Sending you off into the weekend

With the weekend on our doorstep I am sending you off with a couple of bite sizes pieces.

The first comes from Haskett Bros. Racing who are always happy to share great pictures and insights into their alcohol powered Funny Car. On the right one can appreciate the beauty of the alcohol blown engine, which powers one of the fastest sanctioned categories of drag racing with speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour. This beast of an engine is loosely based on the second generation Chrysler 426 Hemi "Elephant Engine" made from 1964 and 1971. Besides the roots type supercharger, these engine derive their shear horsepower from its fuel system which can funnel some 57 liters of alcohol in a single run (starting, burnout, backing up, 1/4 mile). A ballistic blanket (Stroud) covers the supercharger since this part of the engine is prone to massive explosions.

The second is this Sunday's Formula One race at the wonderful city of Montreal. This will mark the first race for rookie sensation Max Verstappen after his ill-fated Senna-esque "going for the opening" move at Monte Carlo. There has been a lot of negative remarks about his aggressive over taking maneuver, which I applaud, but he has not backed down from his initial position, which is "if I see an opening, I am going for it". Hopefully he will keep driving like that and bring some much needed action to the troubled sport. So looking forward to the seventh round of the 2015 Formula World Championship.

Photo credit: Hasket Bros. Racing, Noble F1

Sexiest in Drag Racing

In Drag Racing there isn't anything sexier than a Funny Car without its body, or in other words, a naked Funny Car.

Just look at the photo below of the Haskett Bros funny car. Everything is exposed and one can appreciate all that makes this machinery work. From the huge blower sitting on top of the engine, to the two magnetos that when fully activated make an earthquake jealous. The downwards swooping headers shows one to where the body extends when on the chassis. And the seating position right between the tires is unlike any other from of professional drag racing, let alone the fact that its behind a bad humored engine, which occasionally can explode into a ball of fire literally taking the driver for a hot ride!

Haskett Bros funny car chassis (click to enlarge)

Have a pleasant and safe holiday.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Joshua Haskett.

And we have touchdown!

This picture of pro mod driver Chip King at Englishtown reminded me of the space shuttle touching down at Kennedy Space Center. 

And just a few days after I initially drafted this piece, Haskett Bros. Racing posted similar photo on Facebook, which I just could not deprive you off. The second picture below is of Todd Lesenko driving Jim Dunn's Funny car.

So graceful, yet so dangerous, is the job of both driver and pilot [of the now retired flying brick]. Ok, that might be a stretch but you can't deny the similarity in the pictures.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Mark Rebilas, second photograph right's owner unknown, scenic reflections.com