Drag Drive Repeat Show Episode 77 Recap
In the latest episode of the Drag Drive Repeat Show, presented by Summit Racing, the excitement was palpable as hosts Mike Narx and Eric White delved into the upcoming Havlik Street Car Shootout Tribute Race. With competitors gearing up for the event, this episode offered an in-depth preview, along with a look at the top racers in the Drag and Drive community.
Havlik Street Car Shootout Tribute Race - A Must-See Event
Mike and Eric wasted no time diving into the details of the upcoming Havlik Street Car Shootout, scheduled for August 9-10 at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa.
Event Overview
Event Date: August 9-10, 2024
Location: Tri-State Raceway, Earlville, Iowa
Historical Significance: This race pays tribute to the original Fastest Street Car Shootout events that laid the groundwork for today’s drag-and-drive competitions.
The hosts emphasized the unique features of Tri-State Raceway, describing it as a track that offers great viewing angles thanks to its elevated berms, making it a photographer’s dream. Eric, who will be attending as a photographer, expressed his excitement about capturing the action.
Key Competitors to Watch
The Havlik Street Car Shootout Tribute Race has drawn 450 of the most dedicated and skilled racers in the community, including several well-known names:
Jason Hurley (Meltdown Firebird): A fan favorite, Jason’s Firebird is always a top performer, and he’s expected to be a strong competitor in this shootout.
Royce Patton (Nightmare Mustang): With his Mustang already making waves in previous events, Royce is another name to keep an eye on.
Tina and Dave Pierce (twin turbo LS Nova): This powerhouse couple is bringing their iconic Nova, which has been a force in multiple drag-and-drive events.
Brian Havlik (’55 Chevy): Although it’s uncertain if Brian will be racing his own car, his involvement in the event is significant, given that this tribute race honors the early days of the sport.
Spectator Experience
For those attending the Havlik Fastest Street Car Shootout, the experience promises to be unforgettable. With this list of racers, the action will be non-stop, and the atmosphere will be electric. The event is also a fantastic opportunity for fans to meet their favorite drivers, see some of the most iconic cars in the drag-and-drive world, and enjoy a weekend of high-octane fun.
Special Guests: Rodney Hardner and Ed Hohenberg
Rodney Hardner: A Racer’s Resilience
Rodney Hardner is no stranger to the drag-and-drive world, having participated in numerous events over the years. Known for his meticulous preparation and relentless pursuit of improvement, Rodney shared some of his most memorable experiences from past races.
Event History: Rodney has competed in over a dozen drag-and-drive events, including multiple appearances at Rocky Mountain Race Week and Miles of Mayhem.
Current Vehicle: Rodney’s primary race car is a 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente, powered by a 427 FE engine with dual carburetors. The car is a classic representation of American muscle and has been through numerous modifications to keep it competitive.
Performance Numbers: The Comet has run consistent 10-second passes in the quarter-mile, with a best time of 10.20 seconds at 130 mph.
Challenges Faced: During the Miles of Mayhem event, Rodney encountered a significant challenge when his transmission oil cooler, a makeshift solution made from copper piping and eavestroughing, failed. This led to a series of creative fixes,highlighting Rodney’s ability to adapt and overcome mechanical issues on the fly..
Ed Hohenberg: The Technical Tactician
Ed Hohenberg, like Rodney, is deeply entrenched in the drag-and-drive scene, with a reputation for his technical expertise and methodical approach to racing. Ed’s background in engineering has allowed him to push the boundaries of what’s possible with his vehicles, making him a respected figure in the community.
Event History: Ed has been involved in drag-and-drive events since 2015, with notable performances at Drag Week, Rocky Mountain Race Week, and Sick Week. He is also a frequent participant in Canadian events like Miles of Mayhem.
Current Vehicle: Ed’s current project is a 1968 Envoy Epic, a rare Canadian-only vehicle, which he is transforming into a small-tire car with a twin-turbo LS2 engine. The car is expected to weigh around 2,300 pounds and has the potential to run 8-second quarter-mile times once completed.
