Very sad.
Motor sport is very dangerous, even now, but back then more so and when I started in F1 we had a driver killed in most years. Horrific.
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Motor sport is very dangerous, even now, but back then more so and when I started in F1 we had a driver killed in most years. Horrific.
uhum. I have lost a friend at the track and several on the road. Safety has improved quite a lot in racing and I feel much safer racing than on the road.
The one thing that stops me going to motor racing events is the noise. They're just TOO LOUD!
I was invited to one of the practice days at Brands Hatch in the days when the British GP was there, and spent a miserable day with my fingers in my ears.
S
Having done 200mph in an F40 back in the late 80ies, just when it came out - I have to say it is more dangerous now on the street, than on the track back then.
The introduction of more and more (and more) computer help in cars, it all started with ABS - we didn't have it, needed to learn how to not lock wheels - and got to the point today where your car, if you can afford it, will do the drifting for you. This makes people feel they are much, much better drivers than they are, and take their vehicles over the point of no return...
That's when the computer says, oh well - I did everything I could, see ya... I see wrecks, where I always wonder - how the heck did that happen. Then I remember - traction control, sport mode, etc.
People died in Mugello when given the somewhat odious chance to take their toys on an F 1 track, despite the fact that this particular track is extraordinarily safe, compared to, say, the Green Hell - the Nurburg Ring, well part of it, anyway.
Speaking of Mugello - had an instructor who drove away from me after two turns, in a way lesser car than mine, while having a good chat with the passenger...
Learned back then that, in fact, I was not that good a driver after all, re-learned everything from scratch, and am thanking the Heavens that I did.
EJ3
Master Contributor
A few British cars with American Engines (there are others),I could say the same about you guys.
Almost no American cars have ever been imported into the UK.
one that I have driven in Charleston, SC comes to mind:
The Jensen FF is a four-wheel drive grand tourer produced by British car manufacturer Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1971. It was the first non all-terrain production car equipped with four-wheel drive<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_FF#cite_note-AtoZCars-1"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a> and an anti-lock braking system. The powertrain was sourced from Chrysler, installing the second generation 6,277 cc (6.3 L; 383.0 cu in) V8 engine and 3-speed TorqueFlite A727 automatic transmission.
The use of four-wheel drive in a passenger car preceded the successful AMC Eagle by thirteen years, the Audi Quattro by fourteen years, and the Subaru Leone by five years. The Dunlop Maxaret mechanical anti-lock braking system had previously been used only on aircraft, lorries, and racing cars. An experimental version was first fitted to the earlier Jensen C-V8, but this did not go into production.
The letters FF stand for Ferguson Formula, after Ferguson Research Ltd., who invented the car's four-wheel drive system. The FF is related to the similar-looking, rear-wheel drive Jensen Interceptor, but is 127 mm (5.0 in) longer, and mechanically very different.
Standard FF features included front seat belts, a tachometer, and map pockets.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_FF#cite_note-5"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a>
):
10 British-Built Cars That Featured Powerful American Engines
By Jason Garbutt
Published Mar 10, 2022
https://www.hotcars.com/coolest-bugattis-that-never-went-into-production/
Britain's carmakers produce the best cars on the planet, period. Sadly that statement hasn't been true since the late 1960s, even then, they needed a little help in the athleticism department, turning to good ol' American power.
In reality, stuffing gorgeous British sports cars with American engines makes perfect sense, where else do you get big lazy engines with prodigious power outputs? The AC Cobra is a shining example of a great car screaming out for more oomph, Carroll Shelby came, saw, and went away with a stunning two-seater that, when combined with Ford V8s, created a monster. Just for the record, most European sports carmakers played a similar game, American V8s powering dozens of 60s icons.
It's a plan that worked, and in some cases still works today, like it or not, American engines are stronger and more powerful. Without them, scores of fast British cars just wouldn't have happened.
10
Anglo-American gearheads rejoice, combining gorgeous British GT looks with American muscle, the AC 428 Frua is another of those 60s classics that most likely would have fallen flat on its face without a stonking great V8 under the hood. No prizes for guessing that AC opted for the biggest V8 they could find, 428 cu-inches of Ford's finest, pumping out 345 hp.
Produced between 1965 and 73, and built over an extended Cobra chassis, you'd expect good looks and big performance numbers alone would guarantee success. Unfortunately you'd be wrong, AC completed just 81 cars, with a split between fastback coupes and roadsters.
