The 2013 season started out rough, with not only trying to sort out the new chassis but also trying to dial in the new engine combination. With alot of test & Tune and help from Scott Gunderman, Bill Hoke and Bob Mandabach we got the ranchero running respectable with a best ET of 9.47 @ 139 with a 1.27 60ft. I am spraying 250 shot of Nitrous at her, and getting the air/fuel perfect with the air/fuel meter and plug reads is a little trying at times. As you can see in the photo below the 4 link rear suspension still needs some tweaking. I need to get that upward motion turned into forward motion. But it sure was fun!
My last event for the year was a good one! I entered the Open Comp class at the NMCA Finals here in Indy. I ended up dialing in at a 9.55 . The truck ran 9.60’s out the back door at over 135mph with no threat of break out. Most of my competitors left off the tree before me, (Some TOO soon..hehe) and were backing in to me too hard and I was taking the stripe on them and the win light! My reaction times were fairly good with .014 – .030’s and my best reaction ever of .001 ! Little close for comfort though.
My buddy Carlos Martinez and I made a quick adjustment of the wheelie bars to help get the frontend down for the elimination rounds. It seemed to work, as the truck was not leaving as violent and picked up the 60ft by .001.
Here’s a video from the semi finals at 2013 NMCA Finals in Indy
” The Wally ” is the most prestigious Award in Drag Racing, and sought after by EVERY drag racer. So, the Winner would receive this Award. And in the Open Comp class of the 2013 NMCA Finals there were 50 cars entered and ALL were eliminated except one! That’s right…The Fordmuscle Ranchero brought home “The Wally”!!!! It was a sentimental moment for me. I was handed the wally and $800.00 for the win. Thank you to all involved with the Ranchero, as without you none of this would be possible.
Keep an eye out for the January issue of Race Pages Magazine, I was given a big feature in the magazine! I got my fingers crossed for a chance at a cover photo! With that I’ll close by saying we are getting the RV winterized and list made for the Ranchero for this winter and dreaming of a championship ring for next year to compliment my “Wally”.
R.DeVito
Fordmuscle Ranchero
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