Re: Why race your supercar
 

Out of curiosity, how many people actually drag race their car at the reunion? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

One other item crossed my mind last night while thinking about this thread. If not for me going to the drags in the 70's and 80's and seeing these cars running, I would not be in the same place I am today and likely would never have gained the interest that I have today. My daughter sees these cars in my shop all the time and when her friends comment on "just a green car with stripes", she informs them exactly what these cars are. She is only 14 and a girl but knows the difference! If we don't let our youth experience these cars, they will never gain the interest and appreciate them. The reason rice burners are sought after ny our youth is because they are everywhere. On the streets, at the shows, at the drags and in the movies.
Rick

Re: Why race your supercar
 

You are right about that! My son grew up on muscle car stories about my experiences from the sixties, I guess that is why he is a gear head today! He likes to do his thing with his 01 Camaro, he told me he would never want to take the Yenko Camaro down the strip though. "to unsafe" He never really experienced going through the traps at 120mph with slicks that had only 6lbs of air in them! What a ride! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Hey, still waiting to hear how many of you "Super Car" guys drag race them?

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Tom, I raced my 427 nova for 10 years. I also went to Indy Super chevy and raced there. Mick Price, Ray Morrison and Gary Dyer showed cars that year also and NOTHING was announced about any of them. What a disapointment NEVER been back. My 70 ZL-1 will also be raced. I have the best of both worlds, I can go out and race and also show the car. Kim Howie

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Without going back and looking it up, I'd say we probably average 12 Supercars at the drag strip each year. The cruise drew about double that last year.

It's interesting to see the reactions of different Supercar/Musclecar owners over the years when we bring up drag racing at the track. About 90% of the time you get the "are you crazy!" response...they usually follow this up with how unsafe it is at the track, and how they don't want to tear up their car.

But, let's stop and think about this for a second. How many of the Supercar/Musclecar owners have taken their cars out on the street and ran their cars up to their redlines before shifting, whether it be giving a neighbor kid a ride or just a short jaunt on a lazy Sunday afternoon? I'd say the vast majority. Also, I hear stories (and see pictures on this site!) of owners doing burnouts in the street, parking lot of a show, etc. How is this any different from racing? Answer: it's not. I'd rather do my thing in a controlled environment (ie. drag strip), where you have a miniumum of 30ft. in EACH lane, you don't have to worry about someone pulling out in front of you, you don't have to worry about anything (rocks, liquids, holes, etc.) being in the track, and if worse comes to worse, their is ALWAYS immediate medical personel watching each and every run.

Just curious, Tom: why does your son feel your Camaro is "too unsafe"? Have you scared the bejeezits out of him with a couple of short blasts?! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

No, but he scared the hell out me in his car! He doesn't like the steering and the brakes., also he says the steering wheel is to big! Hell, these brakes are great compared to the brake drum GTOs. He went and seen 2F 2F last night. He said they ran the wheels off the Yenko in the movie. There was an article about this car in Motor Trend Magazine: it ran 13.4 at 110mph. Not bad for something they just put together for a movie. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

[ QUOTE ]



I'd rather do my thing in a controlled environment (ie. drag strip), where you have a miniumum of 30ft. in EACH lane, you don't have to worry about someone pulling out in front of you, you don't have to worry about anything (rocks, liquids, holes, etc.) being in the track, and if worse comes to worse, their is ALWAYS immediate medical personel watching each and every run.
-------- On this I agee with you 110%---- I wish we had more adult guidance when I was street racing , some of my good friends would still be with us. ------ [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I would spend 2-3 days a week at the strip and still be down on the Aliquippa Boulevard all night racing! I remember lining up on the toll bridge on the far end and race down thru the toll booth entrance! That poor guy in the booth would almost have a heart attack when he seen us coming at him at 100mph. When your going that fast those entrances seem really small. We would do this just about every Friday nite, I can't believe they did'nt have the cops waiting for us. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Pretty exiting, but reckless times,--- I was a little younger and full of vinigar.Did some of my street racing on the waterfront-Marginal ST / 1st AVE. B'klyn. --Sometimes 1000 + spectators.GREAT 1/4 mi. stretch, you had to remember where you were and not take the race pass the 1/4 mi. line [ especially if it was close]. You see down at the end of this strip of waterfront were R/R tracks with box cars on them. If you got carried away and stood on the gas too far past the 1/4 line you can bet they would carry what was left away.Unfortunately a few got carried away and the police and fire dept closed the area down. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I have no problem with driving a high dollar, rare performance car, but drag racing it at the dragstrip is for the rich and famous. It's easy to say that anything can be fixed or repaired, but no insurance company is going to cover your car that gets damaged going down the strip. Since I'm not one of the rich and famous, you'll never see me running my JL8 down the dragstrip or on a road race course if I have no insurance coverage. I'll drive it on the street where it's covered. I've spent the last 5 years of my life saving money for this car and its restoration. I can see if you are the original owner of a supercar and paid 1969 prices for it and still race it today. That's different if you never plan on selling the car. I'd love to see someone running their original supercar down the track, but it won't be me. This is just my opinion and point of view.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Amen [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Well there's the other side of the coin!! Who wants to recieve first? If debates were that simple. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have no problem with driving a high dollar, rare performance car, but drag racing it at the dragstrip is for the rich and famous. It's easy to say that anything can be fixed or repaired, but no insurance company is going to cover your car that gets damaged going down the strip.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, tell me: what is the difference between doing a burnout or running it through the gears on the street, and doing the same on a drag strip? Dropping a valve, spinning a bearing, slinging a rod, etc., is the same on the street as it is on the strip...you break it, you buy it!

