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Long weekend

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A very long weekend for me. I didn’t expect to have this many new car bugs holding me back this far into the learning progress, but I knew going into this that I was making do with the ultimate “budget-built” project, and that setbacks were to be expected. When Dan arrived on Thursday night, we found that the tranny was the problem. It was low on fluid, and wouldn’t lock up properly. Filled it back up, and found that the drain plug had been loose. I got down and tightened it, and cleaned the undercarriage thinking the problem was fixed.

So, Friday arrives. First pass, I was lined up a bit crooked I think, and it went hard left. Came back, got ready for 1st round of qualifying. Didn’t do so bad, but the car is still very, very lazy. Run a 7.85 @ 189. That would be my only pass of the whole weekend. Each time I’d go up to the starting line, the car was leaking trans fluid. We’d bring it back, jack it up, and check again, but it seemed each time it would drop fluid. And of course, each time it would hit the tires and cause the car to lose traction. Aborted pass after aborted pass.

The lone 7.85 put me at #15 qualifier, matched against Chuck Samuels first round. We blanketed the transmission to avoid any leakage and headed for the starting line. Added some power to try and wake it up, but of course as soon as the power came on, it affected the pre-load and drove the car out of the groove.

On the positive side, I feel more comfortable in the car, and I’m ready to start turning it up to avoid the constant load changes on the chassis. The car wants to leave under power, and doesn’t like it being thrown down track after such a soft launch. So, more testing to come… Thanks so much to everyone who lent a helping hand this weekend, as I showed up with zero crew for the weekend: (Dan was driving, Josh & Biscuit were in Bradenton crewing for the 10.5 car) Brad, Debbie, Alan, Al, Brian, PJ, Dennis and everyone else who helped out–THANKS!

It was also great seeing Heather & Mike back out at the races, and Sarah & her dad who came out to offer some support. I had a great time! We have such a great group of people who race with us, its always such a blast with everyone! CONGRATS to John & the whole Gullett empire on such a kickass weekend! At least we kept it in the pit!

Next up: going to the paint shop, the powder coater, and all the other little details.

Fun Ford Weekend Peach State Nationals

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Commerce, GA–

Becoming the first ever female in the history of the Fun Ford Weekend Pro 5.0 class, Erica qualifies the Horsepower & Heels Thunderbird in the #15 position, with a problematic 7.85 @189mph.

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Photo Credits:  Heather Sinks, Sarah Spears, Debi Shepard, Justin

Interview with Jenny

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A few days ago, I received an email from Jenny H. asking for my participation in an interview to include in her school project on “Drag Racing– An American Touchstone”. I thought it was a neat project to be able to help Jenny out with, and thought I’d share with you some of the questions she put together for me with the rest of you.

Jenny– Why did you choose to drag race? Did you have any idols/inspirations?
Erica— I discovered drag racing right after my high school graduation. I didn’t have a family involved in motorsports, my parents could hardly change a tire! Still, I was always racing around from place to place in high school, oblivious to the fact I was driving a painfully slow pick up truck at the time. Right after graduation, I bought my first car; a 1990 Mustang GT. I would take it out to the Test & Tune nights at my local track, perfecting my lights and driving skills. It wasn’t quite fast enough, so I started hanging out at a local performance shop, and attending some drag races. I was hooked! My spare time away from the track was spent with my eyes glued to the pages of the racing magazines, trying to absorb every bit of knowledge I could about the sport. As I learned more, I grew to admire many great pioneers in drag racing. But, the most inspirational and encouraging people have been the ladies who have paved the way in drag racing: great champions like Shirley Muldowney, Melanie Troxel, Angelle Sampey, and the rest of the ladies in the sport.

Jenny– How many years have you been racing?
Erica– Since 1998. I have had the wonderful opportunity to live & breathe my dream everyday for the past 8 years.

Jenny– Why did you choose to run Pro 5.0?
Erica– I started at the very bottom of the sportsman ranks in the Bracket 3 class of several all-Ford racing series. As I progressed as a driver, I moved up the ranks from True Street to Drag Radial, and my latest adventure… Pro 5.0, the fastest class in our series. My ultimate goal is to find a ride in NHRA Pro Modified or Pro Stock, and maybe even Top Fuel.

