The next drag racer gears up!
 

My daughter Amanda turns 8 in early July so we've been on the hunt for a car for her. We pulled the chute on one this weekend, and just came back from Richmond, VA last night. It's an '02 Halfscale, turn key operation from a very nice family who's daughter only put 8 passes on the car over the last 5 years. She is aging out, and so now it's Amanda's turn.

Nothing better than the big smile! Like the other post author stated - "this is why we do this". I'll be spending many nights getting this car ready, but wouldn't have it any other way.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps163e250a.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps0be7b636.jpg

Handing the baton to the next driver:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc75969d9.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc54e1ad7.jpg

I really don't like pulling when it's snowing, snowed almost all they way down, and most of the way back,

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps52f7c19e.jpg

Gave a mean look to the left going through DC, wondering why more of my $ is going to taxes instead of racing....

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps0ec4d942.jpg

When we got home, big brother Benjamin gave the thumbs up to little sis' new car!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps512c0c21.jpg

She loves her shiney wheels - especially the 'Flower' versions on the front - and the Shark Nose!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps9baeca95.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps1544a0d1.jpg

The first late night of many to come, all tucked away in the garage awaiting the reconfiguration of the side-pull to a center-pull and the install of the HP Pea Shooter engine. Then the graphics etc.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps9565b087.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pse6578445.jpg

We are offering to run a friend's son in the car using the gray body until Amanda ages in, hopefully they will get hooked like the rest of us!

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

It seems to be the perfect car for us, needs some updating - but we have plenty of time to get it done. Car came with a bucket of spare parts, new racing suit / shoes / arm restraints & neck collar, weight tanks, new tow dolley, new starter (which was great, ours is falling apart!), offset spindles, fuel jug, 6 quarts of Royal Purple racing oil, even a spare body!! I couldn't pass it up, well worth the drive since it was our first 'road trip' together. We really had a fun weekend.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps8250d7da.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pse571d8ac.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

That sooooo rocks Marlin. We will need REGULAR updates [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]


Congrats!!!

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Fantastic,

(Family) What it's all about.

Ryan

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryan1969Chevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fantastic,

(Family) What it's all about.

Ryan </div></div>

X2, Thanks for sharing [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Ha! They were already bickering about who's car is newer, (they are both '02 models!), nicer, faster, etc..... Racers! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Congrats to the new racer! The pics tell the whole story.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Spent Saturday removing the vinyl graphics to make a clean slate for Amanda's 'GIRL POWER' theme, which she is still designing - no idea how much that is going to cost me [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps2a317886.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

A family that races together, stays together. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] Very cool

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

We installed the primary race engine this weekend, a Huddleston Performance 'Pea Shooter' that is designed and built specifically for 12.90 racers. It is essentially a debored 8.90 engine and carb, expecting good things from this setup this year. Next is a chassis upgrade to add the helmet bars, and then the body graphics. Still reconfiguring the race trailer to haul all this stuff, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Should be ready to hit the TnT in April.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa959cdc3.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psb8f7bec1.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Still reconfiguring the race trailer to haul all this stuff, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

</div></div>

Mini-Stacker!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

You are not too far off - I will be using the 'dead air space' by hanging the nose of Amanda's Jr from the ceiling with her back wheels on a work bench that I built that connects to a 52&quot; Tool Cabinet. Need the floor space to get the golf cart over the trailer axles, and this configuration will accommodate the 3rd Jr when Danny starts! I'll take a pic tonight....

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Can't forget the Golf Cart.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Absolutely! The golf cart was definitely one of our best purchases - and now that it is all spiffed up with the paint, wheels, lights &amp; stereo system we can cruise in style when we aren't pulling Jr Dragsters around!

This is still a work in progress DC, but you get the idea - I built an 8' ramp to get Amanda's rear wheels up on the bench. Then I'll have a rail mounted to the ceiling from which I can hang the front suspension. We'll brace the outside of the roof to make sure it stays put! Plan to paint the work bench to match the trailer interior, and the little fuel &amp; oil compartment door on the right to match the tool cabinet. The tasks never end! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pscbb2eb9a.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa8af3659.jpg

Not pretty, but functional!!

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Never once doubted you'd do it RIGHT! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Every time I check in here and see what you're doing it brings a big smile. Special times M.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Made significant progress this weekend! Picked up the car from the chassis shop with it's new helmet bars, and also picked up the body after the graphics were done.

Amanda's first word when she saw the body work was 'AWESOME'! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] We surprised her with the extra artwork on the car, and the super sparkle silver.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps125edb78.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa548b7c4.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc3148d0c.jpg

Put the HP engine back on, just need a few odd's n end's then it's ready for July!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psf4227fbc.jpg

All Girl! Hard to believe she's 7.5 already [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa57adb1b.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psf5cdcf9a.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa57adb1b.jpg

Helmet or &quot;revision&quot; ???


I give the entire package [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] !!

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

That's on the body of the car, we 'revised' it by using the fancy cursive letters and the 'jewelry' decals! If she could figure out how to put a tiara on top of the roll cage.....

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

That's way cool!

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If she could figure out how to put a tiara on top of the roll cage.....

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] </div></div>

C'mon Dad; use the jewels to create one on her helmet! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Ha! Let's just get it running again first! I've decided to go with a sleeved 33mm carb this time instead of the typical 28mm, a bit more $$ but reportedly a lot easier to tune &amp; more consistent.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps8f1970d5.jpg

Note the much larger carb for a relatively small intake, a 28mm sleeve is fitted inside the 33mm body to reduce the ID and maintain intake charge velocity.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Gotta give the graphics guy credit for doing such a nice job, he likes to do race cars that have a name or theme as opposed to the full body wraps. He likes his guitars and Schwinn bikes too!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps8405da15.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Marlin, might as well take the plunge, as like us, you know you will get there sooner or later.

