D7 Opener and Way Too Early Championship Predictions
About this episode
The hosts dive into the kickoff of the drag racing season, sharing their experiences from the National Open in Arizona. They discuss standout performances, including Kody Stevensson's repeat win in super comp and Val Torres' impressive super gas consistency. The conversation highlights the return to form for many racers after the off-season, the excitement of bracket racing, and notable competitors like Tom Bear and Keith Downing. They also touch on the challenges of racing motorcycles and the camaraderie within the racing community, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
The LODRS has officially begun. We talk winners and who we think will be atop the points sheet at the end of the year.
slick tires
"these are slick and you can only get them this year that's the only time they're available"
Slick tires are special racing tires that have no grooves or patterns. They help race cars stick to the track better so they can go faster without slipping.
Slick tires are racing tires without tread, designed to provide maximum grip on dry surfaces. They are commonly used in drag racing and other motorsports for improved traction and acceleration.
super comp car
"val has a new super comp car this year it was one of those drag race um results um cars"
Super Comp cars race on a special time limit of 8.90 seconds for a quarter-mile track. Drivers try to be as close as possible to that time without going faster.
Super Comp is a drag racing class featuring highly modified cars that run on a fixed index of 8.90 seconds for the quarter mile. It is known for competitive racing with precise tuning and driver skill.
Wally
"he's holding the wally so it is it's hard to know he's got he's pretty good at both things"
In drag racing, winners get a special trophy called a Wally. It's like a prize for being the fastest in the race.
The Wally is the trophy awarded to winners at National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing events. It is named after NHRA founder Wally Parks and is a prestigious symbol of drag racing success.
open face helmet
"with an open face let's be honest you think he tucks it into the suit i wonder if they make him"
An open face helmet is a helmet that covers your head but leaves your face open so you can see better and breathe easier, but it doesn't protect your face like some other helmets.
An open face helmet is a type of motorcycle or racing helmet that covers the top, back, and sides of the head but leaves the face exposed, providing less protection than a full-face helmet but more ventilation and visibility.
super street
"so art hoover was the runner up in super street his son brandon hoover also runner it up in top dragster the same day"
Super Street is a kind of drag race where cars that look like regular street cars but are made faster race to see who is quickest.
Super Street is a drag racing class that features highly modified street-legal cars competing on the drag strip, balancing speed and adherence to certain street car rules.
top dragster
"his son brandon hoover also runner it up in top dragster the same day uh it was actually the top top count final the top dragster top sportsman"
Top Dragster is a type of drag race where small, fast cars with motorcycle engines race in a straight line to see who is fastest.
Top Dragster is a drag racing class featuring small, lightweight dragsters powered by motorcycle engines, known for their high speeds and agility on the drag strip.
top sportsman
"and i've never um seen it in in like in person top comp but man it is cool watching super or top sportsman cars and top dragster cars race each other"
Top Sportsman is a type of drag race where very fast and powerful cars race straight down the track.
Top Sportsman is a drag racing class for highly modified cars with a focus on sportsman-level competition, often featuring powerful engines and advanced setups.
Chevrolet Camaro
"stock super stock combo mike williams got it done in his 67 camaro now that is a beautiful car um he got the win over"
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is a famous American sports car known for being fast and cool. Many people like to race it or keep it as a collector's car.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car introduced as Chevrolet's competitor to the Ford Mustang. It is highly regarded for its performance potential and iconic styling, especially popular in drag racing and car enthusiast communities.
Super Gas
""when you hear super gas you think of val torres""
Super Gas is a kind of drag race where cars try to run the quarter mile in exactly 9.90 seconds, so drivers have to be very careful to not go too fast or too slow.
Super Gas is a popular drag racing class where cars run at a fixed speed index of 9.90 seconds in the quarter mile, requiring precise driving and tuning to avoid breaking out.
top comp
"because you got the win in top comp he also run it up the divisional in uh in top dragster as well"
Top Comp is a type of drag race where cars race in a special group with certain rules. It's a way to make the races fair and fun.
Top Comp is a class in drag racing where drivers compete in highly modified dragsters or cars, often with specific rules regarding engine and chassis setup.
sportsman motorcycle
"camp um you know a lot of people get into sportsman motorcycle because uh the low barrier to entry right it's it's way easier to run a sportsman motorcycle is way cheaper than than running a super comp car or something like that and then it seems like they just get hooked and they stay there"
A sportsman motorcycle is a type of bike that is easier and cheaper to race with, making it good for people just starting out in motorcycle racing.
A sportsman motorcycle refers to a class of motorcycles used in entry-level or amateur motorcycle racing, often characterized by lower cost and easier maintenance compared to professional racing bikes or cars.
dump the clutch
"whenever you see those guys dump the clutch especially on the faster bikes like i have no idea how they hold on to that thing when they drop that clutch"
Dumping the clutch is when a driver lets go of the clutch pedal fast to make the car start moving quickly, especially in drag races.
Dumping the clutch means quickly releasing the clutch pedal to transfer engine power to the wheels, often used in drag racing to launch the vehicle aggressively from a standstill.
Pontiac 1982 Trans Am
"it happened in top of sportsman um william missiah in an 82 trans am running 780s okay gets the win"
The 1982 Pontiac Trans Am is a fast and sporty car from the 1980s. It’s famous for its powerful engine and cool looks.
The 1982 Pontiac Trans Am is a classic American muscle car known for its V8 engine and sporty styling. It was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s and remains an icon among muscle car enthusiasts.
Volvo 780
"...sman um william missiah in an 82 trans am running 780s okay gets the win and i'm not a hundred percent ..."
The Volvo 780 is a fancy, comfortable car made in the 1980s that looks nice and is good for smooth driving. It’s not usually a race car, so hearing it mentioned with fast cars is a bit surprising. It’s a special kind of car that some people really like.
The Volvo 780 is a luxury coupe produced in the mid-1980s, known for its elegant design and comfortable ride rather than outright performance. Its mention alongside an '82 Trans Am and racing context is unusual, highlighting either a unique modification or a niche racing setup. The 780 is a rare model that combines Scandinavian luxury with a distinct style.
small block
"...small block under the hood right small block even yeah look at that and we'll talk about pete here in a minute..."
A small block is a kind of engine that is smaller and lighter but still powerful. People use it in racing cars because it helps the car go fast without being too heavy.
A small block refers to a type of V8 engine with a smaller displacement and physical size compared to big block engines. It is popular in drag racing and street performance due to its balance of power and weight.
NHRA
"it uh fun fact i just read on his facebook post that is the first um n h r a win for the entire fritz"
NHRA is the group that runs drag racing events, where cars race in a straight line to see who is fastest.
NHRA stands for National Hot Rod Association, the largest governing body for drag racing in the United States, organizing events and championships for various drag racing classes.
drag racing
"there's the dad and and generations before him that they're drag racer so congrats kyle on the first win"
Drag racing is when two cars race side by side in a straight line to see which one is quickest.
Drag racing is a type of motorsport where two vehicles race in a straight line over a short distance, typically a quarter-mile, to see which is faster.
bracket racing
"i didn't even know that thing was still super stock legal because he'll bracket race it and do all kinds of stuff"
Bracket racing is a type of car race where people with different fast cars race against each other, but the winner is the one who drives closest to their predicted time, not just the fastest car.
Bracket racing is a drag racing competition format where cars of different performance levels compete on an adjusted time basis, allowing drivers to compete fairly regardless of their vehicle's speed. It emphasizes consistency and reaction time over outright speed.
Chevrolet El Camino
"and uh we're always rooting for justin as well but it's cool to see denis do it especially in his alcamino i didn't even know that thing was still super stock legal because he'll bracket race it"
The Chevrolet El Camino is a car that looks like a truck in the back. People like to race it because it can go really fast and is fun to drive.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupe utility vehicle produced by Chevrolet, combining the features of a car and a pickup truck. It is popular in drag racing and bracket racing circles due to its unique style and performance potential.
super stock
"a lot of super stock guys don't take their super stock or out bracket racing certainly stock eliminator guys tend not to do that kind of stuff"
Super Stock is a type of drag race where cars look mostly like normal street cars but are tuned to go really fast in a straight line.
Super Stock is a class of drag racing for factory-built cars with limited modifications, focusing on maintaining stock appearance and components while allowing some performance upgrades.
bracket championship
"...both denis and jeremy represented the the d7 in the world finals for the the bracket championship and if you think about it they probably haven't raced at phoenix since they won in phoenix..."
In bracket racing, drivers try to beat their own predicted time instead of just going as fast as possible. This makes races more about skill and consistency than just speed.
A bracket championship is a type of drag racing competition where racers compete in elimination rounds based on predetermined time brackets rather than pure speed, allowing for more competitive and strategic racing.
stock eliminator
"...so yeah congratulations to jeremy as well heck of a run uh stock eliminator um your winner..."
Stock Eliminator is a type of drag race where cars have to stay mostly like they came from the factory. It’s about racing stock cars with only small changes allowed.
Stock Eliminator is a drag racing class where cars must remain mostly stock, with limited modifications allowed. It emphasizes driver skill and vehicle preparation within strict rules.
big block
"...he just whooped my butt so i still got the big block in it right big block oh yeah one of the nicest especially for a big block hanging out in the front of one of those nose heavy things..."
A big block is a big engine with lots of power, usually found in muscle cars or race cars. It helps the car go really fast and strong.
A big block is a type of large-displacement V8 engine known for high torque and power, often used in muscle cars and drag racing vehicles. They are physically larger than small block engines.