I'm also curious where everyone gets the idea that drag strips are so dangerous? I've raced on the street and strip since I was 16 (I'm 27 now) and I've YET to see an incident at the dragstrip...I wish I could say the same for the street!

At the Supercar Reunion, we worry 100 times more about the cruise than we do about the racing...

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Rob,
There isn't any diference between street racing and racing on a sanctioned strip, except safety[ good diference].Why should you race a supercar?-The topic covers a large area.-IMO--YES-because it is the most fun way to get from point A to point B.
I know I'm gonna regret this but , Should you race a numbers matching supercar? If you can afford the cost to repair any part of the HISTORY of the car[ NOW WAIT-by history of the car I mean the original parts the car came with when built [ not to do with notoriety from accomplishments ]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

HIT THE WRONG BUTTON ON THE MOUSE!!!-----CON'T.-Investment, sport , hobby, whatever I think what we all have in common is the love of cars?--- Like I said broad topic.
JoeG

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Just race 'em at the track instead of the street! Compared to the track, I have broken 10x more stuff and had more fender benders, just driving regular on the street! If it breaks - fix it, if it gets bent - straighten it, they are only cars and can be repaired forever.

It took me one show to get that debacle out of my system - what a farce. The plastic brass trophies, gold spinners, jackets etc... for what? Mark, take that 70Z28 out and drive it. JeffH, when you're car is finished you will wonder what to do next - drive it and race it!

I'm too young to retire the car and babysit it at car shows. I go to shows to see friends and their cars, I own the car so I can drive it and race it, that's the enjoyment for me. Hopefully, in a few years, it will be X2 once the '69 SS gets finished.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I'll drive it on the street, but not at the track if it's not covered by insurance. If you're going down the quarter mile and an axlse snaps, a tie rod breaks, you're gonna be kissing the wall and in for a complete restoration all over again. I've seen it happen and I'm not in a financial situation to do that. Just look a the Hurst Olds Kevin was going to buy. Sh!t happens, but if it happens at the track and your insurance company just laughs at you, then you sure put yourself in a bad situation.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Ok, I can *somewhat* see your point on the insurance thing, except if you snap an axle on the track you "kiss the wall" and walk away, but on the street you hit a telephone pole, the ditch, oncomming traffic, or...? And if you sling a rod or drop a valve on the street it's still coming out of YOUR pocket, not the insurance company's. I see people show out on the street all the time, but mention the track and they "I don't want to tear up my car"! Huh?! Shifting at 6,500 is the same on the street as it is on a track.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I think some people see a difference between hard street driving and all out drag racing. As one of the guys in our club said when he's shifting his 99 Camaro SS, "shift it like you're trying to break it". Most people don't take that approach on the street. I personally don't race anywhere, but some people do still race on the street and I wouldn't condone it. I watched a guy spin his car into the wall at Englishtown when his brake caliper locked up. Like I said, sh!t happens and that had nothing to do with racing, but his car won't be covered because it happened at the track.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Good Morning Gentlemen,
My name is Lynn Guini, I am JoeG's attorney and will be answering any future questions on this topic. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Jeff, As per insurance coverage at the track, I have had more then one owner check on this very thing. Here is what they found out. Most insurance companies state in their policies that they will not cover a car "competing", whether drag racing, road course, etc. But, most policies do not make exclusions where one can and cannot drive their car. Thus, even though a car may be at a track, it is covered, as long as it is not competing. No different then taking your car to a Super Chevy, Car Craft, or any other show held at a race track. Making a single pass down the track, with no tree, is no different then drving down the street in front of your house. Well, a little different, it is safer at the track. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Tom
Holy Cow. Your definition of "is" is makes Bill Clinton look like the Pope. I think you are wrong on this. You are splitting hairs on technicalities with your insurance policy and I would not trust yours or anyone elses reasoning to this "loophole" of yours. So you are telling us that if you are racing someone you are not covered but you are covered for a bye run when running only by yourself??? Racing is racing whether you have a christmas tree or not. Having your car at a Super Chevy show as a car show participant is a hell of a different matter than racing your car down the strip at the same event whether you are racing somone or not, Christmas tree or no christmas tree.
Hope this loophole is not being used by you or someone to make them feel better when racing their car down the strip.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

