Showing posts with label bte top sportsman powerglide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bte top sportsman powerglide. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

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. 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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.