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Mopar racers big race of the year at Norwalk

This car was interesting but it didn't have an ET on the windshield

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After going out in the first round Friday and Saturday, I made it down to 4 cars today.
That felt a lot better. Mopar racers are damn good.
This was my last race. I’m in the right lane. I raced a white Mirada (I think). Very nice class car. I thought I was going to break out. I guess I should have kept my foot in it.


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My Saturday and Sunday weren't quite as succesful. Lost in the 3rd rd Saturday -.006 red. Sunday first rd -.005 red. My lights have certainly become quicker with seat time. Made 31 passes in the last two weekends. Need to back the starting line RPM down a little.
Doug
 
My Saturday and Sunday weren't quite as succesful. Lost in the 3rd rd Saturday -.006 red. Sunday first rd -.005 red. My lights have certainly become quicker with seat time. Made 31 passes in the last two weekends. Need to back the starting line RPM down a little.
Doug
most of my lights were around.050-.060.

That last round the launch rpm got away from me, I was shooting for 4500 and I think it was closer to 5k. I think that’s why my RT was so low, although I was trying to kill it too. That’s why I thought I was going too fast at the stripe.
 
I do have to say I wasn’t real happy about the Pro cars running in Sportsman. The guy that won Pro Saturday won Sportsman Sunday I think. He had an CO2 cylinder on his roll bar in plain sight, and his steering wheel looked like it came from an F1 car. That’s a lot of gear for a “no electronics” class.

I guess it’s normal, nobody else seemed to care. Maybe it was all disconnected.

But the payouts were really high and that brings out the money racers.
 
Just like the gamblers race on Friday. You’ve got Pro and Hemi that are allowed to run trans brakes, starting line chip, and air shifters. Then N/SS and sportsman cars that can’t have any of that. After 8 rounds in the end? 2 foot brake cars with a 64 and 70 year old driver.
Doug
 
Just like the gamblers race on Friday. You’ve got Pro and Hemi that are allowed to run trans brakes, starting line chip, and air shifters. Then N/SS and sportsman cars that can’t have any of that. After 8 rounds in the end? 2 foot brake cars with a 64 and 70 year old driver.
Doug
I want to say it was nice meeting Doug and getting a look at his amazing car. It was also very cool watching him wade through the competition Friday night.

I have been launching with a 2-step the last couple of years because it is much easier with a clutch.

But a 2-step is not legal in IHRA or NHRA Sportsman. So I have been running Pro class (or No Box) when not with UMTR. Sometimes I can go a couple of rounds but I’m not really competitive.

I turned off the 2-step to run Sportsman this weekend and did ok without it. Once I get a little more practice it will be fine.

I really like running UMTR, but I don’t like traveling to the farther tracks. I also don’t want to chase points anymore, since it’s so restrictive on my schedule, and too many variables that can’t be controlled.

I kinda decided to race in Sportsman class going forward. I just won’t use the 2-step and I’m legal. I think I can do just as well without it. My car is basically a street car anyway. I can still race UMTR and No Box if I want.

All these gadgets and gizmos kind of sneak up on us over the years. We use them as band aides to cover our bad habits or laziness. Next thing you know the electronics are driving the car.

Guess what? In the long run the best drivers with the best cars are still going to win more. Doug proves that!
 
I want to say it was nice meeting Doug and getting a look at his amazing car. It was also very cool watching him wade through the competition Friday night.

I have been launching with a 2-step the last couple of years because it is much easier with a clutch.

But a 2-step is not legal in IHRA or NHRA Sportsman. So I have been running Pro class (or No Box) when not with UMTR. Sometimes I can go a couple of rounds but I’m not really competitive.

I turned off the 2-step to run Sportsman this weekend and did ok without it. Once I get a little more practice it will be fine.

I really like running UMTR, but I don’t like traveling to the farther tracks. I also don’t want to chase points anymore, since it’s so restrictive on my schedule, and too many variables that can’t be controlled.

I kinda decided to race in Sportsman class going forward. I just won’t use the 2-step and I’m legal. I think I can do just as well without it. My car is basically a street car anyway. I can still race UMTR and No Box if I want.

All these gadgets and gizmos kind of sneak up on us over the years. We use them as band aides to cover our bad habits or laziness. Next thing you know the electronics are driving the car.

Guess what? In the long run the best drivers with the best cars are still going to win more. Doug proves that!
To add to your point, there is nothing like being tethered to a machine that performs by the actions and reactions of its pilot. I've seen lots of STICK and AUTOMATICS run just fine and competitively with nothing more than mechanicals and guts. Stay simple and have real fun while making them tires wrinkle. LOL.

By the way, Doug is a machine himself. He's super sharp.
 
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