Sometimes you make plans and things get in the way that can’t be helped. So it goes this year with “The Black Car” for the Rockstar Performance crew. Originally the plan was to start running the new X275 class at Sunshine Dragstrip back in April, but recovery from hernia repair surgery, life’s general interruptions, and a busy work schedule at my second job; HPS Performance, set us back to go over the car and hit the track.
At the track and ready to rock. The day started around 90 degrees and cooled to just 81 degrees by 9 PM. With 83% humidity to go with it, I guess you could say it was hot.
We finally put it all together for a test session last Wednesday with good results for a first outing in a new ride. In case you missed it, you can read about where we got the car and other important stuff here. A couple of consistent shake down runs naturally aspirated had the car running back-to-back 6.43’s at 110 MPH. The plugs looked comfortable so we turned on the nitrous and made a pass resulting in serious wheelspin and a 6.12 at 125 MPH despite a poor 1.55 60-foot. A slight shock adjustment and a tune up change to soften the hit put the car deep in the 5’s with a clean 1.32 60-foot and 5.61 at 126.92 on the marginal track surface. Low voltage on the next run caused some surge in high gear so I clicked it early to a 5.81.
Blair was happy to see the car in the 5’s in the first session, and I was happy with my driving after not being behind the wheel since December 2010 in my own car. Next up is a switch to radials, some odds and ends to make it a bit easier at the track between rounds, another test session, and we're ready to race. Special thanks to the crew, Mike Perella and Frank Rexach for helping out and of course Blair for the opportunity to drive for you.
The 439ci SBF has TRS R heads with an Edelbrock intake and Induction Solutions fogger set at about 250 HP. We ran the car basically as delivered and were able to duplicate the performance of what was represented during the sale. For sure a good day.
Thanks to my guys, as they did a great job with the car. I look forward to trying out a new class in a new role as car owner. Wednesday night was so relaxing being able to hang out and not bother with driving and still have a great time with friends. That’s what it’s all about anyway. - Blair Brannock (pictured here with daughter Alyvia last year)