We’ve all seen a videos of cars throwing the crank and rods on the ground at the starting line, numerous Honda videos that end in disaster. Recently, we found this little gem — a Whipple-powered Chevrolet Joe Gibbs Edition Silverado attempting to make it down the track on a set of 26-inch wheels wrapped in thinly stretched rubber bands.
Small Chevy trucks are becoming more and more present at local drag strips around the country. It’s not uncommon to see a multitude of full-size trucks used as tow vehicles around the track, with some racers deciding to occasionally make a pass down the 1/4-mile stretch.
This Silverado is a prime example of how hairy a situation can get if you’re rocking a set of wagon wheels at the track instead of thick side-walled drag radials or slicks. There’s a reason that race tires have some sidewall to them. Remember, spinning isn’t winning.
After laying down a rubber patch that could compete with a Boeing 747 during an airport landing, the truck gets sideways and targets the Corvette in the other lane. Crossing the centerline before the 330-foot cone, and undoubtably making the Corvette owner rethink the decision to bring his car to the track, the driver is able to settle the truck down before this drag race gets out of hand.
After making a quick wheel and tire change to a more suitable set of drag racing tires, a second pass reviles the potential of this supercharged LS3. As the Christmas tree drops, the Silverado manages to get the jump, which provides an interesting outcome. Cracking out an impressive 13.37 at 91 mph, it narrowly edges out the same red Corvette for the win. And in the process, it perfectly illustrates the differences, on back-to-back runs, of tires designed for
Drop some comments in the box below and give us your opinion on this supercharged, Silverado on 26’s.