Jenny– How do you think drag racing as a whole has changed over the years (technologically, etc.)?
Erica– Everyday, racers seem to do the unthinkable and break down barriers unimaginable just a short time ago. Teams defy all obstacles set before them to keep them back, and no matter how many rules or restrictions are placed on us to slow us down, we all find a way to go just a little faster on race day. Along with such great advancement in power and speed, I think its critically important to also strive for the advancement of safety in the sport. The high speeds are a dangerous gamble for every driver on the track, but with continued focus on maintaining the highest standards of safety specifications, we minimize the likelihood of tragedy when incidents occur.

Jenny– How do you think drag racing has become an American phenomenon to the public?
Erica– Drag Racing has typically been overshadowed by NASCAR & Formula racing formats in the general American public. However, with the renewal of the factory “hot rod” wars, and the manner in which drag racing has remained grass roots and accessible to its fans and supporters, I believe that drag racing has emerged from the shadows to claim its place in the spot light. The younger generations are learning to embrace drag racing from exposure to Hollywood’s glitzy portrayal of American’s undying love of the automobile in movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds, and even the Fast & the Furious. Drag racing gives families a safe venue of pure adrenaline that people of all ages– from Jr. Dragsters on up, a chance to play along in a safe environment.

Jenny–Do you think that drag racing will still increase in popularity in future years? How so?
Erica– I definitely see drag racing’s rise in popularity growing drastically in coming years. The accessibility to fans and would-be participants makes it a very welcoming sport. Interaction with drivers, programs for families and youths, and the plethora of available classes and sanctions for every taste and budget; are some of the great benefits unique to drag racing that are not available in other racing venues. The grassroots mentality and support will propel the sport forward with ever-increasing momentum.

Jenny– What do you think is the worst accident you have had? Were there any injuries?
Erica– Thankfully, I have only been involved in one minor accident on the track (::Knock on wood::). Early in 2003, a mechanical failure caused fluid to spill out all over the track surface and under my tires, resulting in a scary hydroplane situation just before the 1/8th mile. I was able to steer out of a worse impact, but a rear flat tire (the result of the slide) caused the car to steer into the guardrail. It broke the headlamp, and all damage was minor cosmetic. Thanks to the required & properly used safety equipment, I was unharmed.

Jenny– How do you connect with your fans? Is it on a friendly ‘sure-here’s-an-autograph degree’ or sometimes a more personal degree?
Erica– I am a huge people person, and enjoy meeting new people. I am no different than any one else, and I try to make myself available for my fans to talk to me at any time. I am active on internet message boards, and I encourage people to visit my website and comment back. At the track, I balance working on the car and other raceday duties, but always will try and take a moment to stop and talk to people interested in the team & myself. I love to make new friends, and I don’t mind sharing my experiences with others who have the same ambitions as I have had for the past 8 years. Anything I can do to help!

Jenny– What was drag racing like during the beginning of your career? What about today?
Erica– I started driving my 15.00 second street car at the local test & tune. Back then, I would go round after round trying to perfect my reaction times and ET’s. I started entering Bracket competitions, and started modifying the car to go faster. I took time to learn from whatever reliable sources would offer the time to teach. Today, I still am hungry for more knowledge on improving as a driver and tuning the cars. I feel blessed to have progressed up the ranks in such a short time, and am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. I am determined and unrelenting in my pursuit, and its my hope that this passion will lead me to realize my dream in coming years. Never give up!!!

Jenny– Have you broken any track records? What about speed barriers?
Erica– I haven’t secured any track records, but a few of my proudest accomplishments have been being the runner-up for the FFW Drag Radial Championship in 2003, being the first female in the 8’s on a radial tire, winning the Gainesville True Street event in 2002, and my runner-up finish at my first race ever, World Ford Challenge Bracket 3 competition in 2001.

Thanks, Jenny! Hope this helps!

xoxo,
Erica

Clearing the hurdle

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Note: It was brought to my attention by some of my close friends that I need to translate my blog postings for the not-so-race-savvy supporters out there. I’ll try my best to translate as I go…

Well, the little “funk” I’ve been going through trying to get acclimated to the new car has passed, I hope. I think it was directly associated to my annual birthday funk I go through, but nevertheless, it was frustrating and mentally draining. The funk disappeared, and I got my driving “Mo-jo” back. We have the car detuned so I could attempt a first 1/4 mile pass since I have been pretty consistent getting it down the 1/8 mile. (non-racer translation: the car is slowed down a bunch to keep it mild mannered and easy to drive)

So, out to the NMRA Reynolds, GA race on Saturday to make some exhibition passes (since bbf/twins are not legal by NMRA rule to run Pro 5.0). Straight out of the box, it ran a 7.51 @ 187 mph smooth and easy. Let me tell you, I thought the launch in these cars was surprising, it was NOTHING compared to feeling those dual chutes deploy! Those are the HARDEST hitting parachutes I’ve ever felt! (Non-racer translation: That was waaay cool, and its not even near its potential!)

