Cars We Remember: Reader wants to be a drag racer
Q: Greg, I just saw that you and your son won a Pro drag race at an IHRA drag strip in New York. I want to be a drag racer and will soon have my driver license. Can you give me some pointers?
— Tom D., ready to race in Pennsylvania.
A: Tom thanks for noticing. My son, Tim, won that race at Skyview Drags in Tioga Center, New York, in the sportsman bracket Pro class, not to be confused with the very expensive and national touring professional Pro Stock class NHRA and IHRA racing.
I advise you start by learning the ropes of drag racing at your area track's "Test & Tune" events, which are basically test sessions allowing upcoming racers to learn how to drag race in a non-competition environment. These test and tune events are open to the public and you can drive your street car down the track as many times as you wish to learn the starting line procedures.
Both IHRA and NHRA drag racing organizations offer weekly "learning curve" events, so check the schedules of the tracks closest to home. Also, the officials will gladly explain all starting line procedures, so don't be hesitant. You can also find much information online about bracket racing procedures and opportunities so check the racing sites.
Once you're ready, start racing in the Street classes where you can race your street car against similar entries. Remember that practice makes perfect and the first driving tip I'll give is if you wait for the green light to come on, you're going to lose. (You'll figure it out as reaction time is the key to winning … leave on the last yellow).
Following this driving indoctrination, if you are still serious about Pro and Super Pro sportsman class racing, consider buying a good, used race car instead of spending countless thousands trying to turn your street car into a "real race car." Of course, you'll also need a trailer and tow truck, so be prepared to enter a sport that regardless of class does take money to make it happen.
Additionally, if you can afford to go to one of the drag racing schools that circumvent the country, like Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School or Roy Hill's Drag Racing School (I attended both during my career) you'll learn in real race cars from the pros the right and wrong way to race.
Good luck and remember drag racing is for the track, and never the highway.
Thunderbird Roadster information
Q: Hi Greg. In response to your articles on the 1962 Ford Thunderbird Roadster that appeared, perhaps my letter will clear up any misconceptions owners of such cars might have about roadsters and the regular Thunderbird convertible.
For 1962, the "Sports Roadster" had its own model number and is easily identified from the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or serial number plate. A "Sports Roadster" is a model "89," and will appear in the cars VIN, i.e.: 24892123456 as an example. So, the number 89 in the VIN is the clue to the Sports Roadster identity. A regular Thunderbird Convertible is a model number "85" as opposed to "89."
When these cars were popular, all of the parts to "make your own" Sports Roadster were readily available. However, you could not modify the car's serial number. Also note that a rare engine was also available in a limited production run, called the "M" code. If you had the "M" in the VIN number, your Thunderbird came with a tri-power 3x2 carburetor setup.
I really enjoy reading your columns, and am writing this letter not to criticize any owners who might think they own a real Sports Roadster when in reality they own a regular convertible that was turned into a Sports Roadster. Thank you for your time.
— James N., Caldwell, Ohio.
A: Thanks much James for your letter and nice comments. This letter officially closes the door on our Thunderbird Sports Roadster columns, which received many letters like yours.
Quick question, quick answer
Q: Greg, with all the summer car shows going on, I feel the car hobby is really growing. I see more and more cars at these shows than ever before. Why is this happening? Thanks.
— Harry B., Troy, Pennsylvania.
A: Harry, I feel it's because people of all ages can spend a wonderful day together in a classic car environment with friends and family. Also, the baby-boomers are a pretty big slice of the car hobby pie, and they just love those golden days of muscle cars, station wagons and sports car from 1962 to 1972. Further, they don't mind spending their retirement monies on a hobby they all love.
— Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now, BestRide.com and other Gatehouse Media publications. He welcomes reader questions on old cars, auto nostalgia and old-time motorsports at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, Pennsylvania 18840 or at greg@gregzyla.com.