All the previous Grove No Prep event classes were contested at the Ice Breaker No Prep, Big Tire, Small Tire, Stick Shift, Street. These groups were run heads up first to the finish, with an instant green start off the tree. Early morning participation may have kept some racers home, but each class had solid representation. The lightest turnout was Big Tire but local racer Chuck Schultz was the winner with his big-inch powered second-gen Camaro, shod with battle scars and cut of roof. It’s a nasty piece.  Ross Okun rowed the gears to a victory in the Stick Shift class, which is appears to be one of the fasting growing categories at these deals. Long live the hand mixers! 

The Street class was huge and after a mandatory street cruise, and several rounds later Joey Allen and Matthew Manton, Jr. split the purse with the sun dropping almost as fast as the February temperatures. Small Tire is traditionally the largest contingent of racers at the Grove No Preps, and the 2024 Ice Breaker was no different and again, at the end of the day the cash was split between Wesley Skinner and Tommy Kolankiewicz in their Fox Bodies. 

The Ice Breaker race this time had a bracket racing class, called Daily Driver, complete with buybacks! To no one’s surprise, the bracket racers showed up big time, filling four lanes of the Maple Groves ample staging area! With a 15.00 second et cutoff for the 1/8th mile, most competitors left the real race cars at home and jumped in their daily driver or the tow rig. Even with the slower racing, the competition was nonetheless fierce. I saw several .00 lights and tight winning packages from the bracket racers chomping at the bit for a hit of the tree! Two veteran bracket racers waded through the tough field to the final, where Nikki Adams bested Martin Flegal to the win. 

With the regular race season starting in a few weeks, the No Preps are on hold…for now. If you can’t wait for the next one the traveling circus known as No Prep Kings will be kicking off their season at Maple Grove Raceway, hit up the track website for more info and tickets. See you at the Drags!

https://www.maplegroveraceway.com/monthly-race-schedule/

https://www.platinumroofingandrenovations.com/

The post 2024 ICE BREAKER NO PREP PHOTOS: JOE GRIPPO HAS SENT IN ALL KINDS OF ACTION SHOTS AND VIDEO FROM MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY! appeared first on BangShift.com.

In this video from Evan Smith you are going to get to see a great historic ride from the early days of Pro Stock. We’re talking about a bad ass little Maverick that is arguably one of the coolest Fords ever. Check it out.

Video Description:

Up close with the actual “Dyno” Don Nicholson Ford Maverick raced in Pro Stock during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. This car has a Ford “Cammer” 427 engine with so many trick parts. Please be sure to support us by subscribing to the channel.

The post Drag Car Feature: Dyno Don Nicholson 427 “Cammer” 1970 Maverick Pro Stock | Hear this Wild Ford Run! appeared first on BangShift.com.

Here is a new video from our friend Lee Craft, aka Monday Morning Racer, who shot a great feature video from Brainerd that is all about the A/Gas class. These are the heavy hitters and he not only catches the on track action, but also interviews and more. Check it out.

Video Description:

Gassers are back! The Southeast Gassers Association season opener at Brainerd Motorsports Park just north of Ringgold, Georgia, and just south of the Tennessee state line was a massive success. SEGA competition is now at full song with their high revin’ and gear jammin’ action.

This is a full eliminations recap of the A/Gas category. They are 6 pounds per cubic inch period correct racing gassers that are the fastest and quickest in SEGA competition. You’ll see the cars and track and hear from them as Monday Morning Racer host Lee Craft showcases the wheel standing marvels.

The post More Southeast Gassers Action! Lee Craft Shares All The A/Gas Action, Plus Interviews And More From Brainerd! appeared first on BangShift.com.

I was initially hesitant to run this video because I was sure the driver was dead by looking at the car. Reading the description on the video my fears were diminished because the poster made a point to mention that the driver only suffered minor injuries in the disaster. How bad it it? Ahead of the door jamb the thing looks like it was involved in the freaking battle scene of a Transformers movie. The entire engine is sitting by itself, steaming and gurgling on the ground. That’s the lead photo and it was not there because someone removed it, it is there because it ripped itself out during the wreck. The wall looks to have been made of pretty thin concrete panels and they shattered like glass.

