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EVERY PIECE BELONGS

Drag racing has a unique way of bringing people together. Stepping into the racing facility is kind of like stepping into an amusement park of speed. And just like an amusement park, people from all walks of life come to enjoy the entertainment value presented at the racetrack. For this reason, drag racing has long been able to boast that it is a leader in diversity compared to other motorsports. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a racer, a car aficionado, someone intrigued by the mechanics or the science of the sport, or just someone that is impressed by the spectacle that drag racing presents. Whether people are racing their daily driver or a 300 mph nitro fueled land missile there is something for everyone to feel like they belong and can take part in. Combine all of this with the unprecedented accessibility fans have to the cars and the racers and it is easy to see that there is something for everyone at the dragstrip.

This is part of what makes drag racing so attractive to potential sponsors. Dating back to the beginnings of the sport sponsors have seen value in placing their company logo on the sides of the racing vehicles. Initially, most of the sponsors were automotive related and performance on the track correlated with sales. “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” I believe is how the cliché’ went. Though the cars may be on the track for only a couple of minutes at a time from start up to turn off, there is also the nearly unlimited time of seeing the car in the pits and forming a connection with a team or driver. This has then attracted sponsors outside of the automotive industry. From aftershave companies to fast-food chains to energy drinks and more, businesses have seen the value in being involved in the straight-line sport.

Drag racing also has a way to create a unique awareness about worthwhile causes. Look no further than the recent sponsorships of the Infinite Hero and Make a Wish programs in the NHRA. These programs were lauded not as a way to fund big show funny cars, but instead used the big show funny cars as a tool to bring awareness and support to these worthwhile causes. These are just two examples, but I’m sure you all can think back to additional examples of ways drag racing has been used to raise awareness.

Have you ever had one of those chance encounters that was kind of a right place, right time, and the stars aligned and the pieces fell right where they belonged? Well, that’s what happened at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan during one of their premier events last summer. Let me introduce Kiley and Brian Ramer. Kiley and Brian are from the South Bend, Indiana area and were not involved in motorsports or came from a racing background. Brian had gotten tickets to the somewhat nearby event in Martin and after the Friday evening portion was rained out had an extra ticket and asked his wife, Kiley to join him. Kiley had never been to a race before. Both Kiley and her husband were amazed at the sights, sounds, and smells, but also the accessibility of a drag race. They were very impressed with having the ability to simply walk through the pits and meet the team and their drivers -remember those things I included at the beginning of the article that make drag racing so enticing.

During this first outing and after watching numerous cars race down the track Kiley astutely began to notice the sponsors on the side of the vehicles. What she most particularly noted was that the vast majority of the sponsors were automotive related, whether it was an oil company or tire company each seemed to be directly related to the racing vehicle. It got her thinking what would it take to put her business on the side of the car.

Now here is what makes this partnership so unique. See Kiley doesn’t own a tire store, oil refinery, or even an auto parts store. She and her husband are co-owners of Horizon Behavioral Consulting in South Bend, Indiana. Kiley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that has been working in the field for over a decade and when she noticed a gap in the needs of the children she was working with decided to go out on her own. Shortly thereafter she took a chance and Kiley and her husband, Brian, opened Horizon Behavioral Consulting in 2016. Kiley and her team specialize in behavior management and assist children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the ages of 18 months to 10 years of age. Autism Spectrum Disorder, is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” She and her team work closely with the children and their families to identify the behavioral needs of the children and target those areas. Just like any good crew chief has a baseline tune up and a particular method to tuning a fuel burning motor Kiley and her team have a systematic approach. Kiley and Horizon Behavioral use Applied Behavior Analysis and a naturalistic approach while working hand in hand with families. Again, just like a crew chief reading data after a run the team at Horizon are constantly using data and research to best assist their clients. They then evaluate the data and make adjustments based on their findings. Their first and primary goal is Functional Communication and from there move onto Social and Motor skills.

