Car of the Week: USA-1 Monster Truck

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, we have a special edition for our first ever Monster Truck Week: USA-1 from Gauger Motorsports, which is sponsored by BTE, running a BTE Powerglide transmission as well as a bolt-together torque converter under the hood.

How did the Gaugers get into monster trucks?

Roger Gauger (USA-1’s driver and owner) saw Bigfoot when it first came out and was immediately bitten by the “Monster Truck Bug.” He decided early on in life that he wanted to run his own monster truck. Roger and his wife, Kathy purchased the Bad News Monster Truck back in 1991 while they were on their honeymoon. USA-1 is their fourth monster truck.

When and where was USA-1’s first race?
We debuted the new USA-1 on January 9^th at a Monster X event in Augusta, GA. Everett Jasmer, USA-1’s original owner even traveled all the way from Minnesota to be there.

What model/year is USA-1?

The body is a 2013 Chevy Silverado extended cab shortbed. The chassis was built by Concussion Motorsports.

What's under the hood?

The engine is a supercharged, methanol injected, 572 ci Donovan, with Brodix XXX heads. It was built by Cummins Racing Engines in Princeton, IN.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

USA-1 uses a BTE ProMod Powerglide shorty transmission and 10” billet bolt-together converter with tailored adjustments to our specific application. We also use BTE’s transmission fluid and their heavy duty flexplate. We run two transmission coolers to help the transmission survive.

Someone you look up to in racing?
Obviously we look up to Everett Jasmer, the creator of USA-1. Bob Chandler and the Bigfoot team have our respect as well. Marty Garza and the Overkill trucks have also been a huge inspiration.

Any rituals before an event?

Team fist bumps.

Monster Truck Week at BTE: An Interview With USA-1's Crew Chief Scott Bryant

It’s officially Monster Truck Week here at BTE, where we’re featuring the largest vehicle we sponsor throughout the year: USA-1 monster truck from Gauger Motorsports. To get some information on this beast of a truck, we talked to USA-1’s crew chief, Scott Bryant, who told us all about the monster truck world; its history, some stats on the massive size of the vehicles and tires, why a transmission takes a beating at each event and why BTE was the right choice as a sponsor. Part 2 of this interview will run Thursday, April 2. 

How did the monster truck industry begin?
 As a phenomenon created when off-roaders started to modify their pickup trucks to make them more capable. The more impressive units had heavy truck running gear and adapted to them with tires that were 46-48 inches tall, making them stand out figuratively and literally. They became known as Monster Trucks. USA-1 was one of the first trucks to be given this distinction.

Some stats on today’s monster trucks:
-Use agricultural tires 66” tall and 43” wide
-Weigh between 10,000 to 12,000 pounds (5 to 6 TONS!)
-Truck bodies are made from lightweight fiberglass with reinforced factory frames and suspicions on custom tubular chassis with 20-30” of suspension travel (no longer modified street trucks)
-Average 1200-1800 HP
-A wheel and a tire can weigh between 500 and 800 pounds alone

Why would the right transmission be important in one of these monster trucks?
Having a 1500 Hp engine in front of the transmission is one thing, but having 2400 pounds of wheels and tires to get spinning adds a new level of strain. Additionally the hard hits and huge jumps send tremendous shock loads through the driveline. Monster truck racing and freestyle requires drivers to rhythm on and off the throttle which can add even more strain. This strain generates incredible heat inside the transmission. This shock, heat, and strain is basically a worst case scenario for a transmission. If a transmission can handle a monster truck, it can basically handle anything.

How would having quality parts help your truck win an event?  Why BTE? 
We did exhaustive research to find the best components available often working with companies to build specific items for us. We looked at several transmission companies but approached only BTE. With a long standing history in the motorsports world, BTE has established itself as one of the premier transmission builders. The testimonials of their customers regarding not only the quality of their components but also their dedication to service showed them to be the kind of company we wanted to work with. The extensive research they perform at their own facility is very impressive. We knew this was a company that wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, but wanted to continually improve their products and services. From the very beginning of our relationship, they have worked with our team to tailor a transmission and convertor combination that best suits our engine and driveline.

In addition to the great support we receive from BTE, we have several other sponsorship partners that supports us: Evansville Bolt and Nut, MSD Ignitions, Cummins Racing Engines, Hedman Headers, Perfection Driveline, Hooker Racing Harnesses, Impact Safety Apparel, KC Lighting, VP Racing Fuels.

Car of the Week: Tyler Stine's 1974 Buick Apollo

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Tyler Stine from Springfield, IL and his 1974 Buick Apollo. 

How did you get into drag racing?  

My dad started racing in 1994 and when I turned eight, I started junior dragster racing. I won the track championship in my 3^rd year.

When and where was your first race?   

Mason County Raceway (now known as Central Illinois Dragway) in Havana, Il in a junior dragster. I still race there every weekend.

What model/year do you race now?    

1974 Buick Apollo

What's under the hood?   

406 SBC

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?   

8.5 inch 5800 stall convertor

Why do you use BTE?   

The convertor provides an easy launch and a smooth pull up of the tires.

Someone you look up to in racing?    

My good buddy Chad Easley and my dad, who gave up his racing so I could do it.

If money were no object, what would you drive?   

Top Fuel Dragster

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?   

I listen to PJ North’s "Be .00 Take .00," smack my helmet, rock around in the seat to get my mind set.

Car of the Week: Jason Martin's 2014 Miller Rocker Arm Four Link Dragster

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Jason Martin from Cherryvale, KS and his 2014 Miller Rocker Arm Four Link Dragster.

