If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

1 hit Friday and another Saturday. Run Sunday if we qualify.

Serious question.

Curious how many would be interested. Yes, you'd have to pay to earn your license too.

Anybody interested?

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Yeah sure I mean its not a very hard car to drive... 10,000 IBS of downforce and stand on gas steer throw chutes its not that hard..... personally I would rather race a Nostalgia Top Fuel car much more exciting!!!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Sure. I'd even take less than that.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

World of Outlaws sprint car such as Swindell or Kinser: Top fuel on dirt.

Just a few laps please. Oh, I'll probably kill myself, but damm! What a nasty, violent piece of machinery.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I bet I would have to pay for the extra leg, hip, shoulder, and extended sitting height room. Would I be on Delta or American?

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

if i had that kind of disposable income, sure why not!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I don't think that's unreasonable. Would the car have a real shot at qualifying?

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Depends. If it's the US Nationals ......... no. Because you're going against cars that cost $20k PER RUN.

But if 18 cars show up then yes, it has a good chance of making the field. And with most fields only having 18 or less cars then we know we have a good shot at qualifying.

The 'show up' money is what makes it feasible for us. $10k to qualify, $7,500 to 17 & 18, $6,500 to 19 & 20.

But we can't operate on that alone. Like your cars, these things run on money. The fuel is about $30 a gallon and we use 1 gallon per 15 seconds at idle. So just a warmup for us is around $200 in fuel alone.

The licensing is what will really set you back. $25k to attempt it and that doesn't come with any guarantees. So it may take 2 separate trips. And you still have to show us and NHRA that you can handle it. A small error turns into a big one with this power and speed ........ but of course you guys already know this.

We're trying to plan for 2021. And I kinda figured there may be a few on this board who just may want to talk more about it. I respect the total crap out of every single one of you. You guys are die hard. I love class racing. And running a St/SS car isn't cheap, especially when you're attending 8 races and chasing points. But with the rigs some of you guys roll in I know enough to know some of you have a few coins to rub together. And some of you have serious contacts or businesses.

So I figured, "What the heck? Why not ask the Stock / Super Stock guys if they're interested?" I thought worse case scenario you tell me to fly a kite. Best case scenario it gets a few guys interested. Because we would only want to attend around 6 races a year. All of which have low car counts simply because we really need that $10k vs $7,500.

And Larry Hill - we can make room for you ;-) And we'd be honored to have Mrs. Patty take photos. But you'd have to bend over a lot for the photos with the little ones!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I'd give that serious thought, although having to double it (or more) for licensing would put it out of reach. I completely understand that those prices are very reasonable.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

How much would it cost to get licensed in the car, say the day after a national event you were attending?

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Excellent question. Since we would already have the crew there it would DRASTICALLY reduce the cost to license.

I'd guess around $12k for 3 hits on Monday. Bear in mind 2 of those 3 hits would need to be solid runs (4.30 or quicker and 250+ MPH). So don't expect perfection. It's rare someone licenses their first time out unless you're paying $60k - 75k to one of the big league teams.

But there probably won't be any testing after a national in 2020 since the Safety Safari needs to haul butt to the next event since so many races are stacked on top of one another.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

No Dad, Miss Autumn does not need to go that fast!!! Go wash your mouth out with soap, young man.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Do you folks use PO the help the nitro get started. In toy airplanes at 70% or above we would use a little PO to get it to light. We found the clear nitro was slightly faster that the yellow stuff.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I'm actually not even sure what PO is. Sorry.

We actually use 87 octane gasoline. When you see the squirt bottle it's simply squirting the gas into the injector. Then when we're spinning the motor we're simply squirting more gasoline into it as the fuel pump is being turned completely on. You'll hear it first start on gas and then you'll hear the sound change. That change is the nitro now being lit. Once it lights on nitro we stop feeding it gas and then lower the pump volume (gallons per minute) to where we want it and adjust the idle. When both numbers are where we want them we pull the pump wide open to do a burnout.