Now enter Joe Haas and his “American Way” 57 Chevy Funny Car. The veteran nitro wheelman has been in the seat of a number of entries owned by the likes of Justin Grant, Frank Ousely, Tom Motry, and most recently John Lawson. After taking ownership of his own ride, Joe began barnstorming the Midwest in 2021 with his unique fuel coupe. Speaking from firsthand experience Joe and his team have always taken the time to welcome fans, sign autographs, and enhance the spectator experience. Joe doesn’t just do it at the track either. Joe and his wife, Charli, have received awards such as the Good Neighbor of the Year Award and Mentors of the Year from Community and Support Systems for the work they do in their community. So, when the question was posed to Joe, “Hey what would it take to get my sticker on the side of your car?” the conversation and relationship began. The process went smoothly, and Joe and Kiley agreed on a sponsorship that put the sticker on the side of the car. You may be thinking, “Yeah that’s great that a business that helps children and families is being showcased on the side of a 290 mph funny car, but what are they really getting out of it?” In fact, some may even be thinking that a sponsor focused on the Autism Spectrum Disorder would be in direct contradiction with a sport that literally assaults all of your senses let alone a car that registers on the Richter Scale when it leaves the starting line. So, what is the return on investment or as it is often abbreviated, ROI in this case?

This is where the idea has somewhat of unique twist. The return on investment here is more than about dollar signs. The goal of this sponsorship is not necessarily to increase foot traffic at the Horizon Behavioral Consulting facility in South Bend. Return on Investment here is about helping kids and families find the resources that they need. According to the CDC, Autism diagnosis are on the rise, with “1 in 44 children in the United States being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.” According to 2018 data from the CDC, “1 in 27 boys are identified with Autism” and “1 in 116 girls are identified with Autism.” Utilizing Joe and his “American Way” funny car allows Horizon Behavioral Consulting to get literature and contact information to another demographic that may have someone in their family or know someone in need of such services. So now another question. What good does it do for a family in Iowa at race say in Eddyville to receive a business card from a company located in South Bend, Indiana? And again, that is what makes this relationship unique. Anyone with this information can reach out to Kiley and her team and be connected to resources near them. This can help lead families to a diagnosis and potentially a team of therapists.

Even as early as last year, it is easy to see what makes Joe’s “American Way” funny car a fan favorite. From its patriotic theme to the fact, you are witnessing a nitro burning ’57 Chevy Bel Air plow through the traps at nearly 300 mph, and a driver and team that make connecting with the fans a priority there is a whole lot to be impressed with. And though at first glance this seems to be an unusual pairing, upon further review you can see how these pieces came together. Keep an eye out for Joe and his team at several events this year. So far, they plan to attend the Eddyville Night of Fire, Nitro Chaos at Mo-Kan, the Northern Nationals in Martin, MI, the World Series in Cordova, and the Funny Car Nationals back at Martin. Lastly, if you happen to be in attendance and need information about Autism Spectrum Disorder or know someone who does, stop by the “American Way” trailer and pick up a card.

NOSTLGIA DRAG WORLD

Photos courtesy of Mike Sopko Sr., Mike Sopko Jr., Michael K. Sopko

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MUSCLE CAR AND CORVETTE NATIONALS 2024

February 4, 2025

PHOTOS by RICHARD JAESCHKE WWW.HOTRODONLINE.COM

MOUNTAIN MOTOR MADNESS!

