Ride-Along Video In a J/Stock Chevy II 4-Speed

[SuperStockDodge]

I have slowed the video down to the point that my computer almost crashes and i fail to see much movement on the left leg after the clutch is dropped on the starting line... LOL

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Maybe you blinked on gear changes and missed leg movement it's really quick even in slow mo.
Mike Taylor3601

[Mike Voth]

Of course he's moving his leg on the gear changes. The good ones move so fast, it's hard to see!!

[Evan Smith]

I've posted this before, but here it is again. In-car from my stocker.

[Larry Hill]

I have looked at all these videos and I can't see anyones left leg move, thats real "Slick" shifted.

[Jeff Lee]

Old men would use their entire leg to pound a 3400# clutch that's a dinosaur of days gone by. Today's clutches, especially like the Advanced Clutch used by James in his Chevy II here, only require a light tap on the pedal; a flick of the foot or even a tap with his big toe is adequate. Interrupting the clutch for a micro-second and very little movement is all that is required.
You would probably be able to see that action in the video if not for his right leg being in the way.
Now all of you Stock racers that rely on e-shift, compressed air or other means of shifting up a gear, you can relax now...

[Strittan]

I may have got things wrong, but I thought drag racers did not use the clutch while shifting. I thought that's why it seems they're pulling the stick so damn hard, and as mentioned it doesn't look like the guy in that Nova (or any other guy I've watched for that matter) moves his leg at all.

I get what you're saying Jeff, but I think you should see at least a trace of movement if he used the clutch.

I may still be wrong though...

[Harry 6674]

I know its not recommened but some people still shift against the rev limiter.

[Aaron Keown]

Very cool video,5 stars.

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by Strittan

I may have got things wrong, but I thought drag racers did not use the clutch while shifting. I thought that's why it seems they're pulling the stick so damn hard, and as mentioned it doesn't look like the guy in that Nova (or any other guy I've watched for that matter) moves his leg at all.

I get what you're saying Jeff, but I think you should see at least a trace of movement if he used the clutch.

I may still be wrong though...

James is amazingly quick with that heel / toe movement. Aren't any of you guys old enough to remember "Kung-**" with David Caradine? "Snatch the pebble from my hand and you may go" That took years of persistently hard work but finally little grasshopper was ready to leave.
The life long dedication and refinement of the art of shifting is demonstrated here for all the world to view. James has elevated his art to such a higher standard that many may not even recognize what they are witnessing. It's sad but it's just a fact of life that many can't appreciate what they are witnessing.