Car of the Week: Tom Grover's '52 Ford F1 Truck

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Tom Grover of Terre Haute, IN and his 1952 Ford F1 truck which just ran a new best ET of 6.55 @ 101.7 in a 1/8th!

How did you get into drag racing?
My youngest son Boyd wanted something that he could race as his first car. So I helped him get a street/strip car. I was the crew chief for about three years and thought I would like to race my own ride.

When and where was your first race?
It was about thirty years ago in a bone stock street car in Freedom, IN.

What model/year do you race now?
A 1952 Ford F1 Truck

Does your car have a nickname?
It's just a "Junkie O Truck"

Luke Bogacki Gets Seventh Career NHRA National Event Title

Luke Bogacki earned his seventh career NHRA national event title in Kansas this past Memorial Day weekend. Fun fact: he was driving his RacingRVs-backed Corvette Roadster (built by Charlie Stewart Race Cars) that carries the number 77. It also marked his seventh final appearance from the last seven competitions he’s entered.

Bogacki remarked that he had $77 in his pocket after arriving home on Monday from the competition to bring the numbers full circle. 

Aside from the lucky numbers, Bogacki also credits all the work put into his Corvette Roadster over the last year as part of his success. 

“Nine months ago, this was quite possibly the worst car in the staging lanes for Super Gas,” says Bogacki. “Since that time, there hasn’t been a bolt left unturned on this car, and today I feel like it’s one of the best cars in the class. I want to give credit to John Kyle, Joe Hessling, and everyone at APD; Bryan Robinson at BTE; Marc Erickson at Auto Meter; Greg Brotherton at BRODIX; everyone at Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels; and Charlie Stewart and the crew at Charlie Stewart Race Cars.”

Bogacki dedicated his lucky number seven win to Butch Daugherty, who passed away last week. 

Car of the Week: Russell Snyder's 23T Altered Dragster

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Russell Snyder of Cordova, TN and his 23T Altered dragster.

How did you get into drag racing?
My grandfather who has been racing for over 50 years

When/where was your first race?
Early 2000s at Byhalia Raceway in Byhalia, MS

What model and year do you race now?
23T Altered dragster

What is your car's nickname?
No official name, I just refer to it as "she" or "her." My wife, however, refers to her as "The Other Woman."

Car of the Week: Blake Starita's '88 Mustang

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Blake Starita of Long Beach, MS and his ’88 Mustang.

How did you get into drag racing? Bought a motorcycle and fell in love with the sport When/where was your first race? 2006 at Gulfport Dragway What model/year do you race now? 1988 Ford Mustang What is your car’s nickname?  Mint Berry Crunch

Car of the Week: Greg Bunch's '86 Chevy S-10

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Greg Bunch of Petal, MS and his ’86 Chevy S-10.

How did you get into drag racing?

My cousin Phillip bracket raced and I always went with him. He got me a signed shirt and photo of Monty Todd’s top alcohol funny car and I’ve been hooked since.

When and where was your first race?

My first race was back in 2011 it was a bracket race.

What do you race now?

My race truck is a 1986 Chevy S-10.

Car of the Week: Casey Swift's '70 Ford Maverick

Welcome to our first ever Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Casey Swift and his ’70 Ford Maverick, all the way from Paradise, Texas.

Photo courtesy of Max Cackle Photos. 

How did you get into drag racing?

My dad started taking me to the races as soon as I could walk. My granddad, my dad and my uncle all race. When I got the first junior dragster in ’95 I was hooked.

When and where was your first race?

My first race was at Texas Raceway in Kennedale, TX. 

What do you race now?

I traded my ’97 Strickland Jr. straight across for my current ’70 Ford Maverick.

Up Close View of a Drag Race

See a drag race from the car's point of view.