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: Chris Livingood'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 Chris Livingood (yes, that's his real name) from Ottawa, Kansas and his 1977 Chevy Vega.

How did you get into drag racing?
I’m a third generation racer. I spent a majority of my weekends as a child at the race track watching my dad.

When and where was your first race?
My first time in competition was at Kansas City International Raceway around the age of 16.

What model/year do you race now?
1977 Chevy Vega

What's under the hood?
A 421 SBC built by Driskell Race Engines in Wellsville, KS

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
I’m running a BTE torque converter and a Williams Powerglide filled with all BTE internals.

Why do you use BTE?
The reliability of the product and the great customer support. Prior to switching to BTE, I battled with other companies trying to find the right converter for my application. After several unsuccessful attempts I was referred to BTE by a transmission builder. I provided my engine specifications and desired converter stall and the BTE team got it right the first time. It was great customer experience!

Someone you look up to in racing?
My dad got me interested in cars and introduced me to bracket racing. He showed me that it doesn’t take a big budget to be competitive.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I would add a dragster or roadster to my garage. I would also like to travel across the country and compete in more big money races.

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: Tags Hot Rod Shop/Clark Racing & The "Carbon Fiber & Rust Longtop" Chevy II

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 Tags Hot Rod Shop and Clark Racing of Brandon, MS. We spoke to Chris Taggart for the information on their three racing vehicles including a Longtop 1967 Chevy II Wagon with a unique paint job. 

 How did you get into drag racing?
My family has always been in to racing. I remember going to the races with my father Robert Taggart as a small child.

When and where was your first race?
My first race at a race track was 1982 at Jackson International Dragway in Pearl, MS.

What model/year do you race now?
We have a few race cars at Tags Hot Rod Shop/Clark Racing. My brother Ryan drives the Longtop 1967 Chevy II wagon (pictured). I drive a ’67 Chevy II Hardtop SS, and Ken Clark drives the Candy Brandywine 70 Nova. We all take turns driving "The Black Truck 59 Chevy" that was Super Chevy Magazine’s January 2014 feature. We race that at the Super Chevy show in Memphis every year.

Does your car have a nickname?
We just call it the Longtop Chevy II or Carbon Fiber and Rust Longtop. The motor parts all look like carbon fiber and the body looks rusty and the car has neither.

What's under the hood?
Pat Musi 14-degree 632 with Gary Williams intake and carbs, two Induction Solutions nitrous oxide foggers.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicles?
Powerglide transmissions, bolt together torque converters, two-piece powerglide case and bellhousings

Someone you look up to in racing?
Larry Larson a Drag Week five time champ and fastest Drag Week car ever!

If money were no object, what would you drive?
IHRA Pro Stock Mountain Motor! Or a Top Fuel dragster.

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
Dont really have one. I just make it to the track early enough to get decent parking!    

Car of the Week: Kole Pritchett's "Ugly Duckling" 1980 Chevy Monza

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 Kole Pritchett of Knoxville, TN and his 1980 Chevy Monza.

How did you get into drag racing?
I grew up around it with my dad and uncles.

When and where was your first race?
At the I-40 Dragway in a Jr dragster when I was nine years old.

What model/year do you race now?
1980 Chevy Monza

Does your car have a nickname?
The Ugly Duckling

What's under the hood?
A 404-cid small block Chevy prepped by Midsouth Racing topped by a Rupert carb

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
An 8" BTE converter and all transmission components

Why do you use BTE?
Great products and excellent customer service. Bill, Brandon, and Neal has always treated us like family.

Someone you look up to in racing?
I can't name just one. I'd have to say my dad, my uncle Larry, Luke Bogacki, and Scotty Richardson.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
Either a top sportsman car or a nitrous pro mod

What is your pre-race ritual (if you have one)?
Take a deep breath and clear my mind.

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!

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.

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 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: 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

Our New Year's Resolutions For 2015

The holidays are finally over and we're back in the regular swing of things starting today. (Here's to hoping your first Monday of the year is painless!) In keeping with the tradition of making new year's resolutions, here are a few of ours for 2015.

1. Our sales guys Ray and Brandon have resolved to be on time to the office every day. This one's already been broken, by the way, but they get points for trying.

2. To have a more detailed, full parts listing on our website, BTERacing.com. It is our goal to include every washer, bolt and gasket and update the site frequently to reflect our inventory.

3. We want to visit you in person. Last year was a tough year for us to travel, but we plan on hitting the pavement hard in 2015. Look for us at race tracks across the country, specifically in the Midwest, Texas and the Carolinas. It's been far too long since we've been able to visit these tracks and we want to remedy that.

What are your racing new year's resolutions? Tell us on Facebook and we might include them in a separate blog post.

Car of the Week: Dwight Moss' 1984 Buick Grand National

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 Dwight Moss in Athens, AL and his 1984 Buick Grand National.

When and where was your first race?

I started racing in 1971 on a Shaw Rd in Athens, AL. This was the local gathering place for high school kids in the area.

What model/year do you race now?

I have a 1984 Buick Grand National. 

What's under the hood?

440 CI SBC

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?

I use BTE convertors and trans coolers.

Why do you use BTE?

I switched to BTE convertors and found them to be more consistent and best 60 ft. I pull for the under dog to beat the highly funded teams.

If money were no object, what would you drive?

If money was not a show stopper, a concourse restored 66 GTO (I have one) with the best suspension built and a Butler Built Pontiac 500CI motor.

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.

Car of the Week: Martin Lambert's '75 Chevy Monza

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 Martin Lambert in Everett, WA and his 1975 Chevy Monza. 

How did you get into drag racing?

I started with a mini tub and adding a mild 350, then wondering how fast it was.

When and where was your first race? 

1994 at Seattle International Raceway (Pacific Raceways) in Washington state

What model/year do you race now? 

1975 Chevy Monza that I've owned since 1984

Does your car have a nickname? 

Taz

Cooling Strategies For Racing Transmissions And Why It's So Important For Your Car

It is unusually cold in Mississippi today (actually, its the coldest day on record since the 1880s), but before we know it, the temps will be up in the 80s and it will be full steam ahead on the racetracks again. This is a great time to consider the strategies available to keep your racing transmission cool when the warm weather returns next year.

Excessive heat kills transmission and torque converter components. While it is well established and widely understood, we are often asked about the best ways to manage this problem.

Last month, our friend and 2014 NHRA Super Gas world champion Luke Bogacki did a great writeup on his experience with transmission temperatures in throttle stop racing scenario. You can see that on his public Facebook post here. In his testing, he found that elapsed times would vary greatly as transmission temperatures rose above normal operating temperatures. We have found this to be the case as well in our testing and feedback from other customers.