Havliks and Mopar Mayhem: Episode 78 at Drag Drive Repeat Show
In the fast-paced and tire-squealing world of drag and drive events, Episode 78 of the Drag Drive Repeat Show, presented by Summit Racing, was nothing short of exhilarating. This episode, hosted by Mike Narx and Eric White, brought together some of the most exciting moments from the automotive community, including a deep dive into the Mopar Nationals and a captivating segment with the Havliks, renowned for their dedication to drag racing history.
Mopar Nationals: A Stunt for the Ages
The Mopar Nationals brought a surge of adrenaline as Chris Wozniak from WAF-Racing recounted one of the most daring stunts ever witnessed in stunt car history. This stunt, which took place at the Mopar Nationals, was nothing short of spectacular, leaving both the live audience in awe.
Key Details from the Stunt:
The Jump: The stunt involved a Duke Boy-style car jump, where a General Lee replica was launched over 200 feet through the air. The scale of the jump was remarkable, with the car soaring high above the racetrack before making hard contact with the ground.
The Landing: The landing was as dramatic as the jump itself. The car came down hard, with the impact sending shockwaves through the crowd. The severity of the landing had many holding their breath, as it was clear the driver had taken a serious jolt upon touchdown.
Driver's Condition: Despite the rough landing, the driver emerged relatively unscathed. As reported during the show:
The driver experienced significant soreness and Whiplash from the impact.
Recovery is expected to take a couple of weeks, but the driver remained in high spirits, even joking with the ground crew afterward.
Stunt Vehicle Details:
Vehicle Type: The car used for the stunt was a replica of the General Lee driven by the Dukes of Hazzard mounted onto Ford Crown Victoria frame, retrofitted with new sheet metal provided by Auto Metal Direct (AMD).
Track Setup: The stunt was not a small-scale affair. The ramp used for the jump was set up directly on the racetrack, raising the stakes and making the stunt even more impressive. The setup was designed to maximize the height and distance of the jump, ensuring that it would be a memorable moment in Mopar Nationals history.
Impact on the Event:
Spectator Reaction: The crowd’s reaction was electric. From the moment the car left the ramp to the heart-stopping landing, the audience was fully engaged, cheering wildly as the dust settled.
Legacy: This stunt has cemented its place in Mopar Nationals lore, with many already discussing how it might be topped in future events.
The Havliks: Bringing History to Life
The Havliks took center stage to discuss their pivotal role in the Tribute Race, an event that honored the legacy of drag racing’s golden era. Known for their deep ties to the drag racing community, the Havliks not only participated in the event but were also instrumental in its organization, bringing together iconic cars, legendary racers, and a shared passion for speed.
Key Moments and Highlights from the Tribute Race:
Event Overview:
The Tribute Race was held in June 2024 and featured an impressive lineup of over historic competitors.
The event was designed to celebrate the history of drag racing by bringing back the cars and drivers who made the sport legendary in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Havliks’ Involvement:
The Havliks played a crucial role in organizing the event, working tirelessly to contact former drivers, track down iconic cars, and ensure everything was in place for a memorable race.
Their dedication was evident as they managed the logistics of coordinating so many participants, some of whom had not raced in years.
Anette Summer’s Comeback:
One of the standout stories from the Tribute Race was the return of Anette Summer with her legendary Camaro.
Anette’s car, which had been retired since 1996, was brought back to the track, much to the delight of fans and fellow racers.
Anette had been busy moving, building a new shop, and purchasing a Pro Mod car for Nostalgia racing, yet she made time to participate in this historic event.
Challenges and Thrills:
The Havliks discussed the significant challenges involved in getting some of these historic cars race-ready. Many of these vehicles had been sitting idle for decades, requiring extensive work to prepare them for the track.
Keith Roberts, a key figure in the drag racing community, played a monumental role by bringing four iconic cars to the race. These included the Purple Bertha and Scott Long’s cars, both of which had been in storage and required major overhauls to be track-ready.
Key Numbers: Keith Roberts' effort was immense, with his team working day and night to get these cars ready. The Purple Bertha, for example, had not run for several years and needed significant updates, including changes to fuel lines, pumps, and tires.
