The spirit of competition is alive at Car Craft magazine. Way back in 1986, Car Craft created the inaugural Real Street Eliminator (RSE) that pitted street machines against each other and the clock. After languishing for a few years, the return of RSE last year coincided with Year One's Bristol Bash and became an instant success. This means for 2003 we're again looking for a few recognition-hungry gearhead types who are willing to put it all on the line for three days of gear-bashing tire abuse, and an overall good time.
The details look like this: We're looking for six cars to compete in this year's Car Craft Real Street Eliminator shootout that will be held in conjunction with the Bristol Bash sponsored by Year One on October 17-19, 2003. The competition will consist of four separate evaluations: dragstrip, autocross, a ride-and-drive run through the back roads of Tennessee, and a shown 'n' shine judging that will also weigh in the final evaluation of who wins. If you are unfamiliar with this event, check out our story on the return of RSE ("Real Street Eliminator Returns," Mar. '03, pg. 44). If you remember last year's event, Jeff Schwartz's unlikely '82 Cadillac stole the top prize by winning the 1,320 portion and combining consistent performance in the other categories to win by a scant 3 points (out of 270) over Bryan Cope's '70 Camaro. We expect this year's slugfest to be just as tight.
We're also putting out a special call to the Ford and Mopar guys out there. For those of you who care, we received no input from the Blue Oval camp last year, which was disappointing, especially considering all the whining we hear that the title of this magazine should be "Camaro Craft." You can't win if you don't show up! Keep in mind that this event also requires you to drive your car in the autocross and on the dragstrip. So unless you are conversant with the nuances of late apexes and trail braking, you'd better start practicing now. The beauty of RSE is that it tests both the car and the driver.
Consider your entry into RSE carefully. You will need to dedicate a total of three days to this competition, not including travel days to and from Bristol, Tennessee. Don't send us your entry unless you can dedicate that time and be willing to put it all on the line for fame and glory. This is your chance, so fill out the entry form, then mail it to: Real Street Eliminator, Car Craft Magazine, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Your deadline for getting us your entry is Friday, August 29th. Sorry, we will not accept e-mail applications, so plan on entering now. Who knows, you might just be the '03 RSE champion. This is gonna be fun!
Name: Address:Telephone (day/evening):Racing experience:Car make and model year:Model:Engine size:Transmission:Horsepower:Tire sizes:Other mechanical upgrades:Best dragstrip e.t./speed:One good reason why we should pick you: