Car of the Week: Bryan Walker's 1982 Ford Mustang

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 Bryan Walker from Joplin, MO and his 1982 Ford Mustang.

How did you get into drag racing?
I'd say first and foremost my parents Ron and Dora. They raced and traveled everywhere, and Dad would let me warm up his race car. I’ve been hooked since the early 1990s.

When and where was your first race?
Mo-Kan Dragway in Asbury, MO in the mid 90s

What model/year do you race now?
Currently a 1982 Skinny Kid chassis built mustang, chrome moly, extremely light

Does your car have a nickname?
No it doesn’t currently have a nickname, but my son Jace will give it one I'm sure.

What's under the hood?
A 413 small block Ford, Dusty Frazier Trickflow R heads, 12:1 mild bracket motor

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
Transmission, all transmission parts, converter, basically everything you sell because I know they are the best parts and extremely reliable.

Why do you use BTE?
A friend of mine, Tom Williams, has been after me for a couple years to use BTE stuff. BTE stands behind everything and is a very customer-oriented company.

Walker and his crew chief/wife, April Walker.

Someone you look up to in racing?
My ”mentor" Walter (Bubba) Foster has helped me get to where I am for last 10 years. Second, my good friend Jared Pennington, always there for me no matter what. He’s a great friend and even better person. Third would be Joey Keith: there through thick and thin, always willing to listen and pray and help whenever you’re in need. Fourth, Luke Bogacki, who is a really good guy, and tough as they get in racing. He’s always helping answer my questions when he can about racing. Fifth, my beautiful wife April Walker. I don’t know how she does it and puts up with all my racing, but she loves being involved and is my crew chief, as well as my biggest fan and supporter. Last but not least, my bud Jeremy Mckague, who wins bunches of big time races everywhere, and would do anything for you.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I'd like to run super stock/stock circuit win a couple of world championships!

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)? 
Just the normal once over, check everything out, warm the car up, take my boy Jace for a couple of slow test passes down the return road, (he thinks we’re racing) then just focus and get prepared to go some rounds.

THANKS: I’d like to say a special thanks to all my friends, family and sponsors that support me through thick and thin, and BTE for making great products. Also Briscoe Scrap Metal, Chris Norris at Triple C Drag Race Car Insurance and Peaks Performance Powder Coating.

Car of the Week: Nate Burger's 1970 "Sizzling Nitrous" Chevy Nova

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 Nate Burger from Tuscon, AZ and his “Sizzling Nitrous” 1970 Chevy Nova.

How did you get into drag racing?
I rode in a friend’s truck in high school — his dad had built a rowdy 468. After that I was hooked.

When and where was your first race?
Phoenix, Arizona in 2005, in a 1981 Chevy longbed. Had to start somewhere.

What model/year do you race now?
1970 Chevy Nova

Does your car have a nickname?
Sizzling Nitrous Nova, thanks to a buddy.

What's under the hood?
555 inch Big Block Chevy, Induction Solutions plate kit and a pretty violent tuneup!

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
1.80 straight cut planetary gears, overflow catch can, roller bearing support, and more soon

Why do you use BTE?
Brandon was great to work with, He was a straight shooter and told me what I was attempting to do would end in the stock 1.76 planets getting hurt. Thanks Brandon!

Someone you look up to in racing?
Ron Rhodes and all the guys who get down the track on a 275

If money were no object, what would you drive?
Same car as I have now, but done up in x275 trim.

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)? 
Calm myself and go through the motions, pull the belts tight and HANG ON!

Car of the Week: Kiethan Lewis' 1990 Ford Mustang LX "Drama Queen"

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 Kiethan Lewis from Mesquite, TX and his “Drama Queen,” a 1990 Ford Mustang LX.

How did you get into drag racing?
My best friend was doing it and he let me drive his car. I’ve been hooked since! 

When and where was your first race?
I raced for the first time in 2003 at the street races in Garland, TX.

What model/year do you race now?
1990 Ford Mustang LX w/SBC 

Does your car have a nickname?
Drama Queen

What's under the hood?
421 SBC NOS motor

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
9.5" torque converter and a transbrake valve body 

Why do you use BTE?
BTE is very affordable and dependable. Since I put it on my car, I have had no issues!

If money were no object, what would you drive?
2006 Corvette x275 LSX TWINS 

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
Pray for my safety. Wear my lucky slides to the track and been doing that for the last few years. They became my lucky slides after I noticed I’d been wearing them to the track and nothing bad has happened to me since.

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. 

