Since its off-season and I'm bored, and since my new Competition License came in last night, I thought I'd start this thread. Any other fans of the 1320 out there? Any other participants (no matter what car/class)?
But most importantly can some of our Euro friends answer me this: Here in America we're told Drag Racing isn't popular in Europe, but is gaining ground with the Aussies. Is this true? And if so why? Just curious, there's of course no right or wrong answer.
The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
I haven't heard of any sort of drag racing in Europe, though I am aware there is a drag strip at the Hockenheimring. As to why, I'm guessing it's a similar reason to why there are little oval races.
kevinbotz wrote:Cantonese is a completely nonsensical f*cking alien language masquerading as some grossly bastardised form of Chinese
Gonzo wrote:Wasn't there some sort of communisim in the East part of Germany?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Damn I guess thats a pretty good indicator of where it is on the map. There is an FIA World Championship for Drag Racing, but it appears they just sanction it, and use NHRA rules, except nitro isn't allowed in Funny Cars.
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
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pasta_maldonado
- Site Donor
- Posts: 6461
- Joined: 22 Apr 2012, 16:49
- Location: Greater London. Sort of.
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Wallio wrote:Since its off-season and I'm bored, and since my new Competition License came in last night, I thought I'd start this thread. Any other fans of the 1320 out there? Any other participants (no matter what car/class)?
But most importantly can some of our Euro friends answer me this: Here in America we're told Drag Racing isn't popular in Europe, but is gaining ground with the Aussies. Is this true? And if so why? Just curious, there's of course no right or wrong answer.
Don't really know anything about drag racing, and neither does anyone in Europe except the harcore fans I suppose. I guess it's liek trying to find an American who likes rugby or something
Klon wrote:more liek Nick Ass-idy amirite?
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AdrianSutil
- Posts: 3747
- Joined: 08 Jun 2011, 01:21
- Location: Ashford, UK
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
A race track in England called Santa Pod is probably the most famous drag strip we have. During the year from Mach to September there's hundreds of 'car meets' and the drag strip is very popular. But as a 'National Championship' goes, there are a few, but it's not as well-known unless your into that sort of thing.
RIP NAN - 26/12/2014
RIP DAD - 9/2/2015
Currently building a Subaru Impreza to compete in the 2016 MSV Trophy.
PremierInn spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital
RIP DAD - 9/2/2015
Currently building a Subaru Impreza to compete in the 2016 MSV Trophy.
PremierInn spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital
-
dinizintheoven
- Posts: 3998
- Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 01:24
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
And there's another drag strip at Long Marston, site of the annual Bulldog Bash.
James Allen, on his favourite F1 engine of all time:
"...the Life W12, I can't describe the noise to you, but imagine filling your dustbin with nuts and bolts, and then throwing it down the stairs, it was something akin to that!"
"...the Life W12, I can't describe the noise to you, but imagine filling your dustbin with nuts and bolts, and then throwing it down the stairs, it was something akin to that!"
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AndreaModa
- Posts: 5806
- Joined: 30 Mar 2009, 17:51
- Location: Bristol, UK
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
I went to Santa Pod a few years back now when I was younger. When the lights go green those things are LOUD!
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
You might remember there was a Swedish Grand Prix held six times between 1973-1978 at Anderstorp.
But there is also a place called Mantorp a few hours away, and it has hosted Dragracing since the early seventies, it was also an
event in the European Championship earlier.
Two of the biggest things in my life comes from the influence of my father. 70s music and motorsports.
Now on the subject of Drag Racing, I have a pretty strong connection to it. My father was one of the first
who built a Top Fuel Dragster in Sweden and Europe. He went over to the States at around the end of the seventies,
and bought a chassis and engine to have shipped back home. He and some friends later put it together
from scratch. Money was always a problem, though. He made some local sponsors and got free oil and stuff like that,
but not much more.
In 1989-1990 the whole family went to the States, we visited California and Hawaii for a month,
and spent one day in N.Y. on the way home.
In Cali we lived with a friend of my dads, and he in turn was friends with Dick LaHaie,
the 1987 NHRA Top Fuel champion.
One night there was a big party at the house, and Dick was there and I got to meet him.
I was only seven at the time (in '90), and maybe I didn't really appreciate the moment as much as I could have, it
wasn't until much later that I learned what he accomplished.
I got his autograph, though.
And I remember his wife kissing me and I got lipstick all over my cheek.
My dad still has friends in the U.S.A. to this day, but it's a long time since we've been there.
In 1997, Wheels Magazine had this big article on the highlights of the last twenty years in Dragracing,
and my dads Top Fuel got a mention by the author.
That's my dad in the cockpit, to the right is his friend Rune and my mother. I'm not sure who the guy on the left is,
but it might be a guy called Kjelle. Seems like everyone wore denim back then!
