Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Tom Grover of Terre Haute, IN and his 1952 Ford F1 truck which just ran a new best ET of 6.55 @ 101.7 in a 1/8th!
How did you get into drag racing?
My youngest son Boyd wanted something that he could race as his first car. So I helped him get a street/strip car. I was the crew chief for about three years and thought I would like to race my own ride.
When and where was your first race?
It was about thirty years ago in a bone stock street car in Freedom, IN.
What model/year do you race now?
A 1952 Ford F1 Truck
Does your car have a nickname?
It's just a "Junkie O Truck"
What's under the hood?
355 SBC 12.5:1 dart 215 pro one heads, solid roller cam, eagle crank, Mahle pistons, custom headers built by Kevin Adams. TH400 with a 9-inch rear, let's not forget the best fuel ever E85.
Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
You all built me a nice 8-inch converter that stalls right at 5100 just like I needed. I also got a nice deep cast pan for my TH400.
Why do you use BTE?
Kevin Adams, a good friend of mine, has been using your stuff for years. He let me know that if he sent in all my specs you could build me a spragless converter that would hold up great.
Someone you look up to in racing.
I lost a very good friend Mike O'Brian that was very helpful when we first started racing. Mike was not in good health the first time I got the truck ready to test. He drove three hours round trip to be here and watch it happen.
If money were no object, what would you drive?
1966 FIA Cobra
What is your pre-race ritual?
I have a post-it note covered in clear tape that reads, "If it was easy anyone could do it." I rub it as a reminder to stay focused. It's a quote from my departed friend Mike O'Brian.
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