Big Crash Grudge Race: Da Boogeyman Crash at No Prep Mayhem

Photo-Speednik.com

Thanks to shows like Street Outlaws, “no prep” drag racing and grudge matching have become popular insanely popular at strips all over the US. However, the “no prep” part comes at a risk of losing traction, but that’s part of the allure, too. It requires a driver familiar with his or her vehicle and knowing when and how to get full power down with the maximum amount of traction possible. It also comes with the risk of losing control at the wrong moment and not having the grip to keep your car out of control. An unfortunate example happened at No Prep Mayhem in Wichita, Kansas between Da Boogeyman and Honey Badger.

If you’re unfamiliar with “no prep”, which would be surprising considering this is LS1Tech, the idea for most tracks and organizers that do it is that no traction aids like VHT or VP’s Lane Choice 7 are sprayed down, general track maintenance isn’t done between rounds, and the rubber from the previous event isn’t touched. It gives the feeling of an illegal street race but with some added safety like barriers, trained staff, and emergency personal. At least at the more credible events. One added feature is the grudge match, which isn’t anything new, and will either involve two guys looking to have fun but want to see who’s faster with an added cash bonus or two hot-heads who put more money than sense down and blames the car for the loss. The latter makes for a good show.

Dave Hildebrand is no stranger to both grudge matches and no prep racing with his 1968 RJ Camaro-bodied drag car. It’s built with a 521-cubic-inch AJE/TFX Hemi engine with a pair of Precision Turbo 88mm turbos with a Lenco/Quick Drive Transmission.

Back in October of 2016, he was able to put down a pass of 4.12 at 165mph in the 1/8th mile at 7800-feet of elevation. It was a beautiful and very, very well built and thought out car. Despite the hard crash, Dave was able to get out on his own ability and walk around.