Video: “Rat Trap” Fuel Altered Takes A Tumble In New Zealand

We’ve all seen the classic vintage Fuel Altered photos, where the high-centered, short wheel-based bucking bronco is pointed directly at the crowd under power rather than at its intended target a quarter of a mile away. The driver, trying relentlessly not to become a passenger, can be visibly seen cranking the wheel back in the right direction – his foot still matted in a balls-of-steel display unlike any other.

Sure, they’re most at home turning left and right, but they’re actually meant to – and designed to – go straight. Unfortunately, in this particular, going straight was the problem.

Image credit: IHRA

Last weekend, longtime Fuel Altered icon and the creator of the famous “Rat Trap” Ron Hope found himself in a precarious situation thousands of miles from his Franklin, Tenn. home that left the classic nitro-burning altered a little worse for wear.

Hope had crated up and shipped the Rat Trap across the Pacific Ocean to the small settlement of Hahei, New Zealand, where native off-road, rally, hill climb, drift, and super touring racer Rod Millen was hosting the Leadfoot Festival that brings together classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and motorsports legends on his private 140-acre Leadfoot Ranch as a global celebration of all things automotive and motorsports.

Looking to deliver a slice of Americana with his truly American cackling Fuel Altered, Hope cracked the throttle on the Rat Trap on an intended drive though the meandering roads of Millen’s ranch when things took a destructive turn. Or lack of a turn.

Hope, no stranger whatsoever to the unorthodox skill that it takes to drive such an unruly racer did what he could to avoid disaster, but according to some second-hand reports, simply lost control of the car and couldn’t get it stopped or back on the roadway before overturning in a ditch. Certainly not the way the way that Hope or Millen intended for the drag racing display to go, but thankfully, the Tennessean climbed out unhurt.

The Rat Trap is said to already be on a ship and headed back stateside, where it will undergo repairs and readied for the long season of nitro-burning exhibitions ahead.

About the author

Andrew Wolf

Andrew has been involved in motorsports from a very young age. Over the years, he has photographed several major auto racing events, sports, news journalism, portraiture, and everything in between. After working with the Power Automedia staff for some time on a freelance basis, Andrew joined the team in 2010.
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