Drag Drive Repeat Lights Up PRI 2024 Podcast: New Cars, Big Numbers, and Bigger Dreams
Drag Drive Repeat Lights Up PRI 2024 Podcast: New Cars, Big Numbers, and Bigger Dreams
The Drag Drive Repeat at PRI 2024 Podcast Livestream brought the drag and drive world into sharp focus, highlighting incredible stories, cutting-edge builds, and record-breaking performances. Hosted by Mike Narx and Eric White, the event featured insights from top racers, builders, and industry experts who are shaping the future of drag and drive racing.
Let’s dive into the key moments and standout figures that made this podcast unforgettable.
Key Highlights from the Podcast
Summit Racing’s Commitment to Drag and Drive Events
Tommy Dupree from Summit Racing shared how their operations have grown to meet racer demands:
85% parts coverage on Summit’s support trucks for drag and drive events, up from 50% in their first year.
Over 50 national events attended annually, including drag and drive showcases like Sick Week and Drag Week.
Tommy: “The goal is to ensure racers can finish—not just compete. We’ve learned so much from this community.”
Record-Setting Performances
Bryant Goldstone, a two-time Drag & Drive World Champion, recapped his 4,000-mile season across 19 days of racing:
Drove a 1973 AMC Javelin powered by a big-block Chevy engine.
Recorded 6-second quarter-mile passes on 17 out of 19 days, with a best of 6.40 seconds.
Unveiled his latest build, a 5-second capable 1953 Corvette, at the XS Power Booth.
Brian on the Corvette: “If it doesn’t go fives, we don’t know what we’re doing.”
8.50-Class Rivalries
Jay Blanchard, owner of Jay Wire Solutions, highlighted the intense competition in the 8.50-class:
Campaigning a 1970 Nova with an LS-based turbo combination.
Achieved perfect runs at Sick Week and Sick Summer, winning both events.
Narrowly missed first place at Drag Week, finishing 2nd by just five-thousandths of a second.
Jay: “Consistency is king in the 8.50-class. It’s about dialing it in perfectly every time.”
Drag and Drive Growth in 2024
The drag and drive scene continues to expand, with 37 events held globally, up from 27 in 2023.
Over 40 cars are now capable of 6-second quarter-mile passes, with 7 to 12 cars expected to hit the 5-second range in 2025.
Memorable Moments
Resilience on the Road
Bryant Goldstone recounted a grueling 40-hour repair to fix a blown head gasket:
Pulled the engine, drove 75 miles to a co-pilot’s machine shop, and reassembled it overnight.
Bryant: “The camaraderie is unmatched; racers helping each other is what makes this community special.”
Jay Blanchard shared the importance of cooling systems for streetability:
“If your car’s cooling system can’t drop temps, you’re setting yourself up for trouble on the road.”
Safety and Support
Summit Racing emphasized safety as a priority:
Tommy: “At Sick Week, we sold out of helmets on Day Zero because racers didn’t realize their gear was expired.”
Community Spirit
Host Mike Narx on drag and drive culture:
“This isn’t just racing; it’s a lifestyle. The roadside repairs, the camaraderie, and the stories are what make this sport special.”
Stats and Achievements
Bryant Goldstone:
4,000 miles driven, 19 days of racing, 6.40-second best pass.
New 1953 Corvette capable of 5-second quarter miles.
Jay Blanchard:
Two 8.50-class wins (Sick Week, Sick Summer).
Narrow 2nd place finish at Drag Week, just 0.005 seconds behind First Place.
Summit Racing:
85% parts coverage on trucks at events.
Over 50 events supported annually.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The panelists shared ambitious plans for the upcoming season:
Bryant Goldstone: Competing with the Javelin and debuting the Corvette.
Jay Blanchard: Returning to Sick Week, The Circuit, and exploring new builds.
Summit Racing: Expanding on-site support to regional events and continuing safety advocacy.
Final Thoughts
The PRI 2024 Podcast showcased the passion, innovation, and resilience of the drag and drive community. As the sport grows, so does its impact—bringing together racers, builders, and fans for unparalleled automotive experiences.
For more updates, visitdragdriverepeat.com and follow Drag Drive Repeat on social media. The journey to 2025 promises to be faster, fiercer, and more thrilling than ever!
