In drag racing, there are wheelstands, and then are wheelstands? Got it? Okay.
The NHRA and IHRA’s Super Stock category – and more recently, Stock Eliminator – has long been know as the one class in the sport where hanging of the hoops can be expected. Aside from the finer details that only a class racer or fan of class racing can appreciate, wheelstands are a hallmark of Super Stock that any fan with some understanding of drag racing can instantly associate with the longtime eliminator.
Way back in 2001 (has it really been 10 years?), Super Stock racer Glenn Betz released the transbrake and powered into what is one of the greatest wheelstands many have ever witnessed while competing at Orlando Speedworld Dragway’s Southern Sportsman Open – part of what was then known as the Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series.
Betz’ Columbus, Indiana-based ’94 Cavalier, nearest to the camera, initially went into what appeared to the typical Super Stock-esque launch. But then it didn’t come back down. Showing some serious fortitude and using the centerline and guardrails as a visual feeler, Betz rode out the wheelstand for nearly 500 glorious feet and never once lifted off the throttle.
That, folks, is a wheelstand.