Car of the Week: Richie Vail's 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero

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 Richie Vail and his 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero.

Both pictures are at the same track, the above was taken 29 years ago, when Vail was 16 years old.

How did you get into drag racing?
My first race was in 1984 at Twin City Dragway in Monroe, Louisiana.

When and where was your first race?
Jackson Dragway back in the late 90s 

What model/year do you race now?
I race a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero. This was my first car that was passed down to me from my grandfather. I drove this car all through high school. This car has been in my family since 1967. I did all of the fabrication work on the car, roll cage, front and rear suspension, headers, exhaust, ran all of the brake lines, fuel lines, wiring, everything but the paint and body work. 

Does your car have a nickname?
Doesn't really have a nickname. My youngest son, Jake, calls it "The Old Hot Rod."

What's under the hood?
It has a Keith Craft 427 SBF Windsor, Dart block, AFR 225 heads, Comp solid roller cam, 850 Quick Fuel race carburetor, MSD Ignition, and Vail Motorsports headers. The motor is 10.0:1 compression, and dynoed 620 hp on pump gas.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
I am running a BTE Top Sportsman Powerglide.

Why do you use BTE?
I use BTE because of the reliability and years of experience they have in racing. They are also reasonably close to my hometown, so I can have the parts that I need in 1-2 days.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
If money was no object, I would be in a Pro Stock car.

What is your pre-race ritual?
I don't really have a pre-race ritual. I just check my car out very closely before every race. The best place to work on a car is in the shop, not the track.