It has been an 11.00 second pumpgas street car for the past 10 years. With modern technology letting motors make 1500 hp on pumpgas, Pretty soon we will all have to drive around in a funnycar just to meet safety standards. Think about this.. You can pull up to the line on a ZX1100 and make a pass with a helmet and leather jacket, THAT'S IT! But to go that fast in a car, Which is much safer in the first place, you need all that safety stuff. What's the difference? :confused:

Also, think of it this way.

How many 8 second 'street' cars do you know that can handle multiple 300+ mile drives? Also, think of the ones that will break along the way. I bet the group of cars will be much smaller in MI than what it started out as in KC.

You can pull up to the line on a ZX1100 and make a pass with a helmet and leather jacket, THAT'S IT! But to go that fast in a car, Which is much safer in the first place, you need all that safety stuff. What's the difference? :confused:

Don't bring bikes into this...lol

The thing with bikes is...those guys are insane! :)

No, really with bikes, you just fall off and tumble. Other than the ground and the wall, there is nothing there to hurt you, and there is nothing that can be done, period. In a car, there is all kinds of things that can hurt you. Broken glass, crushed doors and/or roofs, fires, ect. And those things CAN be prevented with the proper saftey precautions.

The worst thing to me about the whole deal is the "Legal" thing. Many cars that would attend including myself do not have things like a cage, scattershield, 5 point harness, cutoff switch, chute, ETC.
I do not run any of this because I have a "street" car, not a race car. I only get 2 runs at GLD, but that is good enough for me to not warrent putting $3k worth of safety stuff and butcher my old street car.
I just checked Summit Racing and I didn't buy the last of any of those items, so you should be able to buy them Monday morning and be legal. ;)

Hey, I didn't like putting a bunch of bars and shit in my street car either, but if I want to play the game, I gotta follow the rules.

Also, from what I gathered, this isn't a competition. Just like Power Tour isn't a Cannonball Run to see who gets to Kissimmee first this year. I'm sure there'll be a lot of people running regular 11 & 12-second cars on this, just to do it. I'm going to try my hardest to run it, whether it's in the twin turbo car or it's in some Mustang I buy from a ghetto car lot and slap a bottle on. :)

Actually, it's going to be:

KCIR
Gateway
National Trail (Columbus, OH)
US31
And a track to be named (I would guess Indy, but not sure)
I think that's what I said. :jest:

The only other track they could do is Beech Bend, but that's a long drive from STL to BG and there's no good way to get to Columbus from there (or from STL).

Hmm, Kansas City to Martin. Just a quick peek at the map makes me think.
-KCIR (KC)
-Waitway (St. Louis)
-IRP (Indy)
-Norwalk (Norwalk, OH)
-US31 (Martin, MI)




Just a technicality, but I think you said Norwalk! :) :chug:

Just a technicality, but I think you said Norwalk! :) :chug:
Dolt! I remember looking at Columbus. That's a short drive from Indy to Columbus. It's amazing that the split between Indy, Norwalk and Milan is almost 4 hours on each leg. :gruffy:

I need to cut out some 10.5W mudflaps. :D

I need to cut out some 10.5W mudflaps. :D

:) :jest:

Here's the route:
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Beech Bend, KY
Columbus, OH
Martin, MI

Cars have to pass NHRA tech. Like they do at any drag strip.

We're really shooting for this to be a fun event as well as a competition, and we'd like all the 12 or 11-second cars we can get. Honestly, I need every car I can get to enter, since it will be very hard to break even on this deal, and if we don't, the company won't take a loss to let me do it again. It could be a very cool event if people show up with the right attitude.

DF

And of course we can't stop people from taking their trailers on a public highway. But if you get caught by us, by one of our spotters, or by another competitor using any supplies off a chase truck or on a trailer, you're out. All competitors will be issued numbered disposable cameras for catching other guys cheating.