Car of the Week: Michael Rickman's 1994 Chevy S-10

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 Michael Rickman of Selmer, TN and his 1994 Chevy S-10.

How did you get into drag racing?
It happened when I was a teenager, through some of my friends and their dad. My drive to get better at racing took off from there.

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

What model/year do you race now?
1994 Chevy S-10

Does your car have a nickname?
“Ole girl” maybe. That's what I call her before each round.

What's under the hood?
A new 383 roller motor

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
The 2-speed BTE powerglide loaded up with all the good stuff, also a BTE 8" torque converter.

Why do you use BTE?
Because I believe in the durability and consistency of their products, plus it shows at the track.

Someone you look up to in racing?
Carl Edwards is the guy I look up to. He is a awesome race car driver.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I would love to learn how to drive a pro stock.

Car of the Week: Daniel Wright's 1993 Chevy S-10

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 Daniel Wright in Arkansas and his 1993 Chevy S-10. 

How did you get into drag racing?
15 yrs

When and where was your first race?
Centerville Dragway Centerville Ar

What model/year do you race now?
1993 chevy S10

Does your car have a nickname? 
“Lil’ Blue”

What's under the hood?
468 BBC

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle? 
BTE Powerglide,  BTE transmission case, BTE 8 in converter

Why do you use BTE?
Price and quality

Someone you look up to in racing?
Dick Harrell, aka "Mr. Chevrolet"

If money were no object, what would you drive?
’67 Camaro

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
Pray for luck!

Monster Truck Week: Interview With USA-1's Crew Chief, Part II

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. Part 1 of this interview ran Tuesday, March 31.

The USA-1 Crew

What is the most exciting part of a monster truck event?
Each part of a monster truck event has its own elements of excitement.  Kids always enjoy the pit parties because they can get up close to those big trucks. Racing has the competitive element that any motorsports fan can appreciate. In freestyle, drivers perform moves that shock and wow spectators.
           
For the team, the most exciting part is when we win. We have run with several very competitive teams so far this year on the Monster X Tour. Any time we take a racing, wheelie, or freestyle victory, it means a lot because every team on the Monster X tour is very tough and works very hard.

How old is USA-1?
USA-1 was one of the first monster trucks created. It began performing in 1981. In 1988, a second USA-1 was built for racing. It won the inaugural Monster Truck Racing Championship that year. However, save for the occasional cameo appearance, the USA-1 name has been absent from competition for over 20 years. Gauger Motorsports was able to partner with USA-1’s creator, Everett Jasmer, to bring this name back to competition. It has been a huge honor running USA-1 this year.

Who is the driver of USA-1?
Roger Gauger is not only the driver of the truck, but also a 23-year veteran of the monster truck industry. He is also an accomplished fabricator, which comes in handy as a monster truck driver and owner. Roger and his wife, Kathy bought their first monster truck in 1991 and have kept the business going through their company, Gauger Motorsports. USA-1 is a new addition to their fleet.

How many crew members go along with USA-1 to events? What do they normally have to do during the course of a night?
We typically have two crew members travel to shows. The first thing that must be done upon arrival is unloading the truck and mounting the large tires. In order to fit the truck into the hauler, the large tires must be dismounted and “toter” tires installed so the truck is narrow enough be loaded. Once “tired up” the truck is then moved into the stadium into pit position. Then the tools are moved in and the pit area is set up. Suspension and tire pressure adjustments are made and final cleaning is done before the pit party. Next the trucks are moved into positions for the pit party, then back to the pits afterwards. Once the event starts it’s all hands on deck to do what it takes to keep the truck running its best. If something breaks we do what it takes to get the truck back in the show. After the event, we “tire down” and load everything back up.  It’s a very full day.

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.

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.

###

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 of the Week: Dana Duckett's 1970 Chevelle SS 454

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 Dana Duckett from Grimes, IA and his 1970 Chevelle SS 454.

How did you get into drag racing?

My best friend had a drag car back in the late 80s, and I started going to the track with him every weekend. First we raced a 331 cid small block powered ’74 Vega at the Bethany, MO track and were the track champions in our class for several years. We then began running a ’67 big block powered Camaro and moved to the Princeton, MO track after Bethany closed. I’ve always been interested in cars, and always had a hot street car dating back to my high school days when I had a ’71 Chevelle running a small block (355 cid) with a tunnel ram. 

What model/year do you race now?

My current “hot rod” is a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 (LS-6) convertible clone.

What's under the hood?