Support from the Community: Bruce Poulos, a longtime friend and fellow racer, drove from Chicago to Florida to pick up two of Keith Roberts' cars and then transported them to the event in Iowa, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the drag racing community.
Race Highlights:
The Tribute Race featured intense competition, with racers pushing their vintage cars to the limit.
First Race: The event kicked off with a race between Randy Lambert and Mike Thompson, two original competitors from the early days of drag racing. Both drivers were thrilled to participate, and their race set the tone for the day.
Randy Lambert’s Car: A yellow Impala with a big block nitrous setup.
Mike Thompson’s Car: An orange Chevelle, known for its massive wheelies and powerful launches.
Personal Bests and Records:
Many drivers achieved personal bests during the Tribute Race, with several setting new records for their cars.
Bryant Goldstone: Dominated the Unlimited Class, running a blistering 6.47 seconds at 227 mph.
Jason Hurley: Achieved his first-ever 6-second pass with a time of 6.98 seconds at 210 mph, a moment of triumph that was shared with a large group of family and friends in attendance.
Impact of the Tribute Race:
Reviving Legends: The Tribute Race was more than just a gathering; it was a revival of the cars and drivers that laid the foundation for modern drag racing.
The event successfully brought together a community that had not been united in years, rekindling old friendships and celebrating the shared love for the sport.
Community Spirit: The Havliks emphasized the overwhelming support from the drag racing community, from racers helping each other get their cars ready to the outpouring of enthusiasm from fans who witnessed the return of their heroes.
Looking Forward:
The Havliks hinted at even bigger plans for 2025, including the possibility of expanding the event to multiple races across the country, culminating in a grand finale that would bring together the best of the best.
Anette Summer is already planning to return in 2025, with her Camaro updated and certified, ready to compete head-to-head with the top racers.
Bryant Goldstone’s Dominance
Bryant Goldstone’s dominance on the drag strip was a major highlight, showcasing his exceptional skill and the raw power of his car. Goldstone, who has been a formidable force in the drag racing community, once again proved why he’s a name to watch, especially in the Unlimited Class.
Key Achievements and Highlights from the Episode:
Record-Setting Performance:
Best ET: Goldstone delivered a blistering 6.40-second pass, a time that solidified his standing as one of the fastest in the field.
Top Speed: He clocked an astounding 227 mph during his run, setting a new benchmark for speed in the Unlimited Class.
Consistency: Throughout the event, Goldstone maintained a consistent performance, with multiple passes in the low 6-second range, showcasing not just speed but also reliability and precision.
Class Dominance:
First Place in Unlimited Class: Goldstone's exceptional performance earned him the top spot in the Unlimited Class, adding another victory to his impressive racing résumé.
Podium Finishers:
Second Place: Jason Hurley, who achieved his first-ever 6-second pass, finishing with a time of 6.98 seconds at 200 mph.
Third Place: Matt Frost, who also made significant strides with his car, achieving personal bests in both his 60-foot and Eighth-Mile times, with an Eighth-Mile time of 4.10 seconds at 175 mph.
Notable Aspects of Goldstone’s Performance:
Precision Engineering:
Goldstone’s car is a testament to the level of engineering and fine-tuning that goes into competing at the highest levels of drag racing. His ability to consistently push the car to its limits without sacrificing stability or safety is a key factor in his continued success.
The car’s setup, including the powertrain, aerodynamics, and weight distribution, has been optimized to deliver peak performance in every pass.
Tactical Racing:
Goldstone’s approach to each run was strategic, carefully balancing aggressive acceleration with the need to maintain control over his vehicle at incredibly high speeds. This tactical mindset is what sets him apart from many of his competitors, allowing him to deliver top-tier performances under pressure.
His ability to adapt to changing track conditions, including temperature and surface grip, played a crucial role in his success throughout the event.
Camaraderie and Sportsmanship:
Despite his fierce competitive nature, Goldstone is known for his camaraderie within the drag racing community. During the episode, it was highlighted how he often shares insights and advice with fellow racers, contributing to the overall spirit of the sport.
His sportsmanship extends beyond the track, where he’s respected not just for his racing prowess but also for his willingness to support others in the community.
