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Now this is from an old mans perspective, switching from a 1970 Doge Challenger to a 1998 BMW M3 and attempting speeds of 120 plus MPH (lets just say in fantasy as otherwise I would be breaking the law) I would feel 100 percent safer and more in control of the M3. The Challenger begins to float over a 100 MPH.
While these kids have real talent, the technology with these cars now are a definite plus in their favor.
I can only imagine what it felt like to drive those Dodge Daytonas or Plymouth Superbirds at Talladega at over 200 MPH in the 70's.
actually those winged superbirds and dodge daytonas would actually plant the car down on the race track and become more stable as speeds rose, which is why they were not good short track or road course cars. that drooping nose planted the front end, and that big wing planted the rear end.
and i agree that technology has improved over the years across the board. back in the day we would look for ways to improve the handling of domestic production cars, well those of us that wanted to do more than just go fast in a straight line anyway. remember we tried everything, stiffer springs, aero devices, better tires, lowering the cars, etc. our problem back then was the poor geometry the domestic manufacturers gave us from the production line, and the lack of will to cut up our daily drivers to put more race oriented suspensions in place(remember we needed to get to work on monday so any mods had to be done over the weekend).
but even race technology moves forward with a crew chief or engineer wiling to take a chance on the rules that were not in the rule books, witness some of the things smokey yunick did in the late 60s and early 70s in nascar, as well as with indy cars.
Most likely the one regret over my extensive car purchases since I turned 16 in 1976 was my opportunity to purchase a Superbird in average condition for $4300 in 1980. Back then and for quite a few years afterwards they were the butt of many jokes for their ugliness and they dropped in value for a good many years after.
Fast forward to 2000 and I had another opportunity to purchase one for $42,000. I didn't have the b$lls to leverage the purchase. I have flipped many cars over the years and that price put the fear of God in me.
It was nice in the sixties and seventies to actually walk into a dealership and purchase a vehicle somewhat similar to what was being used in NASCAR. I am a Mopar nut and the options, colors and performance packages available back there were mind boggling. In the paperwork one of my Challengers came with was the pamphlet that mentioned that the high performance 426 Hemi could be ordered other than the standard one but it came without warranty. The late seventies with the gas crisis and smog intervention it was a time that so many muscle cars could be had for cheap!
Right. The glory days are behind them. I'll bet none of today's drivers could even drive a real stock car from the past.
There are a few current drivers that probably could muscle an old style stock car around a track. The Busch brothers, Harvick, Truex Jr. and JJ come to mind.
There are a few current drivers that probably could muscle an old style stock car around a track. The Busch brothers, Harvick, Truex Jr. and JJ come to mind.
i will remind everyone that todays drivers are in much better shape than the drivers of yesteryear, including guys like DW, michael waltrip, even jeff gordon, and others that were in the sport only 15-20 years ago. driver workout programs are much better and more intense than drivers had back then.
i will remind everyone that todays drivers are in much better shape than the drivers of yesteryear, including guys like DW, michael waltrip, even jeff gordon, and others that were in the sport only 15-20 years ago. driver workout programs are much better and more intense than drivers had back then.
I'll bet you that none of today's drivers would be able to hold up 500 miles at Darlington on Labor Day weekend with no power steering and no cool air box.
Of course.. Not a whole lot of the old timers were able to do that, either.. Which is why you had so many relief drivers in the day.
There's lots of tradeoffs. Back in the day.. The cars weren't so aero that no air moved around in them.
Now this is from an old mans perspective, switching from a 1970 Doge Challenger to a 1998 BMW M3 and attempting speeds of 120 plus MPH (lets just say in fantasy as otherwise I would be breaking the law) I would feel 100 percent safer and more in control of the M3. The Challenger begins to float over a 100 MPH.
While these kids have real talent, the technology with these cars now are a definite plus in their favor.
I can only imagine what it felt like to drive those Dodge Daytonas or Plymouth Superbirds at Talladega at over 200 MPH in the 70's.
Heard some scuttlebut about the Oct Martinsville race starting at 3 and likely ending under the lights. ? Maybe, but since Daylight savings time is not until NOv 3.. it may not be dark until 8 or 830? might be darker sooner, since they are a tad further east than I am.. but there wont be that much night racing under the lights at Martinsville baring bad weather or a long RED flag.
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) I would feel 100 percent safer and more in control of the M3. The Challenger begins to float over a 100 MPH.
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