Why race your supercar
 

Rob is out of town for a couple of days, following a successful night at the track. He and a friend went to Test and Tune at Memphis last night, only to find the place packed, with both racers and spectators. He was afraid that he might not get to make very many passes, but ended up making a total of eight, all in the 12s. He even set his, and the cars, personal best of 12.799. On top of that, the car was a huge hit. After his first pass, and once the announcer and the crowd realized that there was a "real" Yenko Camaro atttending, Rob was swarmed by fellow racers and fans. He was barely able to tune the car between passes because of the attention the car was getting. Everyone was asking questions, with several taking pictures. He finally took shoe polish and wrote "its real" on the back window.

That is one of the neat things about owning/racing a Yenko, the attention it generates where ever you go. And, it allows the newer generation to see first hand what our cars and out hobby is all about. Believe me, racers of all ages have respect for any car that can run in the 12s in factory stock trim. It is one thing to debate whose/what car is faster on buliten boards, but a whole different game at the track.

In closing, I would encourage any one who owns a supercar to do the same. And, I am sure many of the guys who have raced at a SCR event would tell you the same. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Way to go Rob !!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Anyone with a matching number "Super Car" would be crazy drag racing it! Thats like an unrestored original, "its only original once" You blow part of your drive train, there goes your originality! I'm glad I got drag racing out of my system years ago! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

That's excellent!! The cars are super cool static, but man when they are doing what they were meant to do..."it's something else" (no pun inteaded Mr. Barnhart).

The best part of Reunion 5 for me was the day at the dragstrip. Same for all the sportsman competitors that lined the fences when the SCR cars staged and ran each other. I can't wait for this year!!

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

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Definitely 'Cool', one of these times Rob will look over and see a Gobi Beige Yenko Deuce [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Then why bother paying the big bucks for a big block supercar if not to drive/enjoy? If only to impress the judges at Super Chevy, a low HP car is a lot less expensive. The supercars (as well as all muslcecars) were built to perform, not show. Joel's guarantee was not "if people do not look at your car, I will refund your money, but a 11 second ET or your money back". Fred Gibb, Don Yenko and the others did not set out to create show cars.

The day I stop enjoying the brute force of my Yenkos will be the day I stop breathing (or at least I hope so). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

And by the way, the original engine for our Camaro is being redone and hopefully will be installed in time for SCR6 and the Pure stock Drags.

And, I can not wait to see what it feels like to drop the hammer on our '69 427 Yenko Nova. Hopefully is is not a "lethal weapon" as Don was quoted as saying. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

WHY? You see, in reality, they (the cars) are only bunch of over priced sheetmetal. A blown engine, damaged sheetmetal, minor details. Anything on the cars, and if needed, a whole car, can be replaced. What IS important is enjoying life, including the cars. How many times on this board have we expressed our concerns over the untimely passing of some ones loved one. Now THAT is important. Even though I did not know the young man who lost his young son in a fire (another thread), I guarantee he would trade a whole stable of supercars to have his son back. Who wouldn't?

You see, I have almost been there. When Rob was 17, he flipped/totaled a very rare, numbers matching 1964 Corvette, which he and I had restored. He was ejected, landing in the middle of the road. My wife and I were called to the scene, which I will never forget. Ambulance, firetruck and wrecker lights flashing, people crowded around a back board which Rob was strapped to. Being around the funeral/ambulance buisness all my life had not prepared me for this. They loaded Rob in the ambulance, with my wife going along to the hospital with him. I was left to sort things out at the scene and then drive up. That is when things became real clear. Upside down in the middle of the road, in a million pieces, was what I once thought was everything, my "Vette. Not anymore. My everything was in the ambulance. Fortunantly, the good Lord took care of Rob that night, as after 8 days in the hospital, he left with only minor damage to a disk in his back and a lot of road rash.

So now, hopefully you see why I feel the way I do. I am simply honoring a deal I made that night, standing in the middle of the road, to cherish each and every moment I spend with my family and friends, doing the things we enjoy (including racing our supercars). You see, each second we get to do that is a gift from God, something that no amount of money can buy.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

That was alright years ago before these cars became survivors and a important part of automobile history, I think it much better to try and preserve these cars than beat the snot out of them on a drag strip. My Opinion [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

The only one I haven't whipped the snot out of on the street is the Y Chevelle ! I took a friend outin the Camaro who never heard of a Yenko and beat hell out of it...he was a bit pale after that....and the Camaro is not even that quick...although it will beat Supercars' B/M car.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Well said Tom ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

* Drive it like you stole it ..... *

The reaction that Rob got at the track is worth its' weight in gold as far as I'm concerned. That's what memories are made of ...... Car show trophies are dust bunny magnets ...