By “Animal” Jim Feurer • January 3, 2025

For 1984 , I switched from SB Nitrous Cleveland to a humongous 675 CI Mountain Motor we dubbed the “Monolith”. ( I have to explain hear and now, “Motor” is not the proper name. “Engine” is. But “Mountain Motor” has a better limerick cadence to it than “Mountain Engine”. Look up definition of “Motor” and “Engine”. Or how about “Elephant Engine”? Too clumsy! My engineer mentor Bob Olmsted would flip in his grave, if he read this. Never called an engine a motor around (Bob! ) RIP BOB! This 675 Jon Kaase Engine sported Allen Root special Aluminum Block 11.2 Deck Ht. Steel Chrome Mollie Sleeves with O rings. Bore was 4.635 , steel BRC crank ,Arias pistons and Venolia aluminum rods, with 5” stroke X 0.7854 x 8 =675. Had AR Aluminum Hemi Heads. Worked over by Jon. AR Tunnel Ram worked over with two Holley 1100 dominators and MSD Crank Trigger Ign. Dynoed 1150 HP @ 7,000 RPM. Jon called me all excited about the results. Winter of 83/84. Cost was $25,000! Remember-This was 40 years ago! That engine also included a special .800+lift cam and 2.500” diam. Intake and 2.00” exhaust valves. All 16 were Manley Titanium valves of course. Funny story: Shortly after Jon called, some dude called from Chicago area telling me he developed a Ford Cammer using Gilmer belts instead of timing chains. He wanted to team up with me putting his Cammer in Zeke. Then, before I could respond he insulted my persona telling me I would have to cleanup, starting with cutting my hair. Then!!! I responded. I told him about my Kaase 675 Boss Hemi, and Jon calling with results. I added, “As for my grooming .I would not cut my hair for my mother, let alone for you! You insulting joker!” And I hung up. I do not recall a name. Once I did trim my hair a bit. Promoters, media and fans did not like that. Especially the late great Bill Bader. And my little girl cried when she saw my hair trimmed. 2. First time out with the “Monolith” 675 was not successful. One problem was the new fiberglass doors. That big engine had so much torque it would twist Zeke out of shape launching the driver door. It would fly off. It happened twice in a row. I had orange duct tape, and had my crew chief Cliff Sturm tape me in next run. Door stayed put. But had to wait for Cliff to come untape me at top end. Tech would have had a cow if they knew. (At US 30, perhaps not) Another problem was starter was not strong enough for that engine. I could see some other matters would need looking after with that much power. So we loaded up and went home. I never experienced so much brute power. At my shop at home we cured the starter problem by connecting another battery and solenoid to create 24 volts just when cranking, and included a MSD retard with momentary toggle switch. And just a cheap rebuilt starter worked great. Until two years later and went to a dry sump system, and had to use a mini starter do to different pan. Amazingly that Hamburger mini starter and MSD retard and 12 volts worked fine. For the next three years, 1984,85,86 and first race in 87 we ran pure Mountain Motor Pro Stock , mostly in UDRA and Match Races . We did ok, winning several UDRA events, and went rounds at a couple IHRA Nationals. One of my most memorable IHRA Mountain Motor runs was Aug. of 85 at Norwalk, Oh. I had Bob Glidden first round. I took a shot at the tree and cut a spectacular .002 light. I was way ahead of Bob. Then by fourth gear I saw that Thunder Bird nose appear. We went through the traps side by side. Bob got the win light by .001. While waiting for our tow vehicles, Bob came over and asked if I had a pretty good run. I said it was good. When I got my time ticket I realized I had run a career best et. But, so did Bob. He had won by .001. However, during my 3 year pure Mountain Motor Pro Stock effort, as I told earlier, I won several UDRA , match, and special events. 3. One of my favorite wins was August 10th. 1986. I had the unbeatable Bob Olsen in the final. I was still driving my trusty Mercury Zephyr with the Monolith 675 engine. This event was The Annual Pro Stock/Funny Car Open at Byron, Il. Rules? Ha! It was “Run what you Brung! And you better Bring Enough!” I went to finals, caught a great light and beat that Steward and Olsen Pontiac by a fender. Then another big change happened. My friend, Wild Bill Kuhlmann, In March of 77 put A NOS Fogger System on his new Sonny 632 bb Chevy. Bill entered Top Sportsman. Nitrous was legal there. Bill’s motive was to be the first ever door car to go 200 ! Which I witnessed him doing so at IHRA Nationals at Darlington SC. OH! OH! Nitrous was also legal in UDRA, No one had ever taken advantage of it with a killer mountain motor till Bill. Bill Kuhlmann had gone ahead with his dream we both shared and discussed back in December. While I was side tracked with other matters. I had no choice. I had to go same direction to compete from then on. UDRA was my main arena. So hello NOS. My old friend. My Kaase/Allen Root, 675 Ford Boss Hemi loved it! It sure did! We estimated we went from 1200 hp to1700hp with just a basic single NOS Fogger system. And basic tune up. Just hitting the Nos during second gear on, would net 5 tenths quicker and 10 mph. It felt like a powerful passing gear. We won many races and the U DRA Outlaw Pro Stock Championships 88 and 89. I consider 87,88, and 89 , The formative days o Pro Modified. Wild Bill had kicked that door wade open! I ran our next car the same way. By then, we were running Pro Modified. The 90 Probe was one of the first cars purpose built for Pro Modified. Built and sponsored by Rick Jones. Officially it was the first Ford door car to go 200 mph. 4. I was still using old engines, the Kaase Monolith 675 Ford Boss hemi and the Jim Ehlen 666 we called Damian! And it ran high 6 second runs, still on a basic same Fogger system. But I was now hitting nitrous right after the launch. Better late than never, August of 91 we put a new Kaase 698” beast in the Probe. We won a third championship with Probe with the USSC. That made 5 championships for me altogether. In 92, came the fabulous Haas Thunderbird Super Coupe we named Wunder Bird! We set many records and won many races. With son in law Doug Fennell’s awesome design and paint job, it won IHRA Best Appearing/Engineering two years in a row. Which was unheard of. With this car we used nitrous on the launch, and a second system @ .5 second timer , producing 1800/2000 hp. Running 6 sec/200 +mph runs at will. Ronnie Sox, Wane Torkelson and I, swapped records of quickest Ford door slammers on the earth for several years. Well, it seems I am getting ahead of myself. My next chapter about my Pro Modified years will be my next article. Written by ANIMAL JIM FEURER. MAY GOD KEEP YA ALL.