It is a .030 over 454 with Speed Pro 10.5:1 pistons, factory LS-6 steel crank, Lunati 60204 Voodoo cam, lifters, and springs and many of the original LS-6 parts including 291 rectangle-port closed-chamber heads, 569 Winters aluminum intake, and an original 4492 Holley 780 carb.  

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

It is backed by a Turbo 400 that Steve Oldani built for me using BTE internal parts and a BTE 11” Street/Strip stall converter running through a Richmond Gear 4.10 posi. 

Why do you use BTE?
I use BTE products because my transmission builder, Steve “the Trans Man” Oldani, had nothing but great things to say about your products and that your service was second to none. I had known Steve for several years before he did any work for me. Steve was rebuilding my convertible’s transmission and recommended several upgrades along with one of your street/strip converters to go along with the new engine I was building.  When I ran into some problems with my converter several months later, BTE immediately shipped me a replacement. The BTE tech staff followed-up and were extremely helpful. In this day and age, this level of personal service is unheard of and BTE’s willingness to stand behind their product and make sure I was completely satisfied was very refreshing. I’m sold on BTE products and recommend them to everyone I know! Your products speak for themselves and I'm a BTE customer for life.

Someone you look up to in racing?

I’ve always looked up to the door slammers in pro stock, including drivers like Warren Johnson and a guy with more local ties, Bob Morton who used to drive the Cooper & Kriegh Pizza Hut pro stock Camaro.

If money were no object, what would you drive?

An original 1969 DZ302 Camaro.

Car of the Week: Joey Painter's 1969 Chevy Camaro

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 Joey Painter from Boaz, AL and his 1969 Chevy Camaro. 

How did you get into drag racing?

I have lots of friends that race, so they got me started. I have been a drag racing fan my entire life. My dad, Troy, raced when I was a child. I guess it’s always been something I’ve been very interested in.

When and where was your first race?

First race I carried my car to was Alabama International Dragway.

What model/year do you race now?

1969 Camaro

What's under the hood?

496 Big Block Chevrolet

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

I use a BTE Powerglide for 3 seasons now. 

Why do you use BTE?

I like BTE products because I have never had any problems with them. 

Someone you look up to in racing?

I am going to Scotty Richardson’s driving school, and if I can learn to drive like him everybody better look out.

If money were no object, what would you drive?

If I could afford it, I would travel the country doing nothing but racing and meeting new people. Maybe one day I will drive a pro mod car, but I also like bracket racing, 6.0 and 5.70.

Car of the Week: Chance Lykens' 1978 Chevy LUV

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 Chance Lykens from Lamar, MS and his 1978 Chevy LUV. 

How did you get into drag racing?

I got into drag racing after my dad told me all his stories of driving for my grandpa. After my father died when I was 14 years old, my grandpa saw me in a depressed mood so he put me in our race truck.

When and where was your first race?

My first race was in September of 2010.

What model/year do you race now?

I race a 1978 Chevy LUV.

Does your car have a nickname?

The trucks nickname is "Ladies Man." 

What's under the hood?

A 406 Small block Chevy is our motor. 

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

All our products are from BTE, because they work great and BTE is five minutes down the road. We have great friends down there, and we know they are best at what they do. 

Why do you use BTE?

We use BTE because their products are durable. They withstand a bunch of torque and power. Our converter and transmission have lasted over five years. 

Someone you look up to in racing?

I look up to two main people. My grandfather who has helped me with everything he can. From putting me into a race car to helping with life. He's the only reason I'm racing now. I couldn't do it without "Pop." I actually also look up to a BTE employee. Bryan Robinson has been a really great inspiration for me. He's helped me with advice a lot and I even use his old fire jacket. He's a great bracket racer and it shows on and off the track. 

If money were no object, what would you drive?

I'd really love to drive Chevy 2 or a dragster. I've driven a bunch of door cars, but I've never had a chance to hop in a dragster. I've driven my buddy, Jeremy Harrison's Chevy 2 a few times. It's a great ride and I love driving it. 

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

My pre-race ritual is pretty normal. I drink a lot of water and joke around with my 2 grandpas, Danny Lewis and Monkey Bolden. We look over last week's runs and ride the golf cart around the track.

Car of the Week: Brady Murks' 1971 Z28 Camaro

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Brady Murks of Lexington, AL and his 1971 Z28 Camaro. 

How did you get into drag racing?

I got my start in racing through my Grandad when he bought me my first Jr. Dragster. I was eight years old.

When and where was your first race?

My first race was at US 43 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

What model/year do you race now?

The car I drive now is a 1971 Z28 Camaro.

