How to Race a Stock Car on a Budget

Want to go fast? Want to do it cheap? With iBestTravel, you will learn the secrets behind transforming challenging projects into truly raceable vehicles.

Experience the Death Metal Charger

Have you ever wanted to race a real stock car? You’re not alone. Mike Finnegan shares the same dream! The exciting news is that you can utilize the iconic “Death Metal Charger.” This unique vehicle, a 1968 Dodge Charger, was set up for stock car racing almost five decades ago in a barn but has yet to hit the track.

Finnegan discovered the Charger on eBay and purchased it as a roller. He then installed a Mopar 383 engine paired with a Tremec 6-speed transmission.

Finnegan admits, “It doesn’t steer well, it doesn’t stop well, and if we crash, the roll cage won’t protect me, but it looks fantastic while driving!”

Meet the Challenger: NASCarlo

This week’s exciting challenger is the fully-fledged tube-chassis stock car known as “NASCarlo.” It features a 383 Chevy engine coupled with a Jericho clutchless 4-speed transmission. In a clever twist, Finnegan and Roadkill’s David Freiburger transformed a 1971 Chevy Monte Carlo body into a street-legal powerhouse by modifying its structure significantly.

The preparation was intense, involving a 13-inch removal from the doors and repositioning the roof, followed by meticulous welding. However, an unfortunate mishap occurred when Freiburger crashed it during a practice session.

The Ultimate Showdown

The stage is now set for an exhilarating race: a street car turned race car versus a race car adapted for street use. The competition will take place at Blue Ridge Motorsports Park’s 3/8-mile dirt, banked oval. The real question arises: who will triumph?

In an interesting twist, before the race could begin, there was a heated rock-paper-scissors battle between David Newbern and Mike Cotten to determine who would get the privilege of driving NASCarlo.

Essential Tips for Setting Up a Race Car

Prior to the race, there are critical steps one must follow to ensure a competitive edge:

• Ground Clearance: Confirm the vehicle does not drag on the ground—something the Death Metal Charger struggles with.
• Hood Security: Make certain hood pins are secured; they were overlooked in NASCarlo.
• Fire Risks: Always ensure no potential fire hazards are present!
• Tire Pressure: Properly set tire pressure is crucial for racing on a banked oval.
• Awareness of Surroundings: Avoid collisions with safety barriers that can appear unexpectedly on the track.

With engines revving, it’s time for the racers to start their engines and engage in an unforgettable competition!