‘63 Ford Fairlane Targets Long Standing World Speed Record

Mark Wilcox and the entire race team out of Wilcox Garage in Maple Valley, WA are working on turning a fantasy into reality. They’ve come together to field a 1963 Ford Fairlane to break the 209.236 mph record for a D class Classic Blown Gas Coupe (D/CBGC) set in 1980.

The team concept runs throughout the entire operation. The car itself was built by team member Chris Huffman of Enumclaw, WA for a record attempt with a different engine. Problems with his powerplant led Chris to join his Ford rolling stock to Mark Wilcox’s 1000hp ProCharged 294ci small block Chevy engine from his record chasing roadster that developed handling issues.

Racing parts transplants continued with the addition of a Smith Racecraft front suspension courtesy of crew member Eric “Wild Man” Petersen from his 1969 Firebird that met its demise at the Street Car Super Nationals last fall.

An M22 four-speed trans along with a Winters HD Quick-change rear round out the running gear. Assembly and maintenance are handled by crew members Billy “Goat” Knannlein and Tyler Tripp. Special recognition also goes out to Dennis Kerslake and Steve Morris for their large contributions to the success of the team.

The car is compliant with all structural safety requirements set forth by the Southern California Timing Association (S.C.T.A.). It is also completely outfitted with all of the appropriate safety equipment necessary to keep Mark safe when piloting this racing vehicle in excess of the 220 mph target speed that the team expects to achieve with this configuration. Mark’s top end racing experience began in 2007 and has made numerous passes over 200 mph.

The Wilcox Garage Team has its sights set on Bonneville in August 2012 and they might even bring a second engine to go after more than one record. After learning how this team brought their strengths together after experiencing their individual setbacks, I like their chances for success!

About the author

Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert is an independent writer who grew up during a time in Southern California car culture when big horsepower and high speed were celebrated above all. He now understands that turning, stopping, appearance and comfort are equal in importance...almost! Paul tries to find something likeable and interesting about anything with wheels and thinks that the people, history, and culture of hot rodding are often as important to the story as the cars and events being featured.
Read My Articles

Drag Racing in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Dragzine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Street Muscle Magazine
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
Diesel Army
Diesel Army
Engine Labs
Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Streetmuscle Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • Diesel Army Diesel Army
  • Engine Labs Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading