Backdraft projects 200+ m.p.h.
 

Having just spoke with Tony Martin of Backdraft I thought you might find his comments of interest regarding the No.4 Red Backdraft Racecar.

To my friend "Doc"-

"WHEN WE DROVE THE RED NO.4 BACDRAFT AT THE R&G IT DID NOT HAVE THE FULL GROUND EFFECTS PACKAGE ON IT. WE DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO FINISH THE FULL UNDER-BODY TRAYS.

WE FEEL THE FULL UNDER-BODY COVER IS WHAT WOULD HAVE REALLY TRANSFORMED THE CAR, BOTH IN HANDLING
AND STRAIGHT LINE SPEED.I AM WANTING TO FINISH A NEW CAR OVER HERE THIS YEAR, WITH EVERYTHING ON IT, BUT TIME SEEMS TO BE AT A PREMIUM AT THE MOMENT.

HAVING NOT DRIVEN NO.4 ON A LONG STRAIGHTAWAY I CANNOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION REGARDING IT'S TOP SPEED, BUT ACCORDING TO OUR CALCS. IT SHOULD RUN 200+ M.P.H. I KNOW THIS SEEMS PRETTY BOLD BUT WE HAD A VERY STRONG ENGINE AND THE CAR WAS FAR MORE "SLIPPERY" IN A STRAIGHT LINE THAN IT LOOKS.I WOULD BE DISSAPOINTED IF WE DID NOT MAKE 200!!

LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MONTHS TO COME. I AM VERY EXCITED AND REALLY WANT TO BRING "THE BACKDRAFT RACING BOYS" IN U.S. SOMETHING SPECIAL.

WE NOW HAVE REPRESENTATION IN EUROPE AND HAVE SENT THE 1ST 4 CARS OUT THERE. DUE TO EMISSION RULES WE BUILD THE GERMAN CARS WITH CHEVY LS1 ENGINES AND T56 6 SPEED TRANYS. THESE ARE NOT FOR THE U.S. PURISTS WHO PREFER THE FORD ENGINE SETUP BUT THEY MAKE A SUPER PACKAGE."

TONY MARTIN- BACKDRAFT

Considering that Dick Smith ran 198 m.p.h.in his Shelby Cobra at Daytona in 1967 I don't believe that Tony is being too optimistic with his No.4 Backdraft shooting for 200+ m.p.h.

Dick Smith- World Speed record @ 198 m.p.h.
For more details on this go here:
http://jmichael.info/dicksmith.htm

I for one believe that Tony and Backdraft will in the very near future BREAK the previous speed records for a Cobra and then some!

"Doc"


http://www.cacobra.com/gallery/album.../normal_2s.jpg

I believe the Daytona Coupe ran close to but did not exceed 200 mph at LeMans. That with a 289 built to run 24 hrs flat out.

Dick Smith running 190+ in a 427 Cobra with ZERO aero work is the most impressive time slip in my opinion! I understand he did select TALL tires for the rear and dropped the nose as much as possible.

I still cringe when I think of those guys flirting with 200 mph with 1960's technology and a "hell bent for leather" attitude! That would take supreme confidence in your mechanics.

Can someone please tell me what this red thing is?%/ :LOL:

As someone who has set a record over 2 bills, (260.139 MPH) @ the Bonneville Salt Flats It will be interesting to see anyone set a two way average over two hunderd. However the Kirkhams have been talking about doing this with a "Class legal" car, not a no holds bared type. Go to scta-bni.org to see records and class structure. Whoever runs over 200 will have a thrill though.
Mike:eek:

289 Top Speed?

Wasn't it something like Ferrari was running 180 and the 289 cars were 20 mph or so below that? That was the original purpose of the Coupe, to get that top speed up.

There are several ways to "work out the math" (coefficient of drag vs horse power primarily) and conclude it was impossible for Dick Smith to run 198 mph. However I DO believe he DID run that speed. So it's apparent to me that then and now CD is still not fully understood.

Cracker, I have no idea! :D :D

Mike, tell us more about that 260 run, sounds interesting!

Tony is doing some really awesome stuff over in S.A. I didn't get so see the latest R&D car this year but I will be there for the next one.

I hope for a place to race them in the future. At the present, I don't think there is any class for them that is not and open class.

Boudy

I agree that Tony and Reg do a fine job along with the help of some other fine folks on the Backdraft Team like Jay Nordstrom in Dallas, the team Crew Chief.

Doc

Cracker, You can go to my web site to get info on the history of the car, www.mitechengines.com or do a google search with my name(use Mike). I have a partner on the car and as the engine builder they thought it would "be fun" to let me drive! I did OK but the car has been over 300 MPH.

Doc,

Nice car. Who's gauges do you have? I particularly like the speedo. 230 mph Do you know if they come sans the metric equivalent printed on them???

Doh.. Sorry. If I squint I see they are VDO. I guess that means metric is required. Do you like them? Do you know whether the faces are glass or plstic (like autometer).

Thanks,

Yes they are VDO and I like them fine. They work better than most gauges I have had in the past. The Speedo is especially nice and the easiest one I ever had to set and keep acturate.
Yes the speedo reads in both MPH and kilo (In Yellow). The face of the gauges are glass not plastic.

This is probably the best photo of them I have:
http://jmichael.info/dicksmith4.htm

Doc

That number 4 car may be available if someone wants to give it a try. The current owner is a little concerned that it may be "too much" for him.

Tell him I'll trade him straight across for my #13. Ha!

Doc

Where is BD located?I might be able to help them out.I do open road events, Silverstate and others[yes there are other groups].I am qualified to run the double duece.and have come close in a pu.Air speed of 196,and this is in a street driven pu.am looking for something else this year to run at some of the evnets and I just might of found it.Stan

Thanks for the info and your interest Stan. It sounds like you might be of some help to them.

Backdraft Racing, Inc.
(contact Reg Dodd)
1300 West Industrial Ave. Unit #103
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426

Phone: 561-752-3693
Fax: 561-739-5126
Cell: 954-520-2030

email: reg@backdraftracing.com
http://www.backdraftracing.com

Or...
"Tony Martin"
South Africa main plant.

Just tell them "Doc" sent you.

Good luck.
"Doc"