RELATED:These Legendary '60s Sports Cars Are Still A Sight To Behold
9
Moving swiftly on to another low-volume grand tourer, Gordon Keeble's self-named GK1 has an even more international flavor, built in the UK, powered by American muscle with a touch of Italian flair. Designed by none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro this on is a little on the odd side, the brands' logo featuring a tortoise of all things, hardly the sportiest of animals.
Curious animal world connections aside, the GK1 featured a tubular steel chassis and Chevrolet sourced 289 cu-in V8 engine. Once completed, the entire vehicle was shipped to Bertone of Turin to receive its steel panel work before being readied for end use.
8
Time for something entirely more modern. Ultima Cars' approach to US powered mayhem kicks off with the Evolution. Think GT Le Mans car for the road, and you'd be spot on. Any crazy notions of practically should be checked at their home page, this is a proper hardcore carbon-fiber race car.
In base specification you get a 480 hp 6.2-liter engine outback punching it occupants towards the horizon with enough gusto to leave Porsche owners eating its dust. Potential buyers with nerves of steel can go much faster, at the top end Ultima provides an organ re-arranging supercharged 6.8-liter LS pumping out an incredible 1020 hp, sixty flashes past in 2.3-seconds.
7
We're hedging our bets with TVR's new sports car, once production finally commences, the Griffith, in light of everything we know so far, is going to be blisteringly quick. And thanks to American sourced power, it'll be a lot more reliable than TVRs of old.
Going back to TVR's former Griffith, Rover power peaked around 340hp from a 5-liter displacement, giving a top speed of around 160 mph. The new Griffith is set to be a lot quicker, 200 mph the figure TVR are gunning for, using Ford Coyote V8s tuned by Cosworth delivering 500 hp is one we're looking forward to in 2022.
6
Conceived in a small London garage with US buyers in mind, Allard's J2 roadster was one of the first British-made exports to make an impact on US shores, small, light, and on arrival, engineless. Customers in the UK made do with 3.8-liter flathead V8s lifted from Ford's Pilot with 85 hp on tap, US buyers free to choose their own.
Popular with circuit racers of the time, engine choices varied considerably, the J2s chassis proved easy to modify, and It's not uncommon to find restored examples with period correct Oldsmobile or Cadillac V8s crammed under the hood.
5
Vagueness over actual production numbers have been the subject of debate since Bristol first introduced the Fighter back in 2004, those in the know claim 14 cars were built, others putting the number into single figures. Bristol remains tight-lipped over the real number, as do they over Fighter variants, at one stage planning a "T" spec car with 1050 hp.
Regardless of which Fighter gearheads plumped for, Chrysler-sourced engines power the entire range, kicking off with a 525 hp 8-liter V10, lifted from the Viper, Bristol claiming a top speed of 210 mph. From this point onwards, Fighter numbers are more speculative than fact, weather Bristol actually built or sold any S-Spec versions with 628 hp is anyone's guess.
RELATED:These Special Cars Showed Us Why V10 Engines Are Awesome
4
Heads of state frequently used Rover's P5B coupe, even Queen Elizabeth herself has been seen behind the wheel of one of these quintessentially British luxury sedans. Under the hood, Rover's compact alloy 3.5-liter engine, in one form or another, appeared in dozens of cars, sedans, sports cars, and off-roaders, producing up to 340 hp.
Silky smooth in its power delivery, Rover knew it had a potential game changer on its hands, in the P5B paired with an automatic transmission, finding a quieter or more refined ride is near impossible without dipping your toe into Rolls-Royce territory. However, Rover merely "found" the V8 engine siting discarded at Mercury Marine, all credit for its design belongs to Buick.
3
Government-backed to the tune of £10 million, Jensen made a return to the automotive show circuit with their first all new model in 2001, reviving a once famous British brand. Initial high praise led to 110 advance orders, possibly overwhelming the brand before finalizing the S-V8s pre-production quirks.
Priced at £40,000 locally, the S-V8 in effect a British version of the Mustang, sharing its 4.6-liter Ford modular V8 to the tune of 325 hp with a claimed 0-60mph time of just under five seconds.
2
After two years and three race cars, Lola's Mk.6 production run was over, the lessons learned from its mid-engined chassis and power train installation would go on to inspire the greatest racer ever, Ford's GT40.
