South East Gasser Association

[asphaltgambler]

There is a relatively new 'group’ of nostalgia drag racing enthusiasts who have spawned an entire new series of drag racing. It initially started out with 3 classes; A/G = A gas, B/G and C/G. What makes these guys different is that all cars, equipment, technology can be no newer than 1967. Also the rules remain unchanged from NHRA spec in 1967.

I've been following these guys for some time now, and saw the series in person in Radford VA at the local Motor Mile Dragway. They are unbelievably fast, ultra competitive. This ain't your grandma's car show/ drags, I promise. Some are well funded, others arrive behind a pick-up on an open trailer with only the wife helping.

They run 1/8 mile, no time clocks and have to run fast enough to qualify for their class. How fast you ask? A competitive C/G car needs to be in the 5.80's................

[masraum]

Very cool. Modern peak technology with loads of money thrown at it is impressive with what it can do, but I find the old stuff, whether it's sports cars, F1, drag cars, whatever more entertaining.

[asphaltgambler]

BTW, all 4- speeds only with slight weight break if you run period correct mechanical fuel injection

[asphaltgambler]

The Dixie Twister above, is one of a handful of ‘64 Chevy II’s with a fiberglass roof replica as of a yet released to the public AMC Marlin. First few cars were initially an attempt from GM, through a separate shop, to go road racing, believe it or not. The SCCA disallowed them because of hand built / non production status. The cars weren’t successful at all anyway and all were sold to drag racers

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

BTW, all 4- speeds only with slight weight break if you run period correct mechanical fuel injection

By '67 almost all the gassers were running Hydramatics. I guess a 4 speed would help keep the cost down. Don't know if anyone even builds Hydramatics for drag racing anymore.

[astrochex]

What a great idea!

I presume helmets, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment has to meet current regs?

[ckelly78z]

They all have hand painted graphics, and sponsor ads as well, which just adds to the vintage feel. I have always loved the hiked up straight axle gassers.

[asphaltgambler]

Im not sure about that unless we’re talking about AA/G, or blown / injected on gas. A/FC, A-altered wheel base/ FX - factory experimental would have started using automatics possibly by then. The Dixie Twister is a A/FX car, on gas running injection, with a 4-speed as campaigned in its day.

[asphaltgambler]

Yes all the cars have the minimum safety requirements....for that era

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Im not sure about that unless we’re talking about AA/G, or blown / injected on gas. A/FC, A-altered wheel base/ FX - factory experimental would have started using automatics possibly by then. The Dixie Twister is a A/FX car, on gas running injection, with a 4-speed as campaigned in its day.

I'm not sure about the lower classes. I know my friend used a Hydramatic in his A/G in the late '50s and changed to a Factory built C-6 in '67 or so. By the time the FX classes came along the 4 speed Hydramatic was out of production, and using an obsolete transmission on a "factory experimental" car didn't make a lot of sense, so they used 4-speed manuals.

Whatever - the important point is how cool it is that these guys are doing this. More power to them!!

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Yes all the cars have the minimum safety requirements....for that era

I would have guessed that roll bars/cages/harnesses and fire suppression regs would have been some of the few exceptions. For instance (and I know I'm being ridiculous), tires dated <'67 would just not be acceptable.

I wish INDY Car would do the same.

[asphaltgambler]

Speaking of the Dixie Twister, he was doing exhibition runs as there was only 1 other car in that class, and doing a John Force style 3rd gear 1/2 track burnout - just about wadded it up. He started to loose it with a lot of wheel speed, crossed it up, stopped @1” from hitting the concrete barrier!

[Norm K]

Tough to tell from the photos: are there many young guys involved in this or will it all be over in a few years?

_

[nota]

gas vs M/P vs altered
A B or C was weight/displacement ratio

altered cars could move the motor freely cut frame longer or shorter and use any custom motor and fuel [nitro] plus superchargers
also same class rules limited to alcohol

gas could swap built motors but were limited to 10% rearward placement and limited to GASoline
superchargers legal

M/P had to use same brand motor in the same place ? but allowed mods inc head work cams intake carbs no superchargers or fuel or NOX aka hopped up stock

NHRA LEGAL STOCK class had lots of legal mods like headers traction bars jacked stance ect

[nota]

when I think GAS class 67 car
I see a 1940 willys car not a jeep
with a blown hemi

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=1940+willys+car

[asphaltgambler]

It's a great mix of both young, mid-century and a few old dudes. There were two older guys running S/S = Super Stock, one in his 70's and the other 81. ALL had 4-speeds as I believe that is a requirement in all SEGA classes.

There are loads of videos on UT, BTW

[asphaltgambler]

[ckelly78z]

Ain't nothing wrong with the chrome gogo boots, and short dresses either !

[pwd72s]

Love the noise...

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

Ain't nothing wrong with the chrome gogo boots, and short dresses either !

Gotta agree...but none of 'em Jungle Pam...