DF

Here's the route:
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Beech Bend, KY
Columbus, OH
Martin, MI




I'll clear this up before anyone asks: "I thought it was 5 tracks in 5 states?"

It is....St. Louis' track (Gateway) is actually in IL! :)

Here's the route:
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Beech Bend, KY
Columbus, OH
Martin, MI

Cars have to pass NHRA tech. Like they do at any drag strip.

We're really shooting for this to be a fun event as well as a competition, and we'd like all the 12 or 11-second cars we can get. Honestly, I need every car I can get to enter, since it will be very hard to break even on this deal, and if we don't, the company won't take a loss to let me do it again. It could be a very cool event if people show up with the right attitude.

DF
Well, I commend you guys for doing this. First, it was Power Tour, then Pump Gas Drags and now this Dragweek. You guys are putting on some terrific events for the racers and the fans. From what I've gathered, it's more of an event to do, rather than win, kinda like Power Tour. Although a timed race from Milwaukee to Kissimmee, FL would be fun. ;)

All competitors will be issued numbered disposable cameras for catching other guys cheating.
Secrettttt AGENT MAN!! :lol:

no outside supplies? does that mean i can't stop and pick up something at napa on the way from one track to the next, what about borrow something from another racer? i have borrowed and lent out a tool or two while at the track before.

Parish, if you were to do this, I would be willing to sponsor you. Hopefully you are allowed to have at least one LS1TECH sticker on your truck. :)

Parish, if you were to do this, I would be willing to sponsor you. Hopefully you are allowed to have at least one LS1TECH sticker on your truck. :)

Giving someone a sticker doesn’t necessarily constitute sponsorship. :jest:

Parish, if you were to do this, I would be willing to sponsor you. Hopefully you are allowed to have at least one LS1TECH sticker on your truck. :)

woohoo :)

Giving someone a sticker doesn’t necessarily constitute sponsorship. :jest:
I'll sponsor you for the EZ Street race up here! I can give you a 6-pack. No fish eyes allowed though. :D

Brady, are you trying to be funny, go back to sleep.

Obviously it would be financial sponsorship and a sticker on the truck would be mandatory.
:)

the hardest decision for me would be exactly how hard to push it. i could go track to track and run some high 10's with little chance of breaking it or really push it and maybe run some mid to lower 10's.

i doubt a mid 10 will get the win on something like this but it would suck to not push it and have all the big dogs drop out and then miss out on a posiable win if i had pushed it.

is there anychance at all the winner will not be 9's or quicker?

Jim, the other question is whether you have the safety equipment for 9.99 or 10.doh or whatever.

i have loops, tranny shield and fire jacket and the proper helmit. sfi flex plate will be in in a few weeks roll bar and harness are schedueled in a month. speed rated tires are in the garage just waiting for the rims wich are on the way.

what am i forgeting?

There will be an announcement coming in the magazine, but here's the news now: We have broken Drag Week competition into five easy classes to encourage more guys to come out and have fun even if they think they can't compete with the big dogs. We'll name winners in each class, as well as an overall event winner with the best overall average. The classes are:

- Daily Driver: This is for all cars running slower than 12.000. The car with the weeklong average closest to 12.000 wins. Cars in this class cannot compete for the overall win.
- Naturally Asprirated Small-Block, 423ci and smaller
- Naturally Aspirated Big-Block, 424ci and bigger
- Boost/Nitrous Small-Block, 423ci and smaller
- Boost/Nitrous Big-Block, 424ci and bigger

As a reminder, the event is a week of drag racing with five tracks in five days, and the winners are determined by lowest average e.t. over five days. Rules are in HOT ROD Magazine and HOTROD.com. Here's the schedule:
Sept 11 Kickoff in Kansas City
Sept 12, Kansas City International Raceway
Sept 13 Gateway
Sept 14 Beech Bend
Sept 15 National Trail
Sept 16 Martin, MI

It's $125 to preregister before August 15 at 877/413-6515, or $150 on site at Kansas City. Spectators are free.

DF