Toter, 450 HP with auto trans, room to haul 8+ people, trailer room for two doorcars and 2 JRs (or another car) plus room for golf cart, tool boxes, lots of cabinet space, etc.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

I see nothing.......



I see nothing.......


[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Slick rig Tom! Congrats!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Same trailer; new toter?

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Slick rig Tom! Congrats!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Same trailer; new toter? </div></div>

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img] DUH! Nevermind. I see now. Different stacker too.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Nice set up! Can I borrow it next week? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Wow, that's quite an outfit.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

You'll miss the kids being right behind you in the truck bickering about Taylor Swift! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You'll miss the kids being right behind you in the truck bickering about Taylor Swift! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] </div></div>

Yep..you got it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Hi Marlin. My little guy (11years old)was looking over my shoulder while reading this thread and he would love to see those things run. Have'nt been able to get to the track as much the past few years and would love to see those things go myself. Where's a good place to catch these races. I live on long Island. Thanks. Mark. Good luck to your kids .

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Hi Mark,

The closest place for you to go would probably be Lebanon Valley, NY - but the best place for you to see these go would be Englishtown, NJ! If you go to Englishtown, make sure you check their online schedule because the Jr's only run at their 1/8 mile track which has its own schedule. There is a much larger bunch of Jr's at Englishtown vs LV, and you get to see them run almost continuously as opposed to only being 1 lane amongst the big cars like most tracks.

Make sure you talk to folks, ask questions, sit in a car or two - if possible, strap him in and have the owner start it up, that will give you a indication of whether your son is going to really like this or not.

Finally, if you'd like to try it - don't be afraid to ask folks at the track if anyone has an unused car at home. You would be surprised at how many families have 1 or more Jr's sitting at home that they either haven't been able to sell, have not tried to sell, or are unsure if their kid(s) will have time to actually participate.

We bought Amanda's car from a family who only ran it 8 times in 5 years, and finally decided that this was not going to work within their sports schedule. So, now we are having a neighborhood kid run our second car till Amanda ages in.

Fun times, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Thanks Marlin. I appreciate all the info. He too has a busy sports schedule, already shot down by wife for the founders classic in May. He has a soccer tournament in Hershey Park. Yeah I know soccer. Just glad I didn't tell him about it. I think the hardest part is going to be just getting there. Well thanks again for the info. . Mark

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

I wouldn't discount racing a Jr due to other sports, it is doable but it simply becomes a lesser priority. That is the way it is for us. Benjamin plays basketball till early spring, then baseball clinics, then baseball till early June, right into swim team - all the while playing 3 instruments (lessons!) and he's on an Odyssey of the Mind Team till around now. So, we won't ever hit all of the points events at our track, but with 5 NHRA tracks within a 2 hour pull - we can pretty much race somewhere on any given weekend. Amanda's schedule will be just as packed with her Girl Scouts, gymnastics, dance, softball..... Danny too! Now that I type this, what was I thinking!?!?!?!? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

Anyway, it's worth venturing into, most of the activities that we put our kids into will taper off after high school - but cars &amp; racing will endure their lifetime!

We put this body on for our neighbor Braelyn, not very fancy - but at least it doesn't say Girl Power! If your son wants to give this thing a try, all you have to do is get him his license and we can meet you at Englishtown. It will only be running 12.90's at ~50mph, but that is the best way to try it out. Englishtown's policy is that if that day is their first day ever - they don't race, they only do single runs for that day. We'll put the gray body on for him too! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psd0faae8a.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Marlin
If I was 16 years old I would say OMG. That's very nice of you to offer. Your kids schedules sounds very much like my kids, it never stops.

Would the license be the same as a participants card? If so, I'll get working on it. Thanks again. Mark

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

The license is very different than the participants card for Jr's, it is a bit more involved - but well worth it! Most of the extra steps are because stupid parents have forged documents to get their kids into a different class [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] Send me PM with your email address, and I'll send you the forms in PDF that the NHRA sent to me - just make sure you print them out on a color printer (if you don't have access to one, just let me know and I'll mail you 2 sets).

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

</div></div>

Amen! Although we never had the opportunitiy to own/run a Jr., my son was with me many times when we were at the tracks. He grew up with the smell of hi octane and burnt rubber. I wish we could have done a father/son race package, but we spent plenty of time together with Scouting, sports and other interests.

Still, there must have been something that stuck in (or affected) his mind. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Here he is at the NHRR in Bowling Green last June.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...2/P6153490.jpg

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

</div></div>

Amen! Although we never had the opportunitiy to own/run a Jr., my son was with me many times when we were at the tracks. He grew up with the smell of hi octane and burnt rubber. I wish we could have done a father/son race package, but we spent plenty of time together with Scouting, sports and other interests.

Still, there must have been something that stuck in (or affected) his mind. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Here he is at the NHRR in Bowling Green last June.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...2/P6153490.jpg </div></div>



[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

Awesome... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]

Re: The next drag racer gears up!
 

We are getting closer, have the trailer pretty well set up to haul everything in a neat and orderly fashion. Hung Amanda's car as planned, not much room between the top of the roll cage and the trailer ceiling! Ben liked being on the roof of the trailer bolting down that rail! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps77ac1d0e.jpg

I made a nice ramp to get the car up there, but imagine the car will be twice as heavy at the end of a raceday! We will run a tie down strap through a hole we cut in the top of the workbench, and onto a D-ring on the floor.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps6ea6d348.jpg

Need to load everything, and then see if the golf cart fits where I want it to. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

We are planning to test both cars this Saturday, provided the UPS deliveries arrive in time this week.

It never ends! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]