Video: Violent Promod Camaro Clutch Explosion

We would all like to think our cars are invincible, but parts do break. Of course, a leaky valve cover will be less of a concern than a clutch blowing up in your face, but things like this are out of the driver’s control. But this is one of the risks that goes along with the exciting sport of drag racing. Interestingly enough, Tony Defelices’ PSI-blown, Hemi powered 67 Camaro suffered a severe clutch explosion, and we are glad the driver is ok – he even has the video to show for it.

The short, yet rather eventful video was first posted on FastDoorslammers.

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Despite the rather violent explosion, Defelices only suffered minor burns where the metal shrapnel burnt through his fire suit, as well as some minor eyebrow singes. Obviously, the injuries could have been much more severe. Defelices received the facial burns due to leaving his visor up because he was only planning on leaving the line and getting off at the 60 foot cone. When the clutch exploded, the car did get out of shape and scrape the wall a bit, but nothing too serious. As safe as the bell housings are in these cars, the clutch did blow a hole in the top of it. The car is rather unique in Australia though, being that it is left-side drive. This was a brand new transmission for the car, being a 10.0 crowerglide, and they are sticking with this combination. It is believed that they received a faulty disc, which caused the explosion.

As dismal as the news may sound, the team had more difficulties two days later. While after they had run a 6.09 elapsed time, on the next run they blew a head gasket, which led to an engine fire. I guess that old saying holds true, “When it rains it pours.” Hopefully Defelices and crew can catch some better luck at their next outing. For now, we will sit and be baffled by the violent explosion video we are provided with.