Later dad used a pitch black helmet with weird airholes in front of his mouth, I always thought it looked like a Darth
Vader helmet.
When dad and mum got their fourth child, my youngest sister, he had to sell it unfortunately.
The engine first and then the chassis. And I know it is a big regret in his life, but what can you do?
My granddad also raced back in the day during the 40s and 50s, in motorcycle endurance events, and apparently won some club championship riding an Ariel.
So I have always enjoyed speed and got a motorcycle license early, and I felt compelled to race something a little bit faster than a go-kart, and last year I tried my hand at a F3 Renault, and it felt like second nature to me. I felt very at home in the cockpit, so it must be in my blood.
I spun once, but I was fastest there that day, had the fastest lap out of 16 drivers .
But it's much to late to make a career out of it lol, and I don't have that kind of money anyway. But it was fun, though.
But there is also a place called Mantorp a few hours away, and it has hosted Dragracing since the early seventies, it was also an
event in the European Championship earlier.
Two of the biggest things in my life comes from the influence of my father. 70s music and motorsports.
Now on the subject of Drag Racing, I have a pretty strong connection to it. My father was one of the first
who built a Top Fuel Dragster in Sweden and Europe. He went over to the States at around the end of the seventies,
and bought a chassis and engine to have shipped back home. He and some friends later put it together
from scratch. Money was always a problem, though. He made some local sponsors and got free oil and stuff like that,
but not much more.
In 1989-1990 the whole family went to the States, we visited California and Hawaii for a month,
and spent one day in N.Y. on the way home.
In Cali we lived with a friend of my dads, and he in turn was friends with Dick LaHaie,
the 1987 NHRA Top Fuel champion.
One night there was a big party at the house, and Dick was there and I got to meet him.
I was only seven at the time (in '90), and maybe I didn't really appreciate the moment as much as I could have, it
wasn't until much later that I learned what he accomplished.
I got his autograph, though.
And I remember his wife kissing me and I got lipstick all over my cheek.
My dad still has friends in the U.S.A. to this day, but it's a long time since we've been there.
In 1997, Wheels Magazine had this big article on the highlights of the last twenty years in Dragracing,
and my dads Top Fuel got a mention by the author.
That's my dad in the cockpit, to the right is his friend Rune and my mother. I'm not sure who the guy on the left is,
but it might be a guy called Kjelle. Seems like everyone wore denim back then!
Later dad used a pitch black helmet with weird airholes in front of his mouth, I always thought it looked like a Darth
Vader helmet.
When dad and mum got their fourth child, my youngest sister, he had to sell it unfortunately.
The engine first and then the chassis. And I know it is a big regret in his life, but what can you do?
My granddad also raced back in the day during the 40s and 50s, in motorcycle endurance events, and apparently won some club championship riding an Ariel.
So I have always enjoyed speed and got a motorcycle license early, and I felt compelled to race something a little bit faster than a go-kart, and last year I tried my hand at a F3 Renault, and it felt like second nature to me. I felt very at home in the cockpit, so it must be in my blood.
I spun once, but I was fastest there that day, had the fastest lap out of 16 drivers
.But it's much to late to make a career out of it lol, and I don't have that kind of money anyway. But it was fun, though.
-*:-
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
see, here in Maryland, the only local racing around is Oval racing down in VA or drag racing waayyy down in Budds Creek, which i think it was taken of of NHRA's calendar anyways. there is Capitol Dragway in Crofton, but right now it's only teenagers in Hondas.
yes, THAT Capitol Dragway from TopGear. I honestly don't count IndyCar's race in Baltimore local, due to the fact that it's an annual event that fades in and out of boiling circumstances. there are some street racing spots out in the western bits of my county, but again, teenagers in Hondas.
yes, THAT Capitol Dragway from TopGear. I honestly don't count IndyCar's race in Baltimore local, due to the fact that it's an annual event that fades in and out of boiling circumstances. there are some street racing spots out in the western bits of my county, but again, teenagers in Hondas.
I believe in German BARawnda-Tyrrell-Simca(and it's working)
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Jocke1 wrote:You might remember there was a Swedish Grand Prix held six times between 1973-1978 at Anderstorp.
But there is also a place called Mantorp a few hours away, and it has hosted Dragracing since the early seventies, it was also an
event in the European Championship earlier.
Two of the biggest things in my life comes from the influence of my father. 70s music and motorsports.
Now on the subject of Drag Racing, I have a pretty strong connection to it. My father was one of the first
who built a Top Fuel Dragster in Sweden and Europe. He went over to the States at around the end of the seventies,
and bought a chassis and engine to have shipped back home. He and some friends later put it together
from scratch. Money was always a problem, though. He made some local sponsors and got free oil and stuff like that,
but not much more.