We all romanticize old cars and how much “steel” they used whereas today’s machines are made much more of composites and other light alloys but the reality is that this is how the old stuff handles a wreck. There’s no denying that new cars are safer on every level when things go wrong. We don’t know enough about these old Falcons to say that they’d all react like this or perhaps this car had some corrosion or something to compromise the chassis but jeez this is crazy.

Thanks to James Caissie for the tip on this completely mental video!

Press play below to see an Aussie Ford Falcon wreck and essentially vaporize –

The post Incredible Video: Watch This Aussie Falcon Wreck And The Insane Destruction Left Behind – Driver OK, Motor Ripped Out! appeared first on BangShift.com.

The 327 is one of those engines that has built a strong heritage in both the muscle car world and the drag racing world over the years. There are thousands of them competing on strips across America each weekend and the 327 in all of its various forms can be found in NHRA stock and super stock action anywhere there is a race. We actually have a 327 super stock engine being dyno tested below and it is a fun watch along with the other 327 videos we have to share.

Engine codes defined the mill through its life. Of course there was the L-76 that was healthy, the L-79 that was a nasty little piece, and the L-84 that was the king of the small block heap for many years with its crazy 385hp factory racing. Of course the engine was equipped with Rochester mechanical fuel injection for a short time as well. The biggest change for the 327 came in 1968/69 when the main journal size was changed from 2.3 inches to 2.45 inches.

The first year for the 327 was 1962 and it debuted with a 4″ bore and a 3.25″ stroke. The hottest version that year, with its famed “Duntov” solid lifter camshaft and fuel injection made 360hp according to Chevrolet. The version with the cab was rated at 340. That was a BIG number for a little engine back then and frankly, it is impressive still today. While the horsepower numbers are fun, the fact is that the 327ci small block was one of the most reliable and anvil like engines any manufacturer has ever produced. Checker made 327s optional in 1966 and installed them in taxis that went on to rack up incredible mileage in tough city environments.

In modern times the 5.3L LS engine which has become one of the most popular engines for use in hot rodding continues the legacy of 327ci GM small blocks and will for the foreseeable future. They can make incredible power on stock parts and there is as vast and deep an aftermarket for them as there ever was for the traditional small blocks of the 1960s. We respect and enjoy those engines but today we’re honoring the “old man” in the family with the videos below. Little displacement and big revs forever!

Happy 3/27 out there 327 owners. You have a little small block that always made a habit of punching above its weight class!

The post Today Is 3/27 Let’s Celebrate The Little 327 Small Block With Some Dyno Video Action appeared first on BangShift.com.

Video Description:

It’s been several years since the Southeast Gassers Association raced at my home track, Brainerd Motorsports Park, but they returned as the season opening race in 2024. This event was PACKED with people…they were bussing them in from surrounding parking areas and squeezing into the stands to watch heads up, real deal gassers do battle on the historic drag strip. The action was wild with lots of wheels up launches, and crazy runs. As usual, I was splitting my time, shooting photos for a magazine coverage, and taking video when I had the chance.

This video certainly doesn’t cover ALL of the highlights from the Southeast Gassers Association return to Brainerd, so stay tuned as more coverage comes out from PowerTubeTV and the Southeast Gassers Youtube channel. This is 12 minutes of RAW action from the 2024 season opener.

The post WILD Heads Up GASSER Drag Racing Video From The Hot Rod Hoarder – Southeast Gassers Return to Brainerd appeared first on BangShift.com.

Video Description:

We had to come back to the most scenic drag strip in the world , Alaska Raceway Park. With the strip seemingly leading you to the base of Pioneers Peak, this is by far our favorite track to visit. When we first came here a couple years ago we knew it wouldn’t be the last time. The unique stories we hear and people we meet here is just as amazing as the racing. With such a short racing season these drivers come out from all over the state once the snow melts to race and they have tons of cool toys!