The History of the Hill-Boys' 1953 Studebaker Champion”

By HEMI-ROID • June 4, 2024

The year was 1961, and Don Hill bought the 1953 Studebaker as a parts car to his street 53 Studebaker. After pilfering all the parts Don needed off the Studebaker, one sunny summer day in 1963 Don and the family were having a picnic at their house in Ballwin Missouri. Don’s brother Jack Hill was there and the two of them were playing horseshoes and Jack made a bet with Don that if he threw the next horseshoe as a ringer Don would have to sell the Studebaker parts car for $25.00. Well Jack did just that and handed over the $25.00 to his older brother Don. You see Don and Jack Hill were not just brothers, they were also a team together as the Hill-Boys racing team out of the Midwest. After the second world war, the two of them started racing an open wheel stock car. The Hill-Boys were known coast to coast on dirt tracks and later, asphalt tracks as fierce competitors. It was their way of life. In 1963 by now they both were not racing open wheel cars anymore and Jack had the need to play around with the 1953 Studebaker that he had just bought from Don. Jack decided to put a 392 Chrysler Hemi with two four barrels, 727 torque flight transmission that all was put into the stock Studebaker chassis. Custom headers, Olds rear-end, ladder bars and a 4-point roll cage were added. The car was now ready to race, and the year was 1964. After a few runs the Studebaker took a back seat to work. Just a few years earlier Jack started a company called Precision Rebuilders which is still in operation today. In 1972 Jack gave the car to his son Mike Hill on his 16th birthday. The car sat around for a few years and in 1979 Don’s son Butch Hill and Mike became partners/owners in the Studebaker. In 1990 Butch decided to sell out to Mike to build a 1939 Ford Coupe so they could go racing together. In the late 80s during a race in Wentzville, Mo at MAR raceway, the Studebaker was having trouble creating real horsepower. Don Garlits was at this race and took a liking to the car and within one hour after sitting down with Big Daddy he spelled out all the tricks to make the Hemi perform like it should. In 1992 the car was chopped. Later in 92 Jack Hill lost his battle with cancer. In 1994 both Mike and Butch willed their cars to one another to make sure they stay in the Hill family. In 1995 Golden Hawk fins were added to the car. 1997 came along a new paint scheme from red to the Blue/Purple with flames. In 2006 the car was awarded Dupont’s paint of the year. In 2007 Don Hill lost his life to a stroke and in 2009 Mike Hill lost his 4-year battle with cancer. In 2012 Butch Hill willed the Studebaker to his children Cameron and Caitlin Hill to once again keep it in the family. Today Butch Hill is still racing the car in the Nostalgia Drag Racing League (NDRL). And the car is considered the World’s quickest all steel 1953 Studebaker. The car weighs 3,200 pounds and is still running a 392 Hemi. Although it does not run a steel block anymore, the aluminum Donovan motor from the 60s puts out 1,100 hp and 1,092-foot pounds of torque. Sitting on top of that Donovan is a 671 blower with a 4 port Hilborn injection running on alcohol. The car is still running a 727-torque flight, Ford 9” rear end with 4.10 gears and believe it or not, it is still running the same latter bars that were built in 1963. No electronics other than a trans button. Even though this car looks like it is a fiberglass car going 250 mph setting still. This car is truly old school in its body and power plant. The body is original Studebaker steel even down to the door hinges and steel chrome bumpers. .

NITRO CHAOS RETURNS TO ILLINOIS

May 6, 2024

By this point of the 2024 season, you can rest assured a heated points battle will be underway and it will all conclude with a return for the CHAOS brand to Midstate Dragway, formally Central Illinois Dragway, in Havana, Illinois for the Nitro Chaos Championship Finals, September 20-21st. CID was one of the original host tracks for Funny Car Chaos dating back to 2018 and after recent ownership and management changes, is very excited to welcome the CHAOS back to Havana to crown the 2024 Nitro Chaos Champion! This will be the largest gathering of nitro burning drag racing machines in track history, we assure you that.