> DRAG CHATTER

WEEK LINKS

DESPITE the not insignificant costs involved, the amount of Aussie racers getting serious about competing in Hot Rod Drag Week is increasing all the time. We know of at least three Drag Challenge regulars who are working towards entering the Us-based event either this year or next. Street Machine is also considering having a crack ourselves, if we can shake the cobwebs out of the boss’s wallet.

FAST FORDS

ADELAIDE seems to be producing quite a few fast Fords set to take on Drag Challenge. Steve Peters and his son Luke cruised out to the event last year in Steve’s XY for a bit of recon. We last saw the XY as a feature car back in SM, Nov ’07 (that’s Steve, a much-younger Luke and sister Jasmine pictured below!). The Fairmont was Vortech-blown 351-powered at that stage, but now runs a roller-cammed 402-cube Windsor assisted by two 66mm turbos and a pair of 50mm Turbosmart Pro-gates. “So far the XY has gone 10.1@110mph,” says Luke. “That was shutting off at the 1000-foot mark, with a 1.7-second 60-foot time. Dad is just testing at this stage as he needs a rollcage before he can go quicker.” Luke has his own car on the go – a mini-tubbed Capri on leaf springs and 255 radials. Luke plans to get it running this year with a 550hp aspo Windsor – and then fit twin turbos and take on DC in the future.

WANNA GO?

IF you are keen on entering either our Drag Challenge Weekend or Street Machine Drag Challenge proper, the first step is to send us an email with photos and some basic info on your car, plus your contact details. Then we’ll put you in our database and you’ll get information and entry details as they come to hand. Send to: streetmachine@bauertrader.com.au.