3rd Annual NMRA/NMCA Shootout
For many Ford racers, there's a certain amount of pleasure in putting a rival GM or Mopar drag racer on the trailer at the end of a round. For those died-in-the-wool Ford types, there's no better pleasure than crossing the stripe at the end of the 1,320 a car length ahead of that Camaro or Challenger. Heads-up Ford drag racing, while one of the hottest venues around for Mustang guys (and really, any Ford-powered car), doesn't give that same taste of celebratory satisfaction when waxing a like-minded Ford racer-not that it still isn't a heck of a lot of fun and offers some great bragging rights.
ProMedia Publishing, owners of the NMRA racing series, also owns the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA). Three years ago the idea was hatched to run the two series together at one venue, where the winners of each NMRA and NMCA class would compete against each other in a final round of racing on Sunday. This new event was called the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing. Sponsored by Motive Gear and presented by Nitto Tire, the event draws a huge crowd of racers, car show attendees, vendors, and spectators at the famous Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. Our NMRA lensman, Paul Rosner, was once again at the ready and got us some great event coverage. Check out the photos here and be sure to attend an NMRA and NMCA event at a venue near you. You'll find the full schedule for their respective series at www.nmradigital.com and www.nmcadigital.com.
Typical summer weather is always a factor with drag racing, especially during an event that's run on such a tight schedule as this one. Rain showers delayed some of the proceedings, but the decision to cut qualifying from three rounds to two, plus the fantastic track prep after each cloud burst and the cooperation of all the racers, allowed the weekend to culminate smoothly. | 
The show field was chock full of drag-oriented cars, and one that really made us do a double take was the sano-clean '92 hatch of Phil Pulo. Phil's single turbo-powered Mustang featured custom paint, a completely smoothed and painted engine compartment, and more. Phil not only collected a Top 20 Ford award on Sunday, but also had to fold down the rear seats to carry the huge Best of Show trophy home. | 
This Fox notch may have been taking it easy in the show field, but it was certainly loaded for bear to tackle the quarter-mile, too, with a Vortech blown, aluminum-headed small-block sitting on full race slicks. If that's not enough to tackle all comers, there's a bit of squeeze on board, courtesy of the Zex nozzle-based wet kit. |
Who says you can't have power and luxury wrapped up in your custom ride? Bill Matchus, of New Lennox, Illinois, says it's easy when you're rolling in a Lincoln Mark VII LSC. Matchus' '89 Lincoln Mk VII rides on 18-inch Cobra R wheels with a fresh 5.0L underhood, built by Bill himself. The custom Dark Titanium Pearl finish was applied by New Lennox Autobody. Bill took home a Top 20 Ford award on Sunday for his efforts. | 
Dan Kobe didn't have far to cruise in his '70 T-bird since he lives right in Joliet, Illinois, proper. His Powder Blue hardtop was looking perfect all weekend, too. The 'Bird is powered by a 429 and features power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. Check out the body-colored, full-wheel covers-it has been a while since we've seen that kind of styling. Dan's T-bird garnered Second Place in the Best Thunderbird class on Sunday. |  |
John Palanchar, of Manhattan, Illinois, is a mechanic by trade, which certainly must make taking care of his '68 Torino GT that much easier. The Wimbledon white beauty is powered by the venerable 390 FE backed by a Top Loader four-speed and a 3.50-geared 9-inch. When we asked John about power-adders, he simply answered, "my right foot." That's our kind of Ford owner! John's Torino captured a Top 20 Ford award and a First Place for Best Fullsize Ford during Sunday's show. | 
There's no denying that a '69 SportsRoof's profile just oozes muscle, and nothing says classic muscle more than a SportsRoof Mustang wearing Radial T/As on a set of five-slot mags. Of course the shiny bits underhood, including the polished brass radiator top tank, and the shaker poking through the hood can't hurt its muscle car credibility, either. | |