What's under the hood?

My car is powered by a 440 small block from Wilkerson Racing Engines.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

I have a BTE transmission case.

Why do you use BTE?

I use BTE, because they have highly reliable products.

Someone you look up to in racing?

I look up to Clay Millican, because I met him in Huntsville and talked to him. He seemed like a very likeable guy that works hard for what he has. 

If money were no object, what would you drive?

A 2013 COPO Camaro

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

My pre-race ritual is to take a deep breathe, close my eyes and focus on the tree.

Car of the Week: Steve Place's 1996 Corvette

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Kenneth "Steve" Place of Springdale, Arkansas and his 1996 Corvette. 

How did you get into drag racing?

Drag racing started in High School with a '69 Camaro in 1981. After winning that first 1/4 mile pass, I was hooked for life.

When and where was your first race?

1984 marked my first pass down a drag strip in Asbury, Missouri at MoKan Dragway. There were many "non-drag strip" passes.  

What model/year do you race now?

We operate a 1996 Corvette P/M in 1/8th mile here in the Midwest.

What's under the hood?

Our new combination is switching from a nitroused 572 to a 14-71 on a 548 BBC.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

We use a complete BTE Top Sportsman powerglide and converter.  

Why do you use BTE?

BTE provides fast and accurate delivery of the highest quality products, plus the sales staff is very knowledgeable. 

Someone you look up to in racing?

Bubba Stanton

If money were no object, what would you drive?

I'd still drive my Corvette...Hey, it's a Jerry Bickel chassis once owned by Carl Moyer. It's got history.

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

I like to get in the car early to collect my thoughts and get focused.

Car of the Week: Bobby Hooker's 1968 Camaro

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Bobby Hooker of Cave City, Arkansas and his 1968 Camaro. 

How did you get into drag racing?

I began going to Newport Optimist Dragway in Newport, Arkansas with my dad as a kid and watched him and his buddies race.

When and where was your first race?

My first race was around 1989 when I started racing the truck my dad towed his car with.

What model/year do you race now?

1968 Camaro

What's under the hood?

427 SBC

Car of the Week: Jeremee Compton's 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Jeremee Compton of Compton Bros. Racing & Garage in Columbus, OH and his 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (that he built with his twin brother). 

When and where was your first race?

I am 21 (22 in April) years old and first went down the track when I was 15. So I have been racing almost 7 years. I live and breathe it. So does my twin brother. We're partners on the car. My first race was at Kil-Kare in Xenia, OH. On March 27, 2008.

What model/year do you race now?

I 100% built and race a 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Does your car have a nickname?

Bad78Cutlass

What's under the hood?

12.9:1 406 SBC. Aluminum Heads. E85 Dominator custom built by my brother and I, the "Compton Bros.”

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

We currently run a BTE trans Shield.

Why do you use BTE?

BTE has some of the best and affordable parts on the market.

Someone you look up to in racing?

I currently don't look up to anyone in the racing world. I like to set my own standards and goals so I feel accomplished.

If money were no object, what would you drive?

If money were no object. I would still drive my car. Except, I would build a bigger and badder power plant.

Car of the Week: Dewayne Martin's 1972 Chevy Nova

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Dewayne Martin in Warrior, AL and his 1972 Chevy Nova.

How did you get into drag racing? 

My boss (Bill Cone) in my first full time job raced & went to the track with him.

When and where was your first race? 

Lassiter Mountain (1982)

What model/year do you race now? 

1972 Chevy Nova        

What's under the hood? 

406 SBC

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle? 

Converter & planetaries

Car of the Week: Dan Gefre's 1984 Malibu "Shagwag"

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today, it’s all about Dan Gefre in Coon Rapids, MN and his 1983 Malibu Wagon. 

How did you get into racing?

Growing up, my grandpa was always building something fast or cool.

When and where was your first race?

I was 18 when I made my first pass in 2005. Brainerd International Raceway’s Wednesday Night Street Drags.

What model/year do you race now?

I bought my current car in 2006. It was stock. It is a 1983 Malibu wagon.

Does your car have a nickname?

The Shagwag 

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

I bought a BTE 1.69 glide last summer.

What's under the hood?

I’ve had a ton of combos over the years but now it has a 409SBC with a billet wheeled 76mm turbo. I haven't run it much but so far at 15lbs of boost I've gone 8.81 @155. I can't run a boost controller in my class, and my car tends to wheelie. That's why I wanted the 1.69 first gear.

Why do you use BTE?

I'm really happy with the quality.