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Interesting topic guys,Ö. I used to buy stuff and horde it away and was afraid to use it because it was rare etcÖ, But now at 40 I lean towards the Use it take Darn good car of it, but enjoy it crowd.
My car is a 48K Orig piece with an old repaint that has seen better days, am I going to run her down the strip you bet! But the orig motor will be under the bench when that happens, everything else can be fixed if it gets hurt.
I have seen to many old friends in the trade that never did much because they were saving for the cabin or the motor home etc, then they dropped over one day at work or were diagnosed with Cancer and lost that battle before they reached there retirement and Goals.

Lifeís to short guys, save for retirement but enjoy life and do the things that you enjoy even if it costs a few bucks, we never know when our number is up!

I donít own a Supercar per say, but my take on the whole thing is there enough on display and locked away, there is no reason to not run some of them without fear of them becoming extinct.

Hot rubber at ya, Bud.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I THINK ITS COOL THAT THESE GUYS ARE OUT HAMMERING ON THESE SUPERCARS. AFTER ALL, THAT IS WHAT THEY WERE MADE FOR. I MUST ADMIT I WOULD HAVE A LITTLE CONCERN GOING THRU THE TRAPS AT 7000 RPM KNOWING THE ORIGINAL #'S MATCHING ENGINE IS IN THE CAR AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. DONT WISH BAD ON ANYONE JUST A THOUGHT..... KP

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I don't think there anything wrong with drag racing, I probably did more racing than most people on this site. I just can't see ruining thse valuable cars. If you want to race build yourself a tribute car and race that. Ala 2fast 2furious. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I really don't agree with racing an original car on a regular basis-- but they were meant to nudged now and again [ my excuse , to blow out the carbon ] Originality means some sort of history and you can replace an engine when it launches a piston thru your hood, but you can't replace the hitory.All that said ---nice 1/4 time, but you'll probably get lower than that. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

------I have to tell you that when I was out cutting low 10 second times in "Red Alert" at various different Nostalgia drags,I really felt that I was somehow serving the history of the car.Bob Hamilton,the "man" who made it famous,was so happy I put it back on the strip he was in tears.If any car belongs on a race track,its "Ol Red".The old war-horse is now in a state of retirement,and deserves it,but it could be resurrected!If a car could talk,that old 70 Chevelle would say "lets get it on".
------Reading this back to myself it sounds kind of corny,but Im not changing a word...........Bill S

Re: Why race your supercar
 

We put over 160K miles on our COPO car the first time around and never broke anything. There were a lot of 6K plus shifts in that time. Using heavier valve springs and a rev limiter and you just about can't hurt one of these engines. If you want to show the car, that's fine. If you want to race it, that's fine too. There seem to be a lot more people taking their cars out and enjoying them. It's almost impossible to have a perfect show car and drive it too. Personally my wife and I just like to hop in the car and go for a nice long drive. The most fun we ever had was the drive down to Maple Grove for the Super Chevy show in our L78 car. The run to Woodward Avenue was equally as fun. We video taped a lot of the run to Woodward and the tape entertains us during the winter months. Just make sure that you enjoy these cars, in whatever way you see fit. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

If any car should be a part of automotive track history it should be RED ALERT [ I've always been a big fan -- even have the die-cast model].I was really commenting on numbers matching cars , not celebrity, in the spotlight caliber of car. To me those particular cars were a head above the rest. O.K. I've got the seat belt on my chair buckled --Fire Away [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

You guys racing these cars...... What are ya thinkin?????? It's OK to shift them on the street a 6 grand but not at the track! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Peter

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I've said it before and I will say it again using WWII warbirds as an example. Life will be different the day people quit flying their P51s, Corsairs, P38s, etc. They are just not the same on static display. A good example is one recently discussed here. The P38 Glacier Girl that was pulled out from under the ice in Greenland. A priceless airplane that they wasted no time getting airborne. What a waste it would have been to retore this airplane only to let it sit in some museum somewhere which thankfully they are not doing.

