Liberty shifter

When is comes to the top echelon in drag racing, one of the things that separates the naturally aspirated drivers from the nitro-methane breathing pilots is that the former drive with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the shifter. Most often this is a Pistol Grip Manual Liberty 5 speed transmission, which is a clutch-less system designed to hold 3,500 HP. Below is a picture of this awesome piece of equipment that for me is still the driving force for rooting for doorslammers.

After each pass the transmission is unbolted from the titanium bell-housing and either moved back so that the twin disc clutch system can be serviced and finely adjusted, or if the transmission needs a change of gears, it's removed from the car completely.

To watch a Gray Motorsports video about the Liberty transmission, click here. Its shows what the typical pro stock team goes through between elimination rounds.


Source: Dragzine, Liberty High Performance Products, Inc.,
Photo credit: Dragzine

A picture is worth a 1000 words

Ferrari driver and former F1 world champion, Fernando Alonso, is on a roll this season, even though his rivals seem to have quicker cars. In the picture below, the Spaniard illustrates the difference between him and his rivals.

And, in drag racing, any time you see a picture like the one below, it can't possibly end well. And this one didn't either. Paul Pittman, who builds his own cars, lost it at the Bandimere Speedway last Sunday and crashed it hard during his first NHRA Pro Stock race. Fortunately, he build a strong chassis for he was able to walk away unhurt. For the full sequence of shots, please click here.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Totallycoolpictures, Mark Rebilas.