In 1989-1990 the whole family went to the States, we visited California and Hawaii for a month,
and spent one day in N.Y. on the way home.
In Cali we lived with a friend of my dads, and he in turn was friends with Dick LaHaie,
the 1987 NHRA Top Fuel champion.
One night there was a big party at the house, and Dick was there and I got to meet him.
I was only seven at the time (in '90), and maybe I didn't really appreciate the moment as much as I could have, it
wasn't until much later that I learned what he accomplished.
I got his autograph, though.
And I remember his wife kissing me and I got lipstick all over my cheek.
My dad still has friends in the U.S.A. to this day, but it's a long time since we've been there.
In 1997, Wheels Magazine had this big article on the highlights of the last twenty years in Dragracing,
and my dads Top Fuel got a mention by the author.
That's my dad in the cockpit, to the right is his friend Rune and my mother. I'm not sure who the guy on the left is,
but it might be a guy called Kjelle. Seems like everyone wore denim back then!
Later dad used a pitch black helmet with weird airholes in front of his mouth, I always thought it looked like a Darth
Vader helmet.
When dad and mum got their fourth child, my youngest sister, he had to sell it unfortunately.
The engine first and then the chassis. And I know it is a big regret in his life, but what can you do?
My granddad also raced back in the day during the 40s and 50s, in motorcycle endurance events, and apparently won some club championship riding an Ariel.
So I have always enjoyed speed and got a motorcycle license early, and I felt compelled to race something a little bit faster than a go-kart, and last year I tried my hand at a F3 Renault, and it felt like second nature to me. I felt very at home in the cockpit, so it must be in my blood.
I spun once, but I was fastest there that day, had the fastest lap out of 16 drivers
But it's much to late to make a career out of it lol, and I don't have that kind of money anyway. But it was fun, though.
Damn Jocke thats sick! I've driven many types of drag cars, but never a fueler (yet). Maybe one day I'll go to Frank Holley's school. What times did your dad run? Mid-5s?
nome66 wrote:see, here in Maryland, the only local racing around is Oval racing down in VA or drag racing waayyy down in Budds Creek, which i think it was taken of of NHRA's calendar anyways. there is Capitol Dragway in Crofton, but right now it's only teenagers in Hondas.
yes, THAT Capitol Dragway from TopGear. I honestly don't count IndyCar's race in Baltimore local, due to the fact that it's an annual event that fades in and out of boiling circumstances. there are some street racing spots out in the western bits of my county, but again, teenagers in Hondas.
Don't forget Cecil County, one of the premier strips on the East Coast.
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
oh yeah cecil. completely slipped my mind
I believe in German BARawnda-Tyrrell-Simca(and it's working)
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Wallio wrote:Damn Jocke thats sick! I've driven many types of drag cars, but never a fueler (yet). Maybe one day I'll go to Frank Holley's school. What times did your dad run? Mid-5s?
No, never that low. He always struggled for cash and couldn't even afford fresh rubber. He did 7s at best I think.
This was early eighties, I don't know what times the NHRA drivers did at the time?
If he would have been able to achive mid 5s, I think he could have gotten several good sponsors, and then who knows...
-*:-
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Money is always a problem in drag racing (as it is in all motor sport naturally). I swear they burn $100 bills out the headers. My car, running high 9s in a "cheap" class costs me enough thats its parked most weekends anymore. I can't imagine how much a Fueler would cost.
Your questions peaked my curiosity so I looked it up. In 1981 the NHRA National Record was 5.57 seconds and in 1988 Eddie Hill broke into the 4s with his 4.99. I can't believe in nearly 20 years (before they stupidly switched to a 1000ft) they only gained .5 of a second. Well "only" lol
Your questions peaked my curiosity so I looked it up. In 1981 the NHRA National Record was 5.57 seconds and in 1988 Eddie Hill broke into the 4s with his 4.99. I can't believe in nearly 20 years (before they stupidly switched to a 1000ft) they only gained .5 of a second. Well "only" lol
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-rac ... of-thrills
Comp Plus has reposted their awesome article on the history of Pro Mod. Some sick pictures and viseo and some of the scariest cars ever built.
Comp Plus has reposted their awesome article on the history of Pro Mod. Some sick pictures and viseo and some of the scariest cars ever built.
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
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madmark1974
- Posts: 799
- Joined: 23 Aug 2010, 09:09
- Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Wallio wrote:Since its off-season and I'm bored, and since my new Competition License came in last night, I thought I'd start this thread. Any other fans of the 1320 out there? Any other participants (no matter what car/class)?
But most importantly can some of our Euro friends answer me this: Here in America we're told Drag Racing isn't popular in Europe, but is gaining ground with the Aussies. Is this true? And if so why? Just curious, there's of course no right or wrong answer.