Impact on the Event:
Setting the Standard:
Goldstone’s performance at the Tribute Race set a high standard for future competitors. His ability to consistently deliver sub-6.5-second runs at speeds exceeding 220 mph has raised the bar for what’s expected in the Unlimited Class.
His success serves as a benchmark for other racers, pushing them to innovate and improve their setups in hopes of closing the gap.
Inspiration for Competitors:
Jason Hurley’s achievement of his first 6-second pass, and Matt Frost’s personal bests, were partly inspired by Goldstone’s relentless pursuit of excellence. His performance motivated other drivers to push their limits and achieve new milestones in their racing careers.
Recognition and Legacy:
Goldstone’s victories and record-setting runs at events like the Tribute Race are solidifying his legacy in the drag racing world. As he continues to rack up wins and break records, he’s becoming a central figure in the sport, with many looking up to him as a role model.
Looking Ahead: The Havliks’ Vision for 2025
As the Havliks wrapped up, they gave viewers a glimpse into their ambitious plans for 2025. Building on the success of the 2024 Tribute Race, the Havliks are setting the stage for an even more spectacular year ahead, with plans that could reshape the landscape of drag racing events.
Key Highlights from the Vision for 2025:
Expanding the Tribute Race:
East and West Shootouts: The Havliks revealed plans to possibly expand the Tribute Race into a series of events that would span the country. They are considering hosting East and West Shootouts, which would serve as qualifying events for a grand finale in the Midwest.
These regional shootouts aim to make the event more accessible to racers across the country, encouraging wider participation and bringing together the best of the best.
Final Shootout in the Midwest: The grand finale would be held at the Havliks' home track, where the top qualifiers from the regional events would compete for ultimate bragging rights and possibly even bigger prizes.
Drag-and-Drive Component: The Havliks hinted at incorporating a unique drag-and-drive element into the final shootout, specifically tailored to the drag-and-drive community. This addition would set the event apart from traditional drag races, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement.
Increased Sponsorship and Support:
Seeking New Sponsors: The Havliks acknowledged that expanding the event will require additional sponsorship and support from the drag racing community. They are actively seeking partnerships with companies that share their passion for the sport and want to be part of this growing movement.
Racer Registration: To gauge interest and secure commitments, the Havliks are encouraging racers to register their interest early. This early registration will not only help with planning but also demonstrate to potential sponsors the level of enthusiasm and participation expected in 2025.
Enhanced Racer Experience:
Bigger and Better Venues: The Havliks are exploring the possibility of hosting the regional shootouts at larger venues that can accommodate more spectators and provide better facilities for racers.
Community Focus: Staying true to their roots, the Havliks emphasized the importance of maintaining the community spirit that made the 2024 Tribute Race special. They plan to keep the event racer-focused, ensuring that participants feel valued and supported throughout the series.
Engagement and Interaction: The Havliks are also planning to increase engagement with fans and racers through social media and other platforms, providing regular updates and behind-the-scenes content leading up to the events.
Anette Summer’s Return:
Camaro Update: A major highlight for 2025 will be the return of Anette Summer with her iconic Camaro, which she plans to update and certify for competition. After her successful participation in the 2024 event, Anette is eager to compete head-to-head with the top racers in 2025.
Nostalgia and Competition: Anette’s return is expected to draw significant attention, as she not only represents the nostalgia of the sport’s golden era but also brings a competitive edge that will raise the stakes for everyone involved.
Commitment to Innovation:
Continuous Improvement: The Havliks are committed to learning from the 2024 event and implementing improvements that will enhance the experience for both racers and spectators. They plan to introduce new elements to the race format, improve logistics, and provide even more value to participants.
Technology and Safety: As part of their vision for 2025, the Havliks are also looking into integrating more advanced technology and safety measures into the event, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of drag racing innovation.
Final Thoughts
This episode captured the essence of drag and drive culture, blending thrilling stunts, nostalgic returns, and record-breaking performances. With the Havliks at the helm, the future of drag racing looks brighter and faster than ever. Stay tuned as the Drag Drive Repeat Show continues to bring the action closer to you, one episode at a time.