We attempted 2 more qtr mile passes after that, but the car developed an electrical hiccup, and didn’t make any worthwhile hits.

The run can be viewed on NMRA TV. As long as they don’t switch the link location on me again, I should be the very last car down the track on that segment of the broadcast.

A few photos I found online have been placed in my photo gallery. If any of you see any other images out there I missed, send ’em my way. (All my photog friends couldn’t make it, so I had no photo/video for the site.)

On Sunday, after packing up at Reynolds the night before, traveling back to the shop (1 hour away), and then back PAST Reynolds again to Macon Nat’l Dragway in Macon, GA… we unloaded for the Dixie Pro Mod race and got to work trying to find the hiccup. Josh and I went over the whole car looking for loose connections, broken wires, or any sign of what may have caused the car to shut off on the starting line twice the night before, but didn’t find anything significant enough to have been the culprit.

So, we warmed it up and took it to the starting line. The problem seemed to be gone, and we were able to make it just past the shift transition before it got loose due to track conditions, still coasting to a 5.03 1/8th mile. (Non-racer translation: Whew! It was a little slippery out there!) That qualifying attempt made me the first turbo car ever to run with the Dixie Pro Mod Association after their new rule revision allowed deviation from the long standing nitrous only tradition. Further qualifying attempts proved more of the same challenges with traction, and I fell just short of qualifying for the 8 car field.

Overall, not a bad weekend. It was definitely good preparation for the upcoming Fun Ford Weekend event in Commerce (ATL), GA this weekend. I will be testing Thursday and racing Fri-Sun in Pro 5.0 for the first time. Payday for this event is $30,000 in Pro, which I don’t think I have a prayer for yet, but I’ll be turning up the wick to get a little closer. I’m hoping for a 6 second timeslip or a 200 mph pass… we’ll see if my ambitious goal will be obtainable so early!

Wish me luck!!!

Dixie Pro Mods

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April 2, 2006

Macon, GA  | Twiggs Co. Dragstrip

Horsepower & Heels Racing becomes the first turbocharged entry in the longstanding Dixie Pro Mods association, a racing organization that had previously limited cars to only the nitrous assisted variety.     Erica fell just short of making the tough 8-car field.

Photo Credit:  Dixie Pro Mod Association

NMRA Silver Dollar Raceway

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Reynolds, GA–

Erica makes her maiden voyage down the 1/4 mile in an exhibition test pass at the NMRA Reynolds event.  With a detuned combo, the Horsepower & Heels Thunderbird ran a 7.51 @ 187mph E.T. on a rail-straight pass. Further passes were not so lucky, as the Thunderbird developed a strange electrical problem which stalled the motor on the starting line

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Photo Credits:  Chris Johnson, John Fore

Lesson of the day

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Racecars & Tuning. Its like any new relationship…

You’ve got to learn the little things about her (or him, but in this case as in most autos, “it” will be a she for simplicity sake). What she likes, what she needs, and the way she wants to be treated is reflective on the way she will treat you in turn. And as is true in too often the case, she mainly will only let you know what she doesn’t like, leaving you guessing as to what the heck she really wants (don’t even start guys… you all do it too).

The good news is that upon closer examination, the valvetrain problem in Valdosta was NOT a lifter issue as originally thought. I guess this pessimistic racer always comes to expect the worst in any situation, because as Murphy’s Law suggests, anything that can break, will indeed break and will destroy about a half dozen other things on its way out. So, thankfully, the valvetrain noise turned out to be merely a loose rocker whose polylock had wiggled its way free. No damage, no broken parts, no problems. ::knocking on wood:: Dan worked extra specially hard to make sure that my intake gasket leak, my dragging engine diaper, and my loose rocker situation was fixed, and I was ready for the weekend to test at Phenix City and prepare for Orlando with John Gullett & Ray Sanchez, who would be testing with me.