At the time still a novelty, mid-engined sports cars were still relatively unheard of, and brought the complexities of making room for the engine, transmission, and ancillaries. The solution was simple, rather than skimp on power, Lola used a small block 289 cu-in Ford V8 bolted directly to the Mk.6's aluminum monocoque chassis. Over time, bigger Chevy engines found their way into the Lola, but it was the original that led to the GT40.
RELATED:10 Things Everyone Forgot About The Le Mans-Winning GT40
1
All too briefly in 2005, MG Rover rolled the dice one final time, a do-or-die approach to resurrecting the Rover brand, resulting in project X80 during development taking on its Power Ranger-esque-sounding XPower SV title for production.
Starting off with a fairly sedate 320 hp Ford 4.6-liter V8 said to be capable of 165 mph, but more was to come with the SV-R boasting 385 hp from an enlarged 5-liter motor. The XPower legend either does or doesn't stop there, rumors abound concerning Rover's 1000 hp nitrous upgrade.
The Bristol Blenheim also had a Chrysler engine, right?A few British cars with American Engines (there are others),
one that I have driven in Charleston, SC comes to mind:
View attachment 467046
The Jensen FF is a four-wheel drive grand tourer produced by British car manufacturer Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1971. It was the first non all-terrain production car equipped with four-wheel drive<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_FF#cite_note-AtoZCars-1"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a> and an anti-lock braking system. The powertrain was sourced from Chrysler, installing the second generation 6,277 cc (6.3 L; 383.0 cu in) V8 engine and 3-speed TorqueFlite A727 automatic transmission.
The use of four-wheel drive in a passenger car preceded the successful AMC Eagle by thirteen years, the Audi Quattro by fourteen years, and the Subaru Leone by five years. The Dunlop Maxaret mechanical anti-lock braking system had previously been used only on aircraft, lorries, and racing cars. An experimental version was first fitted to the earlier Jensen C-V8, but this did not go into production.
The letters FF stand for Ferguson Formula, after Ferguson Research Ltd., who invented the car's four-wheel drive system. The FF is related to the similar-looking, rear-wheel drive Jensen Interceptor, but is 127 mm (5.0 in) longer, and mechanically very different.
Standard FF features included front seat belts, a tachometer, and map pockets.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_FF#cite_note-5"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a>
):
10 British-Built Cars That Featured Powerful American Engines
By Jason Garbutt
Published Mar 10, 2022
https://www.hotcars.com/coolest-bugattis-that-never-went-into-production/
Via Ultima Cars
Britain's carmakers produce the best cars on the planet, period. Sadly that statement hasn't been true since the late 1960s, even then, they needed a little help in the athleticism department, turning to good ol' American power.
In reality, stuffing gorgeous British sports cars with American engines makes perfect sense, where else do you get big lazy engines with prodigious power outputs? The AC Cobra is a shining example of a great car screaming out for more oomph, Carroll Shelby came, saw, and went away with a stunning two-seater that, when combined with Ford V8s, created a monster. Just for the record, most European sports carmakers played a similar game, American V8s powering dozens of 60s icons.
It's a plan that worked, and in some cases still works today, like it or not, American engines are stronger and more powerful. Without them, scores of fast British cars just wouldn't have happened.
10
Via Bonham's
Anglo-American gearheads rejoice, combining gorgeous British GT looks with American muscle, the AC 428 Frua is another of those 60s classics that most likely would have fallen flat on its face without a stonking great V8 under the hood. No prizes for guessing that AC opted for the biggest V8 they could find, 428 cu-inches of Ford's finest, pumping out 345 hp.
Via Bonham's
Produced between 1965 and 73, and built over an extended Cobra chassis, you'd expect good looks and big performance numbers alone would guarantee success. Unfortunately you'd be wrong, AC completed just 81 cars, with a split between fastback coupes and roadsters.
RELATED:These Legendary '60s Sports Cars Are Still A Sight To Behold
9
Via Classic Trader
Moving swiftly on to another low-volume grand tourer, Gordon Keeble's self-named GK1 has an even more international flavor, built in the UK, powered by American muscle with a touch of Italian flair. Designed by none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro this on is a little on the odd side, the brands' logo featuring a tortoise of all things, hardly the sportiest of animals.
Via Clasisc Trader
Curious animal world connections aside, the GK1 featured a tubular steel chassis and Chevrolet sourced 289 cu-in V8 engine. Once completed, the entire vehicle was shipped to Bertone of Turin to receive its steel panel work before being readied for end use.