Past Accomplishments: Ed’s 1970 Pontiac GTO is a standout vehicle in his collection. The GTO, with its 455-cubic-inch engine and custom modifications, has run a best time of 11.20 seconds at 122 mph. Despite being a full-weight street car with no roll cage, the GTO has consistently performed at a high level in drag-and-drive events.
Innovative Solutions: During Drag Week 2017, Ed’s GTO encountered a serious challenge when the Detroit Locker in the rear end failed. Undeterred, Ed, working alone due to being in impound, replaced the gears and the spool on-site, ensuring he could continue the competition. His ability to problem-solve under pressure is a testament to his deep technical knowledge and racing experience.
Top 10 Drag and Drive World Champion Points Holders
As part of the episode, the hosts reviewed the current standings in the Drag and Drive World Champion points race. The top 10 racers were discussed in detail, with a particular focus on the close competition at the top of the leaderboard.
Bryant Goldstone leads with 116 points, having won his class at all three national events he entered this year.
Randy Seward is in second place with 73 points, followed closely by Brian Acton and Guy Protano, who are tied for third with 72 points each.
The race for the 8.50 Championship is particularly intense, with just a single point separating the top competitors. The upcoming events, including Drag Week, Race Week and the Redwood Rally, will be crucial in determining the final standings.
As of the latest update, here are the top 10 racers in the Drag and Drive World Champion points standings:
Bryant Goldstone - 116 Points
Achievements: Bryant Goldstone is the clear leader in the points race, having dominated the season so far. He has competed in three national events, winning his class at all three and setting records at two of them. His 6-second, twin-turbo AMC Javelin has been unstoppable, making him the man to beat.
Best Time: 6.87 seconds at 210 mph
Next Event: Expected to compete in Drag Week 2024
Randy Seward - 73 Points
Achievements: Randy Seward is in a strong second place, just 1 point ahead of two competitors. He set the record in the 275 Street Race class at Sick Week 2024, which gave him a crucial bonus point, putting him ahead of the pack.
Best Time: Sick Week 275 Street Race - 8.5124 Avg
Next Event: Drag Week 2024, where he plans to defend his position
Brian Acton - 72 Points (Tie)
Achievements: Tied for third, Brian Acton has performed incredibly well throughout the season. Although he hasn’t set any records, his class wins at Sick Week and Six Summer have kept him in the top three. He has also won two regional event classes, The Circuit and Drop the Hammer.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 8.5230 and Sick Summer Avg ET: 8.5234
Next Event: Drag Week 2024
Guy Protano - 72 Points (Tie)
Achievements: Also tied for third, Guy Protano has been a consistent performer. His participation in multiple events has earned him valuable points, keeping him within striking distance of the top spot.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 8.6542
Next Event: Considering entry in Drag Week 2024
Brett LaSala - 70 Points
Achievements: Brett LaSala is the only competitor to have competed in two different cars this season, showcasing his versatility. Despite the challenges of switching vehicles, he has managed to stay in the top five.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 6.3402 Seconds
Next Event: Hot Rod Drag Week was a conversation topic in Drag Drive Repeat Show EP 71!
Alex Taylor - 69 Points
Achievements: Alex Taylor, a fan favorite and the Fastest Female in Drag and Drive, has been steadily at the front of her class. Her ability to consistently hit her marks has kept her in the top six.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 6.971 seconds
Next Event: Will we see her at Drag Week 2024?
Jason Pickett - 68 Points
Achievements: Jason Picket’s no-nonsense approach to racing has earned him a spot in the top 10. He’s known for his consistency and precision, qualities that have kept him in contention all season.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 8.1592 Seconds
Rajveer Ahuja - 67 Points (Tie)
Achievements: Rajveer Ahuja is one of three competitors tied with 67 points. His ability to adapt to different tracks and conditions has been key to his success this season.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 9.757 Seconds
Tim Blythe - 67 Points (Tie)
Achievements: Tim Blythe, who has been a consistent performer throughout the season, has overcome adversity to complete two events. His fan favorite Triumph Spitfire is amazing and this #powercouple doesn’t know how to do anything but succeed!