As explained to us (I believe) by the owners/operators of Music City Raceway at SCR1, if the clocks/scoreboard were turned off then it was considered like a "parade lap"...some parades just move faster than others! Some of the cars chose to simply make a parade lap, while others made a full pass. After the "parade lap", we were all given the option to run again, this time with the full tree/timers, with the understanding we would be uninsured. Some ran again, some didn't.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Did some checking. During four SCRs, we have had over 35 different, documented supercars compete. This figure would have been higher, except for the fact that SCR2 was rained out. That year we had over 20 cars signed up to race, including ZL-1 #1 (which is coming back this year). I realize that 35 may not sign like a lot, but remember this is 35+ different cars. And, several of them are the rarest of the rare, such as Ray Morrison's one owner, all original '68 Gibb/Harrell Nova, a '67 Yenko, several ZL-1s, etc. Think about it, when was the last time you saw a real supercar make a pass? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]

And, add to this list the number of cars that make a pass or two in the parking lot before/after the show, and/or during the cruise, and I would say that 3/4s of the cars participate in showing off the performance of their cars. Just watching the cars in the lot before and after the event is a sight to behold. Charley's ZL-1 #3 in the rain, Dennis Hartweg's early Saturday morning warming up his ZL-1, Joe kicking in the 2-4s in the rarest of rare, ultra low mileage Harrell Chevelles, Tony filling the night air with tire smoke in his ZL-1, the list goes on and on. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Now, I do realize that this is not for everyone. Some of the cars that attend the SCR are for show purposes only. No problem, that is why I spend several $1000s to have the show portion of the event indoors, in one of the nicest indoor facilities in the US, to allow the cars to be showcased in the best venue possible. But, I will admit, I do my best to get all owners to show the performance side of the cars (at least a little). If I had to guess, I would have to say that the cruise is the most popular event at SCR, because most owners do enjoy driving their cars, regardless of the risk. Well, except for watching 40+ supercars exit the building into a nice, big parking lot. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Last year the cruise took over 30 minutes, at times through heavy traffic. WOW what a sight, with the majority of the cars attending the event participating. But, as Rob mentioned earlier, even though the cruise is the most poplular event, it worries me the most. No one, and I mean no one, would hate for something to happen to one of these rare cars any more then me. So, that is why I doubled the budget for SCR6, to allow for a safe venue to show case the performance side of the cars. That venue is Gateway Int. Raceway, a state of the art racing facility, which we have rented for the day. That way, any owner who would like to "show off" a little, can do it in the safest of enviroments. It does not have to be in a side by side, 'balls out" drag race. Any owner who would like to simply chrip the tires and then cruise down the track is more then welcome. As I have said a 1000 times, the ET does not matter, just as long as the car is there. To me, that is history, in the making. Before we leave the track, I hope to get every musclecar there to cruise (do a parade lap) down the track. Talk about a Kodak moment. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Being in the auto body end of things I would have to say that your ins company would tell you that you are on your own with that.I had a customer a couple of years back had a mishap with a nother car on the street. Got a ticket for drag racing and they did not cover a thing! They told him go ahead and sue them but he just paid it himself. Any my point is that was not competing just going fast. If you are at Road America and you go on there pace lap or parade lap and you crash your ins comp dosen't give a cr*p all they will say is that your where at a race track and you are not covered. OK I could be wrong [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Sorry, but I think I am right on this one, as this was not me who was given this information by their insurer, but a well known collector, who not only helped host SCR1, but had 3 Yenko Camaros participating at the track. Between us, I do not think he got where he did by miss judging loop holes. And, by the way, as I visited with a couple of the well known classic car insurers (about event insurance), we discussed this very issue. You might want to do the same with the insurer of your supercar. The key word is "competition". [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

