Hot Rod Drag Week 2021 kicks off today

[thatdarncat]

It was just before 9am and Joel had already made a pass and was loading up. I believe Jeff told me he ran a 10.88. Correct me if I'm wrong.

10.88, yes. Thanks for the pictures and the at the track report.

[cjshaker]

Joel does NOT mess around! He almost always runs really early. I passed him leaving as I was showing up at Norwalk. I think he has one of the coolest vintage cars there, with a real vintage hemi, and the 8 carb intake. He isn't afraid to thrash on that thing either.

So it appears that Scott is running the only FE at Drag Week this year. Kind of a bummer seeing as altogether they have 6 class wins.

[turbohunter]

So it appears that Scott is running the only FE at Drag Week this year. Kind of a bummer seeing as altogether they have 6 class wins.

Guess we like dinosaurs 
Gotta hand it to Joel doing the week in that rig. Well done.
The cougar is cool.

[JERICOGTX]

Joel, and I were NOT messing around this Drag Week. We arrived early every day, and could turn the car over from Street to race in about 20 minutes. Hit the lanes, make one pass, and then turn the car over in 21-25 minutes. While at Norwalk, we left the gate at 8:48am. While we could have messed around, and tried to get faster, it didn't make any sense. Mark Fisher who was in first place, had us covered by a full second, and the guy in 3rd place, was behind us by 1.5 seconds. Knowing your spot is secure, it's best to hit the road early, and make the drive ahead of the heat, traffic, and IF any problems arise, you have time to fix them. Yes we worked our butts off, but personally I had one of the best Drag Weeks I've ever been to. Had some issues Monday, and Tuesday, but was pretty much clear sailing from that point on, as far as finishing the event. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

[turbohunter]

Great job.
I should have said a well done for BOTH of you guys. Apologies.
Caught a couple runs here and there.

[cjshaker]

It's no small feat to get in early and run early. The lanes fill up QUICK. I was hoping to get to say Hi to Jeff and Joel, but they were playing it smart. Congrats to you guys for another successful DW. It can't be an easy feat traveling over a thousand miles in that cramped coupe.

It was a bummer to see Goldstone crash on the final day. That Javelin has become a real staple at DW. Just glad he was okay, as things could have gone much worse for him.

A few of you guys will understand and appreciate this 

[Royce]

Congrats to Joel and Jeff for completing the week and making the podium...  Must be an extra second in that old Coupe for next year.. Joel  time to plan for Bonneville.. (I hear Jeff snickering in the background)  lol

[JERICOGTX]

Congrats to Joel and Jeff for completing the week and making the podium...  Must be an extra second in that old Coupe for next year.. Joel  time to plan for Bonneville.. (I hear Jeff snickering in the background)  lol

PLENTY of time before Bonneville! Joel, and his son are already working on stuff for that project. The Coupe doesn't need too much at this point to be ready for another round next year. Really just needs more testing.

[JERICOGTX]

It can't be an easy feat traveling over a thousand miles in that cramped coupe.

It's actually not that bad. I've ridden in FAR worse. Thankfully Joel spent the money on Kirkey seats. They are good for about 9hours, compared to a plastic seat that is good for 9 minutes. It helps that the exhaust isn't plumbed into the cars cabin as well. Tailpipes all the way to the rear. We can have the complete exhaust off in less than 5 minutes. It's pretty quiet in there as well as no need for sewer pipe sized exhaust for the street. Even with Joel's lack of hearing, and me wearing ear plugs for the wind, we can talk to each other.

[Hemi Joel]

It was definitely a challenge just getting there this year, but I'm glad that we made it and stuck with it through a few challenges! Completing the event, and coming in second in class was very gratifying. The early start, one and done formula is a safe way to go because it allows time to solve problems on the road when things go awry. But, a consequence is that most of the social interaction and checking out other people's cars and activities is missed.
Maybe one of these years I'll do drag week in the parade car again so that I can absorb the entirety of drag week.

[Hemi Joel]

Here are some pictures from drag week

[Hemi Joel]

more pics

[Hemi Joel]

more more pics

The t56 magnum pushed out the rear seal. We had bought a set of measuring cups to mix the octane booster. The 3/4 cup worked perfectly as a seal driver

[Hemi Joel]

even more pics even!

[cjshaker]

Joel, it's even more impressive that you do DW without a trailer. Luxurious space is not exactly a thing on those old coupes.

Nice picture of you and Cheryl. She's a cancer survivor, and a solid regular on DW. It's cool to see her Model A every year, and always without any problems to speak of.

Thanks for the pics.