8
Via Ultima Cars
Time for something entirely more modern. Ultima Cars' approach to US powered mayhem kicks off with the Evolution. Think GT Le Mans car for the road, and you'd be spot on. Any crazy notions of practically should be checked at their home page, this is a proper hardcore carbon-fiber race car.
Via Ultima Cars
In base specification you get a 480 hp 6.2-liter engine outback punching it occupants towards the horizon with enough gusto to leave Porsche owners eating its dust. Potential buyers with nerves of steel can go much faster, at the top end Ultima provides an organ re-arranging supercharged 6.8-liter LS pumping out an incredible 1020 hp, sixty flashes past in 2.3-seconds.
7
Via TVR
We're hedging our bets with TVR's new sports car, once production finally commences, the Griffith, in light of everything we know so far, is going to be blisteringly quick. And thanks to American sourced power, it'll be a lot more reliable than TVRs of old.
Via TVR
Going back to TVR's former Griffith, Rover power peaked around 340hp from a 5-liter displacement, giving a top speed of around 160 mph. The new Griffith is set to be a lot quicker, 200 mph the figure TVR are gunning for, using Ford Coyote V8s tuned by Cosworth delivering 500 hp is one we're looking forward to in 2022.
6
Via Bring A Trailer
Conceived in a small London garage with US buyers in mind, Allard's J2 roadster was one of the first British-made exports to make an impact on US shores, small, light, and on arrival, engineless. Customers in the UK made do with 3.8-liter flathead V8s lifted from Ford's Pilot with 85 hp on tap, US buyers free to choose their own.
Via Bring A Trailer
Popular with circuit racers of the time, engine choices varied considerably, the J2s chassis proved easy to modify, and It's not uncommon to find restored examples with period correct Oldsmobile or Cadillac V8s crammed under the hood.
5
Via: SLJ Hackett
Vagueness over actual production numbers have been the subject of debate since Bristol first introduced the Fighter back in 2004, those in the know claim 14 cars were built, others putting the number into single figures. Bristol remains tight-lipped over the real number, as do they over Fighter variants, at one stage planning a "T" spec car with 1050 hp.
Via: SJL Hackett
Regardless of which Fighter gearheads plumped for, Chrysler-sourced engines power the entire range, kicking off with a 525 hp 8-liter V10, lifted from the Viper, Bristol claiming a top speed of 210 mph. From this point onwards, Fighter numbers are more speculative than fact, weather Bristol actually built or sold any S-Spec versions with 628 hp is anyone's guess.
RELATED:These Special Cars Showed Us Why V10 Engines Are Awesome
4
Via Castle Classic Cars
Heads of state frequently used Rover's P5B coupe, even Queen Elizabeth herself has been seen behind the wheel of one of these quintessentially British luxury sedans. Under the hood, Rover's compact alloy 3.5-liter engine, in one form or another, appeared in dozens of cars, sedans, sports cars, and off-roaders, producing up to 340 hp.
Via Castle Classic Cars
Silky smooth in its power delivery, Rover knew it had a potential game changer on its hands, in the P5B paired with an automatic transmission, finding a quieter or more refined ride is near impossible without dipping your toe into Rolls-Royce territory. However, Rover merely "found" the V8 engine siting discarded at Mercury Marine, all credit for its design belongs to Buick.
3
Via Classic Driver
Government-backed to the tune of £10 million, Jensen made a return to the automotive show circuit with their first all new model in 2001, reviving a once famous British brand. Initial high praise led to 110 advance orders, possibly overwhelming the brand before finalizing the S-V8s pre-production quirks.
Via Clasic Driver
Priced at £40,000 locally, the S-V8 in effect a British version of the Mustang, sharing its 4.6-liter Ford modular V8 to the tune of 325 hp with a claimed 0-60mph time of just under five seconds.
2
Via Facebook
After two years and three race cars, Lola's Mk.6 production run was over, the lessons learned from its mid-engined chassis and power train installation would go on to inspire the greatest racer ever, Ford's GT40.
Via Facebook
At the time still a novelty, mid-engined sports cars were still relatively unheard of, and brought the complexities of making room for the engine, transmission, and ancillaries. The solution was simple, rather than skimp on power, Lola used a small block 289 cu-in Ford V8 bolted directly to the Mk.6's aluminum monocoque chassis. Over time, bigger Chevy engines found their way into the Lola, but it was the original that led to the GT40.