Like anything else, enjoy them but take precautions and care for them. Our younger generation needs to see these cars/planes in action if we can ever hope to keep the hobby alive.
Rick

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Guys, I really have to tell you Tom is 100% right. I did a fanatical no expence spared restoration to my 70 COPO 9697 RS Z/28, won numerous awards with it and have displayed it all over the country. It is now stored in a bubble. What do I miss the most is driving it. Problem is - the car is still competitive as a show car. When I get the show thing out of my system the car will be returned to the street/strip. That is what this hobby is all about. As I look back on my memories I seldom recall the many trips to the stage to get the award. What I do recall is power shifting the car at close to 8000 RPM, and looking in the rear view to see the guy next to (and behind) me fading fast. I am fortunate to have other cars to "beat up" on the street these days- but none have the same feel. That is why the car will return, and again be driven. If the original engine blows... that event will become part of my history with the car. I have owned it for 24 years now. For the non show car guys you need to definately drive them. That is where the fun is. It is too late to have fun with your friends when you are gone, because the cars do not have fun we do- this whole hobby is about friends who come together for a good time. If you are "in to these cars" it has gotta be because you drove one in the past and were impressed with the raw power!

Look at Mark Hassett - and the cars that he has run down the strip. His ZL-1 was at 7400RPM at the end of the track at the 01 SCR. He has no regrets about driving/racing it, or any of his other cars.

Mark's dad has Clark Gable's Indian motorcycle- Mark's Dad was hit head on last year while riding this (one of a kind) bike on the street. His life was nearly ended by a 16 year old. He lived - and has recovered for the most part. The bike is now being rebuilt. Mark's dad will ride it again. The guy that fixed the heavy damage to the frame on the bike - delivered it himself to assure it would arrive in perfect condition -all the way from out west

There is a friend indeed!

I guess the key is to pass through this life with no regrets!

Tom, keep up the good work.

Phil [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I Couldn't agree more.No sense in owning a 3500 pound paperweight.But I do understand what Tom B. and Tom C.are saying.
I enjoy the restoration process more,when I get out and feel the actual car driving down the road,Accelerating and Cornering.
It's like telling somebody they are loving their wife and kids wrong.We all enjoy these cars in our own Way. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

As I have said in the past, if not careful, we are headed down the same road traveled by our "Vette brothers. Their hobby got to the point that cars were being restored/shown without any of the fluids ever being put in the cars. The cars were being pushed where ever they went. Many of the other ones, which did have fluids in them, could barely get out of their own way. And, we are talking about some of the rarest hi-performance cars built. Finally, a couple of the larger shows decided it was time to end all of that, so one of the requirements for the top award was a car must perform at a certain % it was capable of when new. To them, and I agree, a car is not restored correctly if it will not perform anywhere close to the way it was built and thus, should not receive top honors. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

Think how exciting Vettefest (or other large shows) would be if any car wanting to acheive top honors had to perform within a certain % of when new. Then, awards such as the "Top Gun" award would truley go to a car(s) that was befitting the title. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Great post. And, by the way, Mark is one of my heros, as he truley does enjoy his cars. And, rewards do come. When Mark out ran the clone in his ZL-1 at SCR 4, it made the event. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

And Mark, drive the B-M car yourself. I know Rob, and others would love to drive the car, but you deserve, and should be, behind the wheel. It does not matter if you are a "professional" driver or not, go for it. What ever your ET, I can guarantee that there will be one person wating for you in the pits to shake your hand and say "thanks for the memory". Little ole me.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Everyone has there own opinion on this one! If you do a 40K frame off resto you really don't want to take it out where some idiot is going to run into you. I agree these cars should be able to start and run the way they did when they were new. I have been to car shows where they would not start the car. I don't think some of those cars even had pistons in the engine! All your big car shows now will ask you to start your car if there is any question about this. If you like to race em or show em that is your business. I had my day in the sun drag racing so now I just like to sit and relax and listen to the comments people make about these old cars. A couple of years at "Super Chevy" in Joliet I had my Yenko Chevelle displayed, there were people packed around this car for two days, most people have never seen a Yenko Chevelle. One fellow there was with his young son and his comment was " take a good look at this car because you will probably never see another one". 70 COPO, I would be willing to bet you never drive that car [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] Rick, how many times have you taken that red Chevelle down the drag strip? This is one of the best Chevelles I have ever seen! I know you don't drive it on the street much either! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] I won't take my car to the strip because all you drag racers would beat me, I would be afraid to crank it over 3K! but by the same token you racing guys can clean em up and bring them to Vette Fest this fall and I will line up with you in front of a judge. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Have I driven the 70?

Yes. Over 8 miles total - since restored. Some of the worst:

Mid Ohio at the Camaro B-Day Party. 1.5 miles from trailer parking to the show- dirt return road to (dirt/grass field)

Mud at that show also.

Super Chevy at Indy 1997 2.2 miles from the trailer to the grandstand area-much of it stop and go in heavy traffic. 90+ degrees that day - hot and dusty. Yep, I even clipped into 4th gear that day.

