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: 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.