Top end no prep video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwvB2…

The post Kyle And Fred And The Boys From 1320 Video Are Back: Returning to the ONLY 1/4 Drag Strip In Alaska! appeared first on BangShift.com.

Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) also qualified No. 1 at the second of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

After a lengthy rain delay, Force put together a run of 3.711-seconds at 335.73 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Mark Christopher Auto Center Chevrolet/Monster Energy dragster. It was the lone qualifying session due to weather and Force claimed her 47th career No. 1 qualifier with the standout run. She’ll open eliminations looking for her first victory since 2022 when she finished the year as world champion.

“That was a good, consistent run and that’s what we’re focused on,” Force said. “We’re in a good place and it’s pretty awesome to have 47 No. 1 qualifiers. That’s (crew chief) David Grubnic and this entire team. But our focus is on raceday and trying to get a win. We’re ready for tomorrow.”

Eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher took second with a 3.735 at 331.85, while Billy Torrence took third with a 3.745 at 330.47. Tony Stewart’s run of 3.737 at 328.30 during the second session was ruled invalid due to a timing system malfunction.

Reigning Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan, who won the Winternationals a year ago, made the most of his run on Saturday, going to No. 1 with a run of 3.893 at 330.15 in his 11,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for Tony Stewart Racing. It gives the four-time world champion 51 career No. 1 qualifiers and plenty of momentum going into raceday, where Hagan looks to pick up his milestone 50th career victory. He’ll open eliminations against Buddy Hull trying to pick up his first win of the season.

“To do a burnout and still have that many fans in the stands after the weather was pretty cool,” Hagan said. “The track was tricky, so we’ll take that run. All in all, I’m pretty happy with that. We’ve had a lot of success here and to make that run makes me feel confident going into tomorrow. We’ve won a lot of races because Dickie (Venables, crew chief) has been good on Sunday. It would be great to get that 50th (win) in Pomona. It’s such a special place and it’s really magical here. There’s so much history and when you show up here, you get chill bumps. It’s just a cool feeling.”

Ron Capps took the second spot with a 3.893 at 326.71 and Bobby Bode took third after going 3.972 at 292.96.

In Pro Stock, defending event winner Dallas Glenn racked up his fifth career No. 1 qualifier, closing out qualifying with a run of 6.536 at 209.75 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. Glenn made a big move to close out the day after the team made wholesale changes leading into the day. They struggled on Friday, but the changes paid off heading into raceday, putting the young standout in a good spot to try and earn his first win of the season. He’ll open eliminations against KB Titan Racing teammate and rookie Sienna Wildgust.

“That was really satisfying,” Glenn said. “We basically rewired my entire car this morning. We changed so much stuff on it. We were not happy with it and it had been doing some crazy stuff. It at least worked for one run and we were pretty happy with it. The run felt amazing and we made a really killer run. Pomona has always been up there as one of my favorite tracks. I’ve always loved coming here and hopefully we have it turned around.”

Defending world champion Erica Enders qualified second with a 6.547 at 210.73 and Camrie Caruso jumped to third thanks with a 6.557 at 208.88.

Only one round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge was completed on Saturday due to weather as well. Shawn Langdon and Steve Torrence both won the opening round in Top Fuel, while J.R. Todd and Austin Prock picked up the Funny Car victories. In Pro Stock, Glenn and Enders raced to Challenge wins.

Eliminations for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals begin at 10 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

***

POMONA, Calif. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 64th annual NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.711 seconds, 335.73 mph vs. Bye; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.735, 331.85 vs. 15. Terry Totten, 6.636, 91.56; 3. Billy Torrence, 3.745, 330.47 vs. 14. Josh Hart, 6.118, 107.81; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.750, 328.30 vs. 13. Tony Stewart, 4.839, 148.95; 5. Justin Ashley, 3.753, 329.18 vs. 12. Shawn Reed, 4.755, 169.40; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.785, 303.30 vs. 11. Jasmine Salinas, 4.033, 287.78; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.788, 318.24 vs. 10. Krista Baldwin, 3.964, 243.94; 8. Antron Brown, 3.807, 322.11 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.902, 296.05.

Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.893, 330.15 vs. 16. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.823, 173.38; 2. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.893, 326.71 vs. 15. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 4.758, 229.31; 3. Bobby Bode, Ford Mustang, 3.972, 292.96 vs. 14. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.502, 205.44; 4. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.982, 309.27 vs. 13. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.207, 223.80; 5. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.992, 321.42 vs. 12. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.201, 247.93; 6. John Force, Camaro, 3.996, 318.99 vs. 11. Jim Campbell, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.162, 275.45; 7. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 3.999, 308.50 vs. 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.110, 302.96; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.014, 314.31 vs. 9. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.050, 306.81.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Alexis DeJoria, 5.477, 185.77; 18. Jason Rupert, 6.283, 106.46; 19. Chris Morel, 6.717, 98.65; 20. Steven Densham, 7.130, 93.50.

Pro Stock — 1. Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.536, 209.75 vs. 16. Sienna Wildgust, Camaro, 6.625, 201.91; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.547, 210.73 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.620, 206.54; 3. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.557, 208.88 vs. 14. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.613, 209.56; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.565, 210.14 vs. 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.607, 209.20; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.568, 210.31 vs. 12. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.603, 208.68; 6. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.570, 209.26 vs. 11. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.595, 210.87; 7. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.575, 209.95 vs. 10. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.583, 208.81; 8. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.581, 209.33 vs. 9. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.583, 209.59.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Joey Grose, 6.648, 208.39; 18. Jerry Tucker, 6.670, 209.01; 19. Cristian Cuadra, 9.401, 99.27; 20. Deric Kramer, 18.780, 79.62.

POMONA, Calif. — Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge round-by-round results from the 64th annual NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the second of 21 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Shawn Langdon, 4.038, 226.85 def. Antron Brown, 5.508, 128.05; Steve Torrence, 4.098, 207.02 def. Billy Torrence, 4.245, 195.42;

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 4.207, 223.80 def. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 6.366, 104.40; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 5.466, 182.97 def. Chad Green, Mustang, 6.565, 97.79;

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.536, 209.75 def. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, Broke; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.547, 210.73 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.570, 209.26;

Brittany Force  

Top Fuel No. 1 Qualifier

Mark Christopher Auto Center Chevrolet/Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster

3.711 seconds, 335.73 mph

NOTE: Brittany Force took over the Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier position at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals when she clocked a 3.711-second pass at 335.73 mph on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. 

Matt Hagan  

Funny Car No. 1 Qualifier

Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car

3.893 seconds, 330.15 mph

NOTE: Reigning Funny Car champion Matt Hagan picked up the No. 1 qualifier position at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Saturday thanks to his 3.893-second pass at 330.15 to wrap up qualifiying at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals.

Dallas Glenn

Pro Stock No. 1 Qualifier

RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro

6.536 seconds, 209.75 mph

NOTE: Pro Stock’s Dallas Glenn will start race day of the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals from the No. 1 spot thanks to his 6.536-second pass at 209.75 mph. He is the reigning Winternationals winner and will look to repeat at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Sunday.

The post B. FORCE, HAGAN AND GLENN TAKE TOP SPOTS AT LUCAS OIL NHRA WINTERNATIONALS appeared first on BangShift.com.

Watch, laugh, and be amazed as always.

Video Description:

This 1967 Ford Fairlane was bought sight unseen after sitting for 40 years. This is a legendary street/strip car from Pottstown PA. We stuffed a small block ford and 5 speed manual in it. A guys going to take a few laps at the local drag strip, then attempt to drive it 900 miles home back to Tennessee.

The post Will It RUN AND DRIVE 900 Miles Home? LEGENDARY 70’s Built Ford Drag Car – Vice Grip Garage With Tony Angelo! appeared first on BangShift.com.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: NHRA Division 2 Divisional Lucas Oil Sportsman Drag Racing At South Georgia Motorsports Park – Sunday appeared first on BangShift.com.