RELATED:10 Things Everyone Forgot About The Le Mans-Winning GT40
1
Via ClassiCar Garage
All too briefly in 2005, MG Rover rolled the dice one final time, a do-or-die approach to resurrecting the Rover brand, resulting in project X80 during development taking on its Power Ranger-esque-sounding XPower SV title for production.
Via ClassiCar Garage
Starting off with a fairly sedate 320 hp Ford 4.6-liter V8 said to be capable of 165 mph, but more was to come with the SV-R boasting 385 hp from an enlarged 5-liter motor. The XPower legend either does or doesn't stop there, rumors abound concerning Rover's 1000 hp nitrous upgrade.
EJ3
Master Contributor
I guess someone forgot to tell you to have earplugs on hand. If I have my keys, I have my earplugs (which are in a small case on my keyring).
I attended the world's finals drag racing in Spokane Washington 5 years in a row. I can only say, "wOw!!!" It was extraordinary and very very amazing. I wore deci-damps and ear muffs at the same time and I was still getting blasted when the top fuel funny cars and dragsters came out to play. The first year we camped down the road a bit at a private camp site and then after that we paid for pit camping for the other 4 years and walked the pit area at night and met people and I was allowed to sit in a alcohol dragster while the owner did some tuning to it. That was a really cool. That was a very good experience.
EJ3
Master Contributor
Yep:
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Exotic
Specs & engine options: 1
8 Photos
About BRISTOL:
The Bristol brand may be described as - all derogatory meanings aside - a modern freak. Obscure and elitist, elusive but persistent, small but still strangely powerful, the self-proclaimed last wholly-British automobile manufacturer shares little aspects in terms of genesis and growth with other car producers. Bristol automobiles are the result of a 1945 post war joint venture between the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC) and AFN Ltd. , makers of Frazer Nash cars. The end of WWII brought a shortage in aircraft and ammunition demands, forcing lots of factories to shut down or convert their assembly lines in order to cater to new needs. Having been dazed by bombings and unscheduled postponing of pre-war projects, many car producers were slow at making a complete comeback, unwilling... read more
While it wasn't very keen on introducing new models, the British manufacturer still had to comply with new rules and regulations, forcing it to upgrade its vehicles to sell them. Thus, in 1994, Bristol dismissed the former Britannia model produced between 1982 and 1994 with the Blenheim. The new model took its nameplate from a former famous British bomber built during WWII.
The vehicle's overall shape was not much different than of its predecessor or even its grandfather, the Bristol 603, which was introduced in 1976. It featured the same long hood with a spare wheel hidden behind the front left fender. In addition, the Blenheim sported a front fascia with four round headlights that resembled those installed in the Ford Capri. Bristol designed the vehicle using the same three-box shape from the 603 but refined it with new, flush door handles. At the back, the corner-mounted taillights flanked the trunk's lid.
Inside, the car manufacturer counted on high-quality materials utilized for the seats, dashboard, and door panels. It used fine leather and gloss-finish wood trims for most of the panels. The British bombers inspired the dashboard's design, with a logical layout in front of the driver. But then, the design team needed to find a way to install the new audio equipment and place it atop the dashboard. So even though it didn't look delicious, it was a logical decision.