That's what I figured could happen if you're out street racing as well as racing at the track, your insurance company could drop you and not cover the damage. That is too big of a risk for me to take.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Getting a ticket, especially for drag racing, would shed a whole 'nother light on things. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I guess I will keep mine a trailer "Queen"! I just don't want the hassel of trying to straighten that original metal. As far as safety goes, the track is deffinately better, although I have seen some pretty bad accidents on the track also. Seen a fellow break an axle and go end over end. Did'nt kill him but put him in the hospital, seen two people get their feet cut off with a blown clutchs and a young lady lose control at the end of the track and run into a bull dozer. (6 months in a body cast) As far as insurance coverage goes, I would lie and tell them I was not at a race track if you had an accident there, because they WILL NOT pay! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Friendly question---Is this unofficial car insurance being offered by a company/group at special events only,to help promote the HOBBY? It would good P/R in an unofficial way. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I can think of more trailering accidents then race accidents, including ZL-1 #1, which was consumed by fire while being trailered to a show, I believe a Super Chevy event. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

I guess the best bet would be to store these cars in a climate/moisture controlled, fire/storm/water/ safe building and never remove them. Kind of gets down to this "do we own our car(s) or do they own us?" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

QUOTE:
"do we own our car(s) or do they own us?" :

[/ QUOTE ]--- Unfortunately the bank still owns mine. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

------Toms right about the trailer accidents as the only scratches I ever put in Red Alert happened in the trailer.
------My wife and I were at the Ferrari national meet a long time ago in Palm Beach,and they had a driving event at Moroso.Some guy in a brand new Testarossa(sp)was out there doing hot laps and lost it.Did a horrendous amount of damage,and we heard that he had it hauled to a public road,found a bridge,unloaded the car,and tried to stage an accident.Most of the attendees got a heck of a charge out of this,and to top things off he got busted by the police for giving false info,as well as some other stuff.Insurance not only disallowed his claim,but charged him with attempted fraud.The following year,although he didnt show,we heard the whole fiasco cost him around 300 large and more than one night in the Graybar Hotel.Ya wanna play,be prepared to pay!........Bill S

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Boy, JoeG, I can relate to that bank thing!

I think it should be required of EVERYONE even slightly interested in the older cars to attend the Pure Stock Drags in Michigan at least once. It sure opened my eyes! It's like a big car show (120+ cars) except it's at a drag strip and all the cars make passes! And if you think the cars their aren't show cars, you are SADLY mistaken. I've seen some of the best restorations I've ever seen in person at these events, and watched these same show winners drive from the pits to the burnout box and then make a pass. Yeah, not all of them set the world on fire, and for some that's not the goal. But I can guaran-darn-tee you that EVERYONE who has ever attended one has had a GREAT time and would consider it a do-again. Each year, the list of people who mark it on their calendar each year as a "must do" continues to grow. And, I'm proud to say I'm on that list!

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I would never say to store these cars away in a safe place where nobody could ever enjoy them. I'm just saying that I personally can't afford an accident with no insurance to help offset the accident. We all know what happened to ZL1 #1 and I'm sure it was covered by insurance so it means you can restore it again. If I wreck my JL8 doing laps on a road course, it's not gonna be covered and I'm out more than $75K which took me at least 10 years to save up for. If you bought a Yenko or COPO back in 69 or the 70's when they weren't very expensive and you have no plans on selling it ever, then there really isn't much of a risk to continue racing it. Now if there is an insurance company that covers vehicles being raced, that can change everything.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Rob, do you have the schedule and location for upcoming pure stock drag events? After seeing the roster of cars from the last get-together, I think I agree with you that this is a must-see thing.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I went to a few pure stock drags back in the late 80s at Quaker City, Salem, Ohio. I remember a real neat 66 four door red Impala, 4-speed, 427-425 with all the paper work, matching number car. First run he ran in the 12s, second run he blew a clutch, later he blew the rear end. Sounds like a lot of fun to me!!!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

As far as racing a rare classic car I agree with T Billigen 100 % Lord knows
My vette had its war stories raced it hard for 30 plus years and kept going but after 50.000 to restore it I WILL NOT RACE HER ANYMORE I do not feel the need to push her anymore she disserves to be pamper Ten years ago I might have felt different Now I know its my age but my drag racing days are long gone and I do not need to prove what she can do Been there done that and I can not afford to keep fixing it if I break it and it takes all the fun out of it There are other things in life that are more important like my family and to keep blowing money every time I break it is a waste of money. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Family needs are more important

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Thats the way Reynolds! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

RACE- [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
DON'T RACE- [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

No losers in this one--------IMO [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]