PS. I am one of those Chevy-Vettefest Gold Spinner Judges.
Hope to see you at the show.


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

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Whoops! I won't say anything to get you upset! See you at Vette Fest! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

THis is a good post. My comment is this: most of the Supercars were drag raced in the past. So woundn't those make for more valuable cars since they have a history of being raced? Bill S. racing Ole Red Alert, just brings more history to the car.

What was more memorable at the SCR-4 ZL1 beating the Clone or who won the best show car?

My vote would be the ZL1 beating its clone but I wasn't there.

Re: Why race your supercar
 

[ QUOTE ]
What was more memorable at the SCR-4 ZL1 beating the Clone or who won the best show car?



[/ QUOTE ]

There is no "Best Show Car" at any SCR's, Thats why they are so cool! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Guys of course I am with the thought if you can't drive it why own it? Even if I spent 50-60K to restore a car I would still drive it. I know my car is not a supercar but I raced it with the original engine. If you want somthing that is pretty to look at then invest in rare art. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I don't think there is a right or wrong in this topic, it is just an opinion on why you should or should not race a supercar. I was pretty lucky, I guess like a few others were, to have been around when these cars first came out and raced every chance I got, maybe I might just appreciate the cars a little more because of this ,don't know. But since they are kind of special today I kind of wince when I see them raced on a regular basis hard with the original powertrain.
Everyone can either show their cars , nudge them now and again or race them till they can't run anymore that's o.k. because they are your cars , but for us older sentimental guys watch the 6500 rpm power shifts. IMO [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

These cars are "rare art" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

[ QUOTE ]
but by the same token you racing guys can clean em up and bring them to Vette Fest this fall and I will line up with you in front of a judge

[/ QUOTE ]

Even though I gave up chasing trophys years ago, Super Chevy took care of that, I will make you a deal. You make a pass or two at SCR6 and I display a car(s) at Vettefest. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I never had any trouble winning 1st place trophys at "Super Chevy". I also won a lot of 1st place trophys at the drag strip. But as I stated, let the young kids race there new cars now and retire the old ones. My son has a 01 Camaro that is in stock trim that turns 12.2s at 117 mph. He tunes it with a computor! How do you compete with that! I would venture to say he would clean the clocks of most of the old muscle cars. You can still come to Vette Fest, you don't have to compete with any other car, just yourself. Its all in the detail! See if you qualify for a Gold Spinner! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Tom, I did NOT ask for the race BUT the guy was edging me on in front of Phil and Jeff so I had to race. I was Nervous but confident in the car, I knew I couldn't sit there and spin my tires so I took off easy (too easy) as the car bogged, then I punched it and power shifted (no tach and 4:88 gears). When I put it in 4th I looked in my mirror and the clone was so far back that I let up. I guess Life is Too Short so we should Enjoy our cars. I guess I will make a Fool out of myself and race the MOTION at the Reunion. With me doing the driving I Wonder if Joel will buy it back if it doesn't run in the 11's. Drivers Wanted!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] Mark

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Mark

Ok. Count me in as a back-up driver- only if you chicken out! (not)


Phil [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

[ QUOTE ]
never had any trouble winning 1st place trophys at "Super Chevy".

[/ QUOTE ]

Me either, got a jacket to prove it, but got tired of playing the games. And, no offense to VF, but a Gold Spinner does not interest me. Cause now the only detailing I enjoy doing is changing jets, adjusting valves and checking the timing, air pressure, etc. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

As per competing with the young kids, that is the whole point. To show them what these cars were/are all about. I am not afraid, or ashamed to run one of these young guns. Yes, they may out run me, but it is amazing the respect you gain by just showing up and trying. More times then not they come away with a whole new perpective of our cars. I for one am not ready to retire, me or my car(s). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

I never had to play any games? Why don't you bring your car to Indy, you don't have to get judged (no games). You get to see and talk to tons of spectators, get to see all the drag racing you want and you get a 1st place jacket and the best part it is free! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

You've got a win-win situation , if you don't run 11's Joel will buy your car back[ hopefully at ebay prices] and if you do run 11's you get to keep the car.!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Matter of fact R. Gustin has invited me to do just that, more then once. And, he wanted me to bring along some friends (move the SCR). But, for reasons posted elsewhere, I/we choose to pass. Instead, my plans include taking my fuuny car to the Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green in a couple of weeks, a couple of cars to the York and Gibb shows, and of course, 2-3 cars to SCR6. In between I am sure Rob will not let the Camaro set idle. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Why race your supercar
 

Maybe next year. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]

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]