Under the hood, Bristol finally made its step into the fuel-injected era. It provided the Blenheim with a Chrysler 5.9-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
BRISTOLBlenheim1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
1 gasoline engine- 5.9 V8 4AT (231 HP)
BRISTOL Blenheim Brochure
[th]
[td width="238.188px"]Cylinders:[/td][td width="555.812px"]V8[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Displacement:[/td][td width="555.812px"]5898 cm3[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Power:[/td][td width="555.812px"]169.9 KW @ 4000 RPMENGINE SPECS - 5.9 V8 4AT (231 HP)
[/th]231 HP @ 4000 RPM
228 BHP @ 4000 RPM[/td] [td width="238.188px"]Torque:[/td][td width="555.812px"]325 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
440 Nm @ 3200 RPM[/td] [td width="238.188px"]Fuel System:[/td][td width="555.812px"]Multipoint Injection[/td] [td width="238.188px"]Fuel:[/td][td width="555.812px"]Gasoline[/td]
[th]
[td width="238.188px"]Top Speed:[/td][td width="555.812px"]140 mph (225 km/h)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):[/td][td width="555.812px"]7.5 s[/td]PERFORMANCE SPECS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Drive Type:[/td][td width="555.812px"]Rear Wheel Drive[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Gearbox:[/td][td width="555.812px"]4-speed automatic[/td]TRANSMISSION SPECS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Front:[/td][td width="555.812px"]Discs[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Rear:[/td][td width="555.812px"]Discs[/td]BRAKES SPECS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Tire Size:[/td][td width="555.812px"]215/70 - R15[/td]TIRES SPECS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Length:[/td][td width="555.812px"]191.4 in (4862 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Width:[/td][td width="555.812px"]68.7 in (1745 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Height:[/td][td width="555.812px"]56.6 in (1438 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Front/rear Track:[/td][td width="555.812px"]56.1/56.6 in (1,425/1,438 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Wheelbase:[/td][td width="555.812px"]114 in (2896 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Ground Clearance:[/td][td width="555.812px"]5.5 in (140 mm)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Cargo Volume:[/td][td width="555.812px"]19.1 cuFT (541 L)[/td]
[td width="238.188px"]Aerodynamics (Cd):[/td][td width="555.812px"]0.42[/td]DIMENSIONS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Unladen Weight:[/td][td width="555.812px"]3891.2 lbs (1765 kg)[/td]WEIGHT SPECS
[/th][th]
[td width="238.188px"]Combined:[/td][td width="555.812px"]13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km)[/td]FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
[/th]DoctorRobert
Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2020
- Messages
- 72
- Likes
- 154
Haven't checked the full threat, but this Toyota MR2 was mine for 17 years untill last year. I always wanted to have a mid-engine car, and being almost 2 meter tall (and not rich) there are not that many options. But I lived my poor-man's Ferrari dream. Still love the looks of these, when they are kept more or less original.
(There appears to be a dent on the front, but that is only a trick of the light.)
It has been replaced by an Audi TT convertible, more practicle but less style.
(There appears to be a dent on the front, but that is only a trick of the light.)
It has been replaced by an Audi TT convertible, more practicle but less style.
Darrell's story was a horrific accident, very sad. He went to the UK to put on a show for them and it just went horribly wrong.
Frank, Don't know what you want or expect, but it's still a fact that there are a couple top fuel and funny car events a year at Santa Pod, you can either decide to go, or stay home. The top fuel dragsters and funny cars are virtually identical to the ones run in the US. Your the one that will miss an incredible motor racing event. The second and final event for 2025 Euro FIA Drag Racing Championship runs Sept 4-7. Be there or be square.
I love Vette's too but OTOH there's a lot to be said about the mid and full sized muscle cars from the 60s and 70s.Not sure I would agree with you there
Some models of Corvette are interesting...
Room enough for a family of 4 to 6 with big block 500+ horsepower engines.
Mostly gone now but in the US we've replaced them with muscle trucks as finding anything bigger than a 4dr econobox is next to impossible today.
Closest are probably the Dodge Chargers with hemi engines from 400 - 700+ HP but personally I find anything with 4 doors a no-no.
No one in their right mind goes to a Nitro racing event without very good ear protection!
They in no way subtract from the impact of the racing. Your entire body pulses and throbs with the firing of each cylinder.
You have to go at least once to understand the experience, incredible!
Anyone who denies just about any form of motorsports is extremely dangerous is sadly mistaken, it just comes with the territory.
I myself has been broken up pretty badly, once life threatening, riding motorcycles both on the street and track over the last 60 years.
You either choose to participate or go to church on Sunday.
They missed what is probably the most famous and valuable sports car ever built.
The AC Ace that Carol Shelby stuffed both small block and big block Ford engines in.
Last edited:
EJ3
Master Contributor
Maybe there are so many copies (some that are improved a lot) that it is a given?Darrell's story was a horrific accident, very sad. He went to the UK to put on a show for them and it just went horribly wrong.
Frank, Don't know what you want or expect, but it's still a fact that there are a couple top fuel and funny car events a year at Santa Pod, you can either decide to go, or stay home. The top fuel dragsters and funny cars are virtually identical to the ones run in the US. Your the one that will miss an incredible motor racing event. The second and final event for 2025 Euro FIA Drag Racing Championship runs Sept 4-7. Be there or be square.