Mopar
"i'm a i'm a big scott mcley fan uh i don't know him very personally but he does run a mopar in that calm car so uh cool to see something other than uh a small block chevy"
Mopar is a name for parts and cars made by Chrysler and related brands like Dodge and Jeep. People also call Chrysler muscle cars 'Mopar' cars.
Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care division of Stellantis, historically associated with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. It is also used colloquially to refer to Chrysler-based muscle cars and performance vehicles.
Top Alcohol Funny Car
""... it's another thing to drag a top alcohol funny car out of the trailer every weekend and just keep coming back for more ...""
Top Alcohol Funny Cars are special drag racing cars that go very fast and use special fuel. They are expensive to race and need a lot of care and work from a team.
Top Alcohol Funny Car is a class of drag racing vehicle that features highly modified, supercharged engines running on methanol or alcohol-based fuels. These cars are extremely fast and expensive to run, often requiring a dedicated team and significant resources.
qualifying runs
"alan rinehart say that every single one of his qualifying runs would have went number one"
Qualifying runs are practice races where drivers try to get the fastest time so they can start the real race in a good position.
Qualifying runs are timed attempts by racers to secure their starting position in a race. The fastest qualifying times usually earn the best starting spots.
blower car
"threw the belt off and a blower car with no belt you know n a top alcohol cars don't uh don't run too well"
A blower car has a special device called a supercharger that pushes extra air into the engine to make it more powerful. This helps the car go faster, especially in drag races.
A blower car is a vehicle equipped with a supercharger, often called a blower, which forces more air into the engine to increase power. In drag racing, blower cars are common in top fuel and other high-performance classes.
belt
"threw the belt off and a blower car with no belt you know n a top alcohol cars don't uh don't run too well"
The belt is like a rubber band that helps the supercharger work. If it breaks or falls off, the supercharger can't do its job, and the car loses power.
The belt in a blower car typically refers to the supercharger drive belt, which connects the engine to the supercharger. If this belt breaks or comes off, the supercharger stops working, drastically reducing engine power.
top alcohol dragster
"know sometimes they'll get down into eights on the top alcohol dragster side and uh i don't know"
Top Alcohol Dragsters are very fast race cars that use a special type of fuel called methanol. They race in straight lines and are almost as fast as the fastest drag racing cars.
Top Alcohol Dragster is a class of drag racing vehicles that run on methanol fuel and are known for their high speeds and quick acceleration over a quarter-mile track. They are a step below the top fuel dragsters in terms of power and speed but still extremely fast and competitive.
Pontiac Sunfire
"...n anything but a door car but um well yeah it's a sunfire right is that a sunfire that yep so he had the h..."
The Pontiac Sunfire is a small, simple car made to be easy to drive and not too expensive. It’s not very fast or fancy, so people usually use it just to get around town. That’s why it was mentioned as a regular car in the talk.
The Pontiac Sunfire was a compact car produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, aimed at economy and practicality rather than performance. It is often considered an entry-level vehicle with modest power and features, which might explain its casual mention as a 'door car' in the podcast. The Sunfire is less likely to be involved in high-performance contexts but is recognized for its affordability.
Ford Dark Horse
"...g to win a world championship this year i have a dark horse so it's not a second pick um but before you get o..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous, powerful car from America that many people love because it looks cool and can go very fast. It’s often used in races and is known for being a strong competitor. That’s why it was talked about as a possible winner in a big race.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car first introduced in the 1960s, renowned for its performance, style, and cultural impact. It has a strong presence in motorsports and enthusiast circles, often discussed as a contender in championships and racing events. Its versatility and wide range of models make it a frequent topic in automotive discussions.
Pontiac Firebird
"...in the super stocker as well um and they got that firebird running pretty stout so brad burton if we want t..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a fast, sporty car made in America that lots of people like because it looks cool and can go really fast. People often use it in races because it has a strong engine and can be made even faster. That's why it was talked about in a racing show.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car produced from the late 1960s through the early 2000s, known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It holds a significant place in automotive culture, especially in drag racing and muscle car communities, which explains its mention in a super stock racing context. Enthusiasts often modify Firebirds for high-performance applications, making it a popular choice for competitive racing.
Volvo 345
"...0 is closer than we think if they're cranking up 345s in preseason man i mean you know 348 349 maybe a ..."
The Volvo 345 is a small family car with extra space in the back, made to be strong and last a long time. It’s not usually a race car, so hearing it talked about with racing numbers is a bit different. It’s mostly known as a good, dependable car for everyday use.
The Volvo 345 is a practical compact station wagon produced in the late 1970s and 1980s, valued for its durability and utility rather than speed. Its mention in a preseason racing context is unusual, possibly referring to engine displacement or a specific racing class. The 345 is known for being a reliable daily driver with a spacious interior.
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