Best Time: Sick Summer Avg ET: 8.312 Seconds
David Diehl - 63 Points
Achievements: The Diehl Brothers are as competitive as they come and breaking into the Top 10 is a well deserved checkmark for their board of accomplishments! Having finished TWO National Events in the 7s is astonishing, and they are just getting started.
Best Time: Sick Week Avg ET: 7.768 Seconds
As the season approaches the “second half”, we are intently watching the standings that’ll come from the Hot Rod Drag Week, Redwood Rally and Race Week stack of events! The week following those will see a HUGE Shake-up in these points and the Championship chases for Drag and Drive World Champion, 8.50 and 10.00 Points Champions!
Good luck to all of the racers, let us know which event you are attending in the coming months!
Key Discussion Points
Pontiac Revival: Bringing Back the Muscle
One of the most entertaining segments of the episode was the discussion about which discontinued car models should be revived. The audience was invited to share their thoughts, and Mike led the conversation with a compelling case for Pontiac, a brand that once epitomized American muscle.
Mike’s Choice: Mike advocated for the return of Pontiac, particularly the Firebird and Bonneville models. He argued that Pontiac could be a great performance brand for GM if revived, with the potential to introduce modern versions of these iconic cars that blend classic muscle with contemporary technology.
Pontiac Firebird: The Firebird, especially the Trans Am, is one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. Mike suggested that a modern Firebird could be a fierce competitor in today’s market, appealing to both nostalgic car enthusiasts and new generations of drivers.
Pontiac Bonneville: Mike also highlighted the Bonneville as a model that could return with a performance-oriented makeover. Originally known for its luxury and power, a new Bonneville could be positioned as a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive rival to luxury performance sedans.
Driven Racing Oil Updates: Exciting Events on the Horizon
The hosts also turned their attention to upcoming events sponsored by Driven Racing Oil, highlighting some of the most anticipated races and competitions on the calendar.
Sick Powerfest: Set to take place soon, Sick Powerfest is one of the most talked-about events in the drag-and-drive community. The event will feature everything from burnout competitions to Dodge Demon 170 drag pass ride-alongs.
Burnout Competition: The Sick Powerfest will host the Burnout competition, which is expected to be a crowd favorite. This competition will feature top burnout cars, including international stars from Australia.
Dodge Demon 170 Ride-Alongs: Attendees will have the chance to experience the raw power of the Dodge Demon 170 with professional drivers offering drag pass ride-alongs.
Purse: The event boasts a $25,000 purse for the burnout competition, making it one of the most lucrative and competitive burnouts of the year.
Australians at Hops and Horsepower: The Australian contingent at the Hops and Horsepower event has generated significant excitement. The event, which includes some of the most famous burnout cars from Australia, promises to deliver a high-octane spectacle.
Key Competitors: Notable competitors include Kyle Douglas in the "Lucifer" Toyota Hilux and Craig Bailey, both of whom are renowned for their burnout prowess.
World Burnout Championship: The hosts mentioned that the Sick Powerfest event is part of the World Burnout Championship series, with participants vying for international recognition and $25,000 prize money.
Final Thoughts
This episode delivered a comprehensive and exciting look at the upcoming Havlik Street Car Shootout Tribute Race, along with insightful commentary on the current state of the drag-and-drive world. With major events on the horizon, the excitement in the drag-and-drive community is at an all-time high.
For those who missed the live broadcast, the full episode is available on YouTube, and you can catch up on all the latest drag-and-drive news and updates at Drag Drive Repeat.
Stay tuned for more thrilling coverage as we follow the racers on their journey through this season’s biggest events!