How did you get into drag racing?
I have always been a car guy. When I was 18 or so, I dragged a 1966 Chevelle home that was in dire need of work. It was missing quite a few parts, so my dad suggested we go ahead and turn it into a drag car. I bought a rear kit from S&W and installed it and have been racing ever since. Since then, he and I have been racing together and it has really become a family event. My girls go with us and love it too. We will be doing Junior dragster racing this year as well with my oldest.

When and where was your first race?
My first race would have been in 1995 at Mokan Dragway located in Asbury, Missouri. It is a locally owned small track with a great atmosphere.

What model/year do you race now?
I currently race a 2014 Miller Rocker Arm Four Link Dragster.

What's under the hood?
I run a 598 BBC with Big Chief heads on racing gas.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
For a transmission, I use a BTE Top Dragster shorty trans with 1:80 straight cuts.

Why do you use BTE?
Shipping time is minimal and the folks are easy to talk to and very helpful.

Someone you look up to in racing?
John Force is probably the one I admire the most. Talk about perseverance.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
Probably a Pro Stock car.

Car of the Week: Dean Johnson's 1977 Chevy Vega

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Dean Johnson from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and his 1977 Chevy Vega.

How did you get into drag racing?
Always wanted to drag race, but couldn’t afford it until about three years ago. Sold my first Corvette of 20 years to buy a race car.

When and where was your first race?
Three years ago at Northstar Raceway in Sanger/Denton, TX.

What model/year do you race now?
1977 Vega

What's under the hood?
434 SBC

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
Spragless torque converter

Why do you use BTE?
An engine builder recommended BTE, sent mine into BTE to have it serviced. BTE called to see what, if any issues, there were and built it to meet my needs.

Someone you look up to in racing?
The ones who have been doing this for 30 years and have taken the time to help others.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
Would like to run ProMod! (Like that will ever happen.)

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
Giving all systems a good look over, servicing the car and clearing my mind.

Press Release: BTE Teams Up With Jerry Johnston And The Sinister Split Bumper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2015

The bolt together torque converter sent to the Sinister Split Bumper.

Several of BTE Racing’s most popular products were recently built and shipped to Jerry Johnston for his “Monza” known as the Sinister Split Bumper, a 1972 Camaro. Johnston and the car make regular appearances on the Discovery Channel hit series, Street Outlaws.

Among those products are a bolt together torque converter and a new Powerglide transmission, both of which will go into the ’72 Camaro in preparation for the upcoming race season.

BTE also plans to develop a new line of apparel inspired by a casual street style, available for purchase in the near future on BTERacing.com.

More partnerships with prominent racers are currently in the works for 2015, and will be announced when finalized.

BTE is also proud to sponsor drag racers like Luke Bogacki, Todd "Bones" Ewing, Jared Pennington, Buddy Ferrell, Bryan Robinson, Stig Olsson, Tom Williams, Lucas Walker, 901 Bad Boyz Grudge Racing Team, Kenny Hubbard, Jeremy Jensen, Matt Forbes and Ryan Beavans.

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BTE Racing/Memphis Performance has been serving the drag racing industry for almost a quarter century. Based in Mount Pleasant, MS -  just outside of Memphis, TN - the family-owned and operated business ships high performance drag racing transmissions, torque converters and other racing parts all over the world.

You can connect with BTE via: Facebook / Google + / Instagram / BTE Website

Car(s) of the Week: Brittany Ezell's 1955 Chevy & 2014 E-Z Chassis Dragster

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, we have a special two-for-one edition featuring Brittany Ezell of Ventress, Louisiana and both her 1955 Chevy and 2014 E-Z Chassis Dragster. Racing is in her blood!

Look familiar? Ezell's car can be seen as our Facebook cover photo as well as a prominent photo on our website.

How did you get into drag racing?
I was basically born into drag racing. My parents, Rose and Wyatt Ezell, met each other at the race track. My mom was racing pregnant with both me and my brother.

When and where was your first race?
My first race was in 2005 when I was 15. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was running my 2000 Toyota Tacoma in the Street Class at State Capitol Raceway. I was so nervous that I left on the first yellow light!

What model/year do you race now?
I have two race cars that I run. One is a 1955 Chevy that was originally raced by my grandpa.  I also have a 2014 E-Z Chassis dragster that was built by my dad and painted by my brother.

Does your car have a nickname?
I don’t really have a nickname for my race cars.  We just call the door car “The 55” and the dragster “The 4-link.”

What’s under the hood?
For the door car, I have a 540 BBC that runs 6.30s, and for the dragster I have a 582 BBC that runs 4.80s.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
Between both of the race cars, we use a BTE convertor, input shaft, planetary, high gear hub, clutches and band, and transmission fluid.  

Why do you use BTE?
We use BTE because we have had great success using these products. Our cars are very consistent and put a lot of cars on the trailer.

Someone you look up to in racing?
Someone that I look up to in racing would have to be my little brother Johnny Ezell. He’s my inspiration, greatest critic, and toughest competitor. He is the most dedicated, ambitious, and just pure badass drag racer that I know. I would not be the driver I am today without him.  

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I am actually very content with the race cars that I drive. I have the best of both. I have a door car that does wheel stands and a dragster that can compete with the best in the country. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We built the cars as a family and we race as a family. I couldn’t ask for more.

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
I have a certain order that I do in the staging lanes before I make a pass. I have to check left tire pressure, check right tire pressure, put up tire gauge on passenger side of car, walk around the car, put on my pants, then jacket, get in the car, buckle seat belt in specific order, attach left arm restraint, put on left glove, put on helmet, put on right glove, put on neck brace, pull my pony tail from under the neck brace and lastly attach my right arm restraint.