Well the 2012 European Drag Racing Season Review has just come out on 3 DVDs :
And the 2013 season is currently showing 6 events, 2 visits each to UK's Santa Pod and Sweden's Tierp Arena, then 1 in Finland and 1 at Hockenheim. The championship comes under the FIA.
5 FIA car classes: Top Fuel Dragster, Top Methanol Dragster, Top Methanol Funny Car, Pro Modified and Pro Stock cars
3 UEM bike classes: Top Fuel bike, Super Twin bike and Pro Stock Bike
The site is here : http://www.speedgroup.eu/
Santa Pod also run the Pro-Mod British Championship, which shares 2 events with the European Championship and has 5 events (all at Santa Pod) in total. I'm lucky enough to be within a couple of hours drive
from Santa Pod and would definitely like to go there sometime, though more likely to see something a bit more family-friendly like the Monster Trucks, which usually have demo runs by a Jet Bike and/or
Jet Car included as well.
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
I'm curious to see how they gloss over the Hockenheim round this year, as Bernie ordered the drag strip "scrubbed" of rubber so it looked better on TV, and the cars were so out of control many drivers boycotted.
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-rac ... ng-germany
Here's another awesome drag racing video, Buddy Ignersoll's twin turbo Buick Pro Stocker. A little background, Buddy's V6 was twin-turbo'd, injected, with "wedge" heads and displaced 268cid (4.4L to you Euros
) and was running against carb'd, naturally aspirated, hemi-headed V8s displacing roughly 720cid at the time (11.8L) despite the massive size disadvantage, Buddy made the finals, and nearly won. However, Rickie Smith, who lost to buddy, cried like a little b***h and got the car banned immediately thereafter. Rumors swirled that Buddy actually lifted in the Finals in order to keep the car leagal, he claims he fried the clutch. You be the judge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuZQEVAkV9U
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-rac ... ng-germany
Here's another awesome drag racing video, Buddy Ignersoll's twin turbo Buick Pro Stocker. A little background, Buddy's V6 was twin-turbo'd, injected, with "wedge" heads and displaced 268cid (4.4L to you Euros
) and was running against carb'd, naturally aspirated, hemi-headed V8s displacing roughly 720cid at the time (11.8L) despite the massive size disadvantage, Buddy made the finals, and nearly won. However, Rickie Smith, who lost to buddy, cried like a little b***h and got the car banned immediately thereafter. Rumors swirled that Buddy actually lifted in the Finals in order to keep the car leagal, he claims he fried the clutch. You be the judge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuZQEVAkV9U
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
I don't know what that was, but it certainly wasn't drag racing......
In real drag racing however, The Winternationals started yesterday, and John Force set a national record of 3.96 seconds. Still at the mamby0pamby 1000ft distance, but still sort of impressive, especially for a 65 year old.
In real drag racing however, The Winternationals started yesterday, and John Force set a national record of 3.96 seconds. Still at the mamby0pamby 1000ft distance, but still sort of impressive, especially for a 65 year old.
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Forgive the double post, but Ron Capps had a hellva boomer yesterday....
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-rac ... omona-ride
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-rac ... omona-ride
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
http://new.livestream.com/MotorManiaTV/lightsout5
If you want to stave off cabin fever, here's the link to the live feed of the "Lights Out V" race this weekend in GA. It small tyres only, 10.5inch wide being the biggest allowed (to put that in perspective, my car, which doesn't have the biggest tyres available, has 18inchers). These cars are ridiculous.
If you want to stave off cabin fever, here's the link to the live feed of the "Lights Out V" race this weekend in GA. It small tyres only, 10.5inch wide being the biggest allowed (to put that in perspective, my car, which doesn't have the biggest tyres available, has 18inchers). These cars are ridiculous.
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
Courtney Force scored the 100th win for females in NHRA competition on Sunday. To put that into perspective, NASCAR, INDYCAR, and F1 have a COMBINED 1 female win. Too bad all the media wanted to cover was Danica's "hardfought and well run" 30-something finish at the 600..... 
Professional Historian/Semi-Retired Drag Racer/Whiskey Enthusiast
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
"When I was still racing, I never once thought 'Oh, I can't damage the car here'." - Jolyn Palmer
Me either Jolyn, maybe that's why we're both out, eh?
Re: The Danny Ongais Drag Racing Thread
because Courtney isn't making the same stupid mistakes(like the godaddy sponsorship) that Danica is making.
and in my honest opinion, Courtney is way better looking
and in my honest opinion, Courtney is way better looking
I believe in German BARawnda-Tyrrell-Simca(and it's working)
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.
the only difference between the roman gladiators and racing drivers is that racing drivers sit inside the lion that is trying to kill them.