I love Vette's too but OTOH there's a lot to be said about the mid and full sized muscle cars from the 60s and 70s.
Room enough for a family of 4 to 6 with big block 500+ horsepower engines.
Mostly gone now but in the US we've replaced them with muscle trucks as finding anything bigger than a 4dr econobox is next to impossible today.
Closest are probably the Dodge Chargers with hemi engines from 400 - 700+ HP but personally I find anything with 4 doors a no-no.
No one in there right mind goes to a Nitro racing event without very good ear protection!
They in no way subtract from the impact of the racing. Your entire body pulses and throbs with the firing of each cylinder.
You have to go at least once to understand the experience, incredible!
Anyone who denies just about any form of motorsports is extremely dangerous is sadly mistaken, it just comes with the territory.
I myself has been broken up pretty badly, once life threatening, riding motorcycles both on the street and track over the last 60 years.
You either choose to participate or go to church on Sunday.
They missed what is probably the most famous and valuable sports car ever built.
The AC Ace that Carol Shelby stuffed both small block and big block Ford engines in.
I prefer the Daytona, myself:
Most respected authorities say the "real" Shelby Cobras made from 1961 to 1968 had the frames and hand formed aluminum bodies made in the UK and where then shipped to US for engine and driveline installation by Shelby. Less than 1,000 with both small and big block Ford engines were ever produced. The surviving originals now sell for $1 million to 15 million depending on condition and rarity.
I was sick-n-tired of the BMW 3-series coupes my mate kept insisting on owning (3times).
One of those SoCal fad-cars, that was sure to start going wrong, right after the warranty ran out.
Once bitten, twice shy, ...thrice a brandphool!
A few times, I'd suggested the Cadillac. She'd shrug and say things along the lines of "geezer land-yacht".
When she was told that some stupid seal at the interface of the heads and block had a 'tendency' to leak and needed replacing, my intervention was needed
In the 2015 BMW dealer-speak, that was a minimum $2500 proposition.
So, I did a dastardly thing, and bought a 2016 Cadillac ATS-CoupePerformance for her birthday.
She asked why the Cadillac? I reminded her that we were now in that 'geezer land-yacht' club!
The ATS-Coupe's "V6 Performance" package was strictly for my enjoyment, but I did not have to tell her that part.
Unfortunately, the infusion of too much of "driver's aids" -that has been a Cadillac trademark- was in play.
My first long distance driving it was my last!
The first 'wtf is that?' moment came while bee-bop'g between traffic lanes; the driver's seat would vibrate (haptic warning).
The second and the final 'wtf is that?' moment was when I took a hole-shot to the left-lane and the steering resisted/forced me to go back to my lane.
She still loves her rare Caddy... but for me; never again!
One of those SoCal fad-cars, that was sure to start going wrong, right after the warranty ran out.
Once bitten, twice shy, ...thrice a brandphool!
A few times, I'd suggested the Cadillac. She'd shrug and say things along the lines of "geezer land-yacht".
When she was told that some stupid seal at the interface of the heads and block had a 'tendency' to leak and needed replacing, my intervention was needed
In the 2015 BMW dealer-speak, that was a minimum $2500 proposition.
So, I did a dastardly thing, and bought a 2016 Cadillac ATS-CoupePerformance for her birthday.
She asked why the Cadillac? I reminded her that we were now in that 'geezer land-yacht' club!
The ATS-Coupe's "V6 Performance" package was strictly for my enjoyment, but I did not have to tell her that part.
Unfortunately, the infusion of too much of "driver's aids" -that has been a Cadillac trademark- was in play.
My first long distance driving it was my last!
The first 'wtf is that?' moment came while bee-bop'g between traffic lanes; the driver's seat would vibrate (haptic warning).
The second and the final 'wtf is that?' moment was when I took a hole-shot to the left-lane and the steering resisted/forced me to go back to my lane.
She still loves her rare Caddy... but for me; never again!
Its not a lot of fun to be going around Daytona on a GT3R or on R8 LMS GT3 and have the dreaded right rear blow out. Worse time i was going at 187, foot down trying to pick the last 2 mph before hitting terminal velocity just pass start finish when the tire desintegrated
.......
If I had the cash I'd love to have a Caddy CTS-V coupe like Jay Lenos with the 6 speed stick.
RIP: Cadillac's last stick shift vehicles are the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, which are the final gasoline-powered performance models from the brand before its shift towards electrification.
