“We had an incredible year racing in 2016.” Said Brian Hope of Rat Trap Racing/H&H Motorsports. “We drag raced pretty much all year, sometimes overseas, occasionally I drove Rich Guasco’s Pure Hell AA/Fuel Altered and, we set four land speed records in our modified ’29 Model A Roadster. With new sponsorship from Beech Underwriting Agencies (BUA), Isky Cams and TrailerCabinets.com, we hope to do even better this year.”

“Bonneville was tough, the conditions were poor, however, at the final Ohio Mile event in October Geoff Stilwell of BUA set the record at 183 and change until team mate Kevin Cradduck bumped it to 184.8049 mph.

“Part of the success was due to switching to a new 436-ci LS Chevy fitted with a Wiseco rotating assembly, Trick Flow LS7 heads and Quick Fuel carbs. Additional upgrades for this year include a ProCharger supercharger and MoTeC fuel injection by Shane T. We know the car is capable of 200 mph because in August 2012, my daughter Victoria set the A/FRMR (Fuel Rear engine Modified Roadster) record at 216.552 mph—a record she still holds. This year we’ll be running in B/BGRMR (B/Blown Gas Rear-engine Modified Roadster) and chasing a record of 212.521 mph

Stilwell, who will be the primary driver this year, only gained his license at Bonneville last August when he became enthralled with land speed racing saying, “I got salt fever and I can’t wait to get back to Bonneville. In fact, I’m so excited I immediately went to see my friend Ed Iskenderian who sponsored the effort with a new trick cam.”

“Having BUA, Isky and TrailerCabinets.com come on board is exciting news.” Said Hope. “They join a growing group of loyal sponsors that help make this happen along with my team and family without whom none of this would be possible.”

Rat Trap Racing/H&H Motorsports fields three other land speed racers: Rat Trap AA/Fuel Altered driver Ron Hope and brother Steve race a twin-turbo, Chevy-powered ’29 Roadster that has run a best so far of 236 mph. There is also the USAutomotive-sponsored ’85 2WD Shelby Dodge Charger that set a new G/Blown Gas Coupe El Mirage record in November at 187.038 mph with Jere Teepen driving. Finally, there is a ‘time-only’ ’85 4WD Shelby Dodge Daytona that Ron’s wife Dianne drives along with guests.