August 19, 2020:
We had BIG plans for our ’57 going into the 2020 season, and after 2019 we made the decision to put Chris behind the wheel. Over the winter I freshened our old Doug-Nash transmission and installed lower input gears to lower gears 1-4 to accelerate the car harder to the 1/8th mile. We also adjusted our Ram clutch from data we collected in 2019 removing some counterweight from the three levers.
New 23-33 lower input gears, high-reverse slider & high gear pro-shift ring from Liberty’s Gears for 2020
In preparation for 2020, we also purchased a pair of Doug-Nash transmissions from Don McClure to give us some added depth in December 2019, one of which is a face-plated Liberty’s Gears unit which will ultimately become our primary transmission. This transmission being out of a Ford would require a new input shaft and input retainer/collar for our use in the Chevy, but the costs were reasonable from Liberty’s. Just recently I got the transmission fully assembled with the necessary changes. Now I’m waiting on the shift rods from Long to make it a complete unit with an extra pistol-grip shifter Don included in the purchase!
Completed face-plated Doug-Nash 5-speed with new input shaft and GM front bearing retainer/collar
In February excited about the 2020 season, I got the Jesel rocker arms back on the car for testing in April and then the pandemic hit which scuttled our plans. In April, Chris fired off the car and ran it thru the gears to get him familiar with the cockpit. We also changed the steering wheel to give him more room in the ’57. Finally on July 1, we took the car out to Pacific Raceways for a test & tune only to get rained out prior to any runs after Chris had warmed-up the car. Needless to say we were disappointed, but we were still hoping the BC Super Shifters would be able to run their race here at PR in August, but extended border closures scuttled that race also. The racing gods were not cooperating!!
Paul, Chris & Pam before the rain came on July 1st!!
Not giving up to the pandemic, we went out on August 19th to have some fun at the track at Pacific Raceways to give Chris seat time in the old buggy at a Test & Tune! Pam and I have been staying close to home since early March, so it was especially nice to get out with Chris & Paul at the track on a warm, but beautiful day!
Chris opened with a 11.137 @ 125.72 MPH at 2509 density altitude. The atmospheric conditions did not improve much thru the evening in the low performance air as a low-pressure front was moving in.
His 2nd hit improved with a 10.946 @ 127.17 MPH, he was starting to get the rhythm!
His 3rd hit, Chris put it all together with a very respectable 10.671 @ 127.23 MPH! This was a solid run given the poor density altitude, baro, and air density! We’re very proud of Chris!!
His 4th hit was aborted when the transmission popped out of 4th, but the launch and 2nd gear were rather spectacular as the starting line was in GREAT shape!! Thanks to the entire crew at Pacific Raceways for excellent track prep and keeping us all safe!! I had a GREAT time watching my son behind the wheel and my profound thanks to Paul for helping me crew the car & Pam who captured the following video from this fun outing! And our profound thanks to Handan Trailer Repair for their continued friendship and support! – Roger
Video capture of that last launch:
Slow-motion video of Chris’ 10.67 hit:
Post script, August 21, 2020:
I’m enjoying this crew chief gig of our ’57. I’ve been pouring over the Racepak data from Wednesday, reading sparkplugs and can be more objective about the data not driving, and seeing room for improvement in little places here and there. It takes me back to my line chief duties in Vietnam on Scout helicopters, where I could make objective decisions without the emotions. Don’t be surprised in good air next year if Chris rips off a low 10.20 or better with the face-plated Doug-Nash 5-speed with a tad lower gear ratios in it. Despite the fact the air was very poor on Wednesday night, the data shows we made the correct decisions lowering clutch counterweight and running lower 1-4 gear ratios in the transmission. We’re still learning with each hit and why I love this sport after 50-years!! – Roger
August 26, 2020:
The shorter shift rods showed up today from Long and the face-plated Doug-Nash is ready to go in the car! – Roger
Face-plated Doug-Nash with Long shifter
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I can’t wait until next year and hopefully we will be able to run the car with the BC supershifters. This has been a dream to drive this car since I was a kid and I’m looking forward to improving with dad’s help and coaching.
You got better throughout the day son, we’re VERY PROUD of you!!
Now to get the face-plated Doug-Nash in the car for the 2021 season and hopefully if we get past the pandemic, we can get you back out in the early Spring for some more testing! And like you, I’m hoping you’ll get to compete next season with the B.C. SuperShifters, a great bunch of guys that are a rare breed!