Good ole Murphy came knocking and of course rained on our parade. Literally. The stormclouds dropped what seemed like several inches of rain over the south, unrelenting for 24 hours straight. When the rain ceased on Sunday morning, the track was a marshland, with pools all across the track surface. After scrambling to find an open track that would be convenient for John’s trek back to FL and Ray’s flight to Canada departing that evening from ATL, we came back empty handed. Nothing worked for the other guys, who all had to head home without getting anything accomplished.

While making those phone calls, we discovered that Montgomery Motorsports Park had a bracket race, and while it was impossible & impractical for Ray or John to attend, the 90 mile drive was worthwhile for me to try and sort the car for Orlando. So Dan & I loaded up for Montgomery, after George Howard agreed to work me into the program for some test passes. What we did not know was that no cars had been run on that track for 3 months, and combined with the rains from the previous day, the track conditions were not exactly optimal. George’s crew were working very hard to prepare the track and get it to come around, and George was very genuine in his concern for mine and all other racer’s safety. Despite the conditions, which did improve as the day progressed, the passes were an excellent learning experience for driving in those type of situations. The first pass of the day, despite having drastically turned down the power on the car, she still managed to severely overpower the track, and got loose enough to have quickly caught my “full and undivided attention” (otherwise known as “pucker factor”). We then tried several other methods of controlling the acceleration, trying to slow the building of boost, timing, etc. but still encountered problems just past the 60′. Adding to the struggles of a new driver, having a new car with an untested combination makes it particularly daunting a task to get this thing down the track. Dan is forced to try and decipher what little information I can provide from my unfamiliar observations and couple this with the complicated graph readings off the ignition. After some calculations, he determined that it had too much rear gear (which we knew would not be able to carry through the 1/4 to begin with) and that it was exasterbating the violent launches.

So, a taller, less aggressive gear has been ordered and will be installed this week. This however, sealed my fate for yet again missing another Orlando event, which I endearingly consider my “home” and one of the few opportunities I have to see my family. That is the most disappointing aspect of the entire situation, any other event would easily be a perfectly rational decision NOT to attend without a well tested and performing car. Instead, I resigned to stick closer to home and race in the Dixie Pro Mod event (1/8th mile) in Macon this coming weekend, gain some more seat time and sort the new & improved gearing.

Until then….

Testing, Take 2

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

You think I’d have more to say about my first few outings in the T-bird. Well, I do actually, its just I’ve been swamped with a grueling schedule, and haven’t had a chance to sit and reflect. What better time to do so than after midnight on an exhausting race weekend. (I know, I make no sense)

[cue drumroll] So, finally, after a year and a half out of the seat, the Horsepower & Heels Thunderbird & I took our maiden launch on February 5th at Phenix Motorsports Park in Phenix City, AL. The objective of the test session was to make some incremental passes and to get me familiar with the car. No biggie, right? Well for some, that would have been no big deal, but for me, anxiety grew everyday that I hadn’t been in a racecar, so I was some nervous about jumping into the seat of a much faster car after so long. Everyone kept telling me “Its like riding a bicycle, Erica. You don’t forget.” Yea… a LOUD, powerful, complicated bicycle.

But, as a testimony to the crew and people whom I have in my corner, I am quite proud to admit that the nerves and fear I expected to kick in as I pulled into the burnout for the first time never materialized. Not to say that I’m not overly cautious nor was I prepared for the g’s on that first launch, but at least I wasn’t shakin’ like a polaroid when I finally sat in the seat.

Many people have asked me since that weekend the big questions… What was that first hit like? Well, as much as I have stood behind these things as they leave the starting line, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what that first hit will be like. That was until I let go of that button the first time. As Rick Head said..”I would’ve paid to see your face when you let go of that button the first time.” I assured him it was Priceless.

The weather in Phenix City was cold, so track conditions were not the best due to low track temp. The plan was to start out with some 60′ hits. After the happy shock wore off from that first pass, the second and third went much more smoothly. On the second pass, I managed a 1.09 short time, shutting it off just before the 60′. The third pass I was able to take it out a little futher, but the 60′ was off, and the track conditions were falling off as well. So, we left it at that, and called it a night.