The driver then trims the pump back after the burnout and doesn't put it wide open again until both top bulbs are lit.

And Larry - You're probably not going to remember this. But back in 2017 you let my 4 year old son sit in your Cuda at Bolling Green during the SportsNationals. It was his first drag race. He's now 7 and still talks about it.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

When the kids set in the car they really enjoy the moment along with the parents. It gives Patsy and myself another reason to smile at the races. We have never had a bad experience with anyone setting in the car, they sure can't touch the peddels and the master is off. My favorite was a small boy that had to stand between the seat and the wheel, and he drove it like a boat. I don't win very often, but we all win when a child has a good memorable experience.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Larry as a kid we had a guy named Conrad Furrows in our town. He was suppose to at that time be one of the tallest guys in the world. He would drive his taxi cab from the back seat. Took the front seat right out of his car. Google him it's an interesting read. He lived in Westfield Ma. Barry

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

PO is propylene oxide. If I'm remembering correctly, PO, during combustion gives off free oxygen.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

It would not be a good idea for me.......
I can destroy the Guard Rail and Tree
With a 11 Second Truck Stocker!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Matt
I saw the thread and wondered. It is you.
Happy Easter. Hope you and your family are well, see you at the Gators.
Jim

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Looking forward to it Jim! And Happy Easter to you as well.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Let me jump in here ….There's a very small " CLICK " of drivers that have held an NHRA Top Fuel License and Stock Eliminator License at the same time . ... Come on in...!!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I only know of 1......

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Well MJ, there's a couple guys in Florida, including myself, a Mr. Don Garlits and maybe Dave Connelly. Then there's a nice looking young lady from Arizona, Leah Pruett. Could be more …..but not many.... Someone needs to step up (dip into their 401k), and take Matt up on this offer! Then report back on how easy these things are to drive !

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Realize the Professor was talking (“ Ray Charles could drive one”) about FC but wouldn’t it apply equally to TF?

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I think maybe Hawley's alcohol car then this would be a nice step.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

There is a lot of things that look easy when you are watching.......
I wouldn't drive a nitro car,even if I had the chance....I have no need or desire to go anywhere near that quick...
I thought it was crazy to get in a nitro car, until I watched T/F Harley from the stands...from water box they are wild, but when I saw them from stands,CRAZY
suicide bombers think T/F Harley riders are crazy..

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Agree..Best place to be when those things are on the track is way back in the S/SS pits.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Now that's funny right there

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Definitely a different skill set to run either car. While I'd love to do it I'd be out of money after getting my licence.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Only 2 things stop me from doing this:

1. I'm a brokeazz hilljack.
2. I'd soil myself as soon as the motor started.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

While the Top Fuel car would be interesting, I'd much rather drive a Pro Stocker...

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Yeah they are only 4 grand a pass LOL

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Nope. $10K for some WOT laps in a F1 car, F*** yeah! Granted, there is a 0% chance I would fit in any F1 car....

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I've sat in the car during a warmup at Brainerd. It's not that bad. Now of course I didn't stand on the gas for a launch!

Our TF is around $4,500 a pass if we don't hurt anything. Big teams are closer to $20k per pass but they also have a lot of personal, rigs, etc.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Before I die I want to drive a car as fast as it will go, preferably a 396/375, AA, A or B/SA Camaro.
Top Fuel is for Kitty Cats. Meow!

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

This is a dorky thing to say.. but it was cool to make a time run with you in Milan back in the early 2000's.. lol

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

This would have been my dream come true! I have always wanted to drive a Nitro car. Problem is I never had the money for anything like that. I would still do it now if I had the money.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

Circling back on this once again to see if anybody is interested.
I know the chances are slim, but it never hurts to at least ask.

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

GREAT WAY TO DIE YOUNG !:rolleyes:

Re: If you could pilot a TF for $10k a race, would you?
 

I would like to do this, but I’m pretty certain after one run the way I would drive the owner would give the $10,000.00 plus another ten not to drive again! There would be much damage!