A huge import drag
racing event seems like a great place to be on display. So when we learned
about Import Face Off in Bradenton, we knew we had to go. The idea of being a
show car doesn't really work as we aren't hellflush/stanced/slammed with
15" speakers and color matching everything. But then again, we aren't a
drag car.
As we arrived, the general parking was far removed from the event so we had to choose race or show. The show cars got to be upfront by the vendors and the racers were spread out down the side of the dragstrip... a long walk for spectators. Both were the same fee, but our car doesn't fit a class- we cannot win money, only make "test n tune" passes if we race. I want to race, but its the exposure I'm after!
As we arrived, the general parking was far removed from the event so we had to choose race or show. The show cars got to be upfront by the vendors and the racers were spread out down the side of the dragstrip... a long walk for spectators. Both were the same fee, but our car doesn't fit a class- we cannot win money, only make "test n tune" passes if we race. I want to race, but its the exposure I'm after!
Inspiration hit me. We paid to race, parked near the last part of the strip, and unloaded the car. I got her ready to run and immediately drove up near the show cars. Scouting the vendor booths, someone HAD to need a eye-catching car for their booth. Turns out Performance Auto and Sound Magazine had some extra space, and I pull up. The 2 guys in charge of the display happen know me from previous car shows that I've worked displays for NOS Energy! They immediately tell me that we can display there and BOOM! We are 10 feet from the car show, in a vendor booth, AND we get to race for the fans!!
We get in line as
they call for Test n Tune.
Standing out like a penguin at the beach, we catch the attention of a camera crew and hostess. She really digs the cars style, inside and out. We setup and do a full interview with mic in hand and 2 cameras catching it all. They follow us as we get up to staging, adding a GoPro to the car. 3 cameras on me now as we are getting ready to run.
Standing out like a penguin at the beach, we catch the attention of a camera crew and hostess. She really digs the cars style, inside and out. We setup and do a full interview with mic in hand and 2 cameras catching it all. They follow us as we get up to staging, adding a GoPro to the car. 3 cameras on me now as we are getting ready to run.
We are up next and I can't help but giggle at the idea of flooring it up through the gears and seeing what she can do!
BRrmmmm BRRMMMM (*!clutch!*) bbbrrrrMM- BANGPOPPOWBOOM-....... our driveshaft did not like the huge amount of grip and ripped right off the transmission yoke side. But look at her DIGGIN!!!
We didn't event get a run in and we had to push her back to the PAS Mag booth.
Back on display for a few hours!
It was a let down, but I'd rather break there, on the line, than down the strip. It was also fantastic luck that this was not a FormulaD event! We aren't thrilled to break anytime, but we still were seen by everyone and kept her in display for several more hours. The announcer really got a kick out of our helmet, still in pig mode, from the Halloween CFRC Frankenslide event :)
The damage we pulled out later that night...
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