The next weekend, we found a rocker in the valvecover. I am so unaccustomed to this motor, I never heard the miss inside the car. Upon further inspection, Dan found a lifter had failed. Thinking it may have been the result of a potential overwinding in the burnout from my first pass, he replaced the lifters, pushrods, and rockers with fresh pieces to ensure the problem was fixed. Since the temperatures were below freezing last weekend, there was no testing to be had locally. Which meant my next experience would come at my first official event, the ADRL Winter Drags at SGMP in Adel (Valdosta), GA.

With a fixed motor, renewed enthusiasm & great track conditions, I was ready to try and get down broadway and get a feel for navigating the 1/8 mile. Some of my security blanket was unavailable for this weekend, as Dan was in front of me running his own Pro Mod. A few rookie mistakes in the first test passes on Friday made me shut down early (HELLO!?! You’re supposed to leave in 1st gear, not 3rd!) But by the nighttime session, I was ready to kick it on through. Much to my dismay, something went amiss again and I shut off. Back in the pits, it was evident we had some problems by the diaper dragging the ground and the oil accumulation running down the firewall. Kevin and I pulled the turbo/valvecover off to find a rocker off kilter again. The bolt still tight, it was apparent that it had another lifter failure, and with that my weekend was over.

Not exactly how I had hoped to make my Pro Mod debut, but on the bright side, I am confident that once we get these new car bugs figured out, the car will be a very fast piece. I am so tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped me get to this point, and who continue to do so: Mr. Moody, Dan, Kevin, Biscuit, Josh, Dennis, Bill, and everyone else. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the news I was hoping to hear a mere 2 weeks until Orlando, so it is highly unlikely I will make that event. (not enough time to get fixed and sort the 1/4 mile issues before then I fear) That is the downside to not having found any marketing funding, but my hope is that it will come once I get everything sorted out.

In the mean time, its back to work. If I don’t indeed make Orlando, I will be testing at home to get this thing ready to roll in Atlanta. I’ve had a ton of helpful folks depart similar BBF experiences, and have a good idea where to look from here.

Until then…

NHRA Sisterhood debunked

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Melanie TroxelI root for the ladies in our sport, and in all motorsports. I think that there is a bond of sorts that being the minority in motorsports creates as a female driver. No matter what level, many women are the subconscious victim of prejudice of gender… despite the fact that the racecar knows nothing of what sex pilots it down the track surface. We have all faced these prejudices as women trying to advance, trying to gain the same respect for our driving abilities as our male counterparts seem to earn more readily. I’m elated that Melanie Troxel took the first win of the season in Top Fuel. There have been others before her, but it reinforces Melanie’s talent and ability again to the public. She has a top-notch win-capable team, and she executed as a driver. That combination is what it takes to get the win. But it wasn’t always that way.

I was a bit saddened to read a recent interview with Troxel, where she completely downplayed her gender to the press, adding that fellow female racers “…they’re just competitors.” Now, I understand her argument. Female drivers want to be noticed for their driving talent, and not for their gender alone. I can appreciate her goals when she says: “I think we’ve all worked so hard at being accepted as racers and not (have it) based on the fact that we’re female, that we want to be taken seriously just as the other competitors out there, it kind of goes against that to then turn and make (their gender) such a big issue. It’s not a huge rivalry where we’re all out to get each other, but I don’t think we go out of our way to make any special bond.” But in reality, it simply doesn’t work that way.

Troxel, herself, has felt this. The writer points out for us that she sat on the backburner with Prudhomme for the most 2005 season, and was unsure of her career progression. She had proven her talent with a driving stint for Schumacher in 2000, yet still had not secured a full time ride, until Schumacher picked her up again at the end of 2005. “Melanie is a unique personality, a beautiful lady that’s a talented driver, and she needs to be out here racing. She’s always been a good driver and does a good job,” Schumacher said of his decision to hire Troxel. Her win this weekend, as a relatively new member of the Schumacher team, emphasizes her talent. The respect she has earned as a driver (gender aside) is undeniable. But I feel she has too quickly forgotten the struggles that she, and all other women in the sport have faced (and sometimes continue to face) in their careers. Why not support and mentor the very cause that you took part in for so many years instead of refuting it? Don’t get me wrong, I do not agree with exploiting your sex to further your career, but I also have pride in the very thing that makes us unique, and the struggles we each overcome to get there.

I hope that when I realize my dream of driving in Top Fuel, I will be able to actively champion the cause of women in motorsports. I would like nothing more than to help other women achieve their goals, as I have fought and been blessed enough to pursue over the years myself.