Nmca Racing: Become An Instant ExpertNeither snow nor deadlines nor middle seats next to the fat guy on America West could keep us from our contractual obligation to cover the latest in NMCA racing. That's right, the National Muscle Car Association, the oldest and most dragged-through-the-mud name in street-car racing is back and finally in the hands of people who actually know how to throw a drag race. Namely, the guys at Promedia-and we won't blame you if you confuse it with Primedia, which is us-who've branded its old Pro/Edelbrock Drag Racing Series with the NMCA moniker. It almost feels like old times, especially when we hit the event at the old yet freshly overhauled U.S. 131 dragstrip in Martin, Michigan, last June.
We were there to get the scoop on Car Craft's own Street Race class, seen on page 76, but since we'll be on scene at NMCA races for at least the next couple years, and because they haven't been covered in depth for quite a while, we figured a refresher course was needed to bring you and us back into the loop of what's what at the Fastest Street Car Shootouts. Here goes.-David Freiburger
Denso Pro StreetA few years ago we said this was the class that ruined the shootouts with full-on tube chassis and virtually unlimited drivetrains. With a few years gone by and claims of streetability totally out the window, the garish Pro Streeters seem kinda cool. There are combinations for NA, blown, turbo, or nitrous engines from small-blocks to 830-inchers. The typical combo weighs 150 to 550 pounds more than an NHRA Pro Stocker, runs the same e.t. (6.60s) and more mph (2-teens), and is loaded with even more complex technology and clutch tuning. They also have more character, with a 50-pound weight penalty discouraging overly swoopy body styles
Outside Of The Heads-Up Classes, There's Also......DTS Nostalgia Muscle Car, for naturally aspirated American musclecars through '79 with indexes for 10.50 through 14.50.
...MSD Ignition True Street, where each competitor must drive 30 miles, then run three rounds and attempt to average as close as possible to 10.00, 11.00, and so on through 15.00 to take the trophy.
...Hamburger Nostalgia Super Stock, an index class for vintage Super Stock body styles and engines.
...Super Chips Open Comp, where any door-slammer between 9.10 and 15.99 can race in a ladder where competitors are handicapped using a dial-in established by the e.t. that was run in the prior round.
...Motive Gear Super Truck. Like Open Comp for trucks only
....Toyo Bracket Racing with standard rules and buy-backs.
Things To Do In OctoberGremlins in Greensboro: The SouthEast AMO Regional Car Show will have Gremlins galore and a bushel of other AMC stuff. October 1, 2005, at the Greensboro Airport Holiday Inn in Greensboro, NC. More info: gremlinx.com.
NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals: Not only is it in Vegas, but it's at The Strip; the multiplex of racing. In addition to Top Fuel dragsters, you can usually see Stealth fighters fly right over the track and land at nearby Nellis Air Force Base. October 19-23, 2005, at The Strip in Las Vegas, NV. More: nhra.com.
The 4th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA World Street Finals: This is the best drag race of the season in our opinion. The Memphis Motorsports Park has the best vibe and the loudest crowds, the most racer rivalry , and the sneakiest spoiler locals. See it. October 6-9, 2005 at the Memphis Motorsports Park. More: fasteststreetcar.com.
The 7th Annual Orme Brothers Fall Nationals: Way out in Fontana, the Pacific Street Car Association holds the second to last event before the finals. This is usually where the points chase is close and so is the racing. October 21-23, 2005, at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. More: pscaracing.com.
Fads 2005!Have you noticed how many car-related reality shows are on TV? Check out these specials from the Speed Channel. You'll never have to get off the couch again.