We've just gotten word that the World Street Challenge (formerly World Ford Challenge) has backed their Drag Radial class down to a 7.50 index, setting the Drag Radial world on fire.
This was due to numerous concerns about safety issues and NHRA regulations for vehicles running quicker than 7.50 e.t. in the quarter mile. Our sister Online TV show, Street Legal TV -
wrote about this exact issue last week here.
As a result, Drag Radial racers David Wolfe and Big Daddy have announced that they are going to not attend the event:
"Got a call from Debbie at WSC......WSC1 Drag Radial is officially a 7.50 index class. That sux....I'm out." -
David Wolfe
"That makes 2 of us. Not dragging my cars across the country to pull the chutes, trying not to go faster then 7.50 Thats insane. Maybe the Class Should be Called Outlaw the Outlaws Drag Radial Tire Class.. I'd rather lose at my best by someone who was just better that day, then to lose for running sub 7.50's to a guy that runs 7.60' or maybe a mid 50's with all he's got.. That's not heads up, it's not 7.50 index either.. It's just plain non sense." -
Big Daddy
There is no doubt that a serious field is going to be showing up at the WSC to compete in the Drag Radial class. Most of the field can't run faster than 7.50. This does bring up a controversial issue though, as the two most famous Mustang drivers in Drag Radial history are leaving a large payday on the table.
This is tough issue and one that isn't going away. Yes, WSC is following the NHRA rules and saying - stay home. The weight is too high, and the speeds and e.t. are too much. But that being said, those guys will be doing it somewhere, and whether it's Outlaw tracks or NHRA tracks looking the other way, they will race.
We support the WSC following the NHRA safety rules. Gotta respect that.
We don't know what the right answer is, was, or will be. But, Wolfe and Big Daddy will be sitting in their comfy chairs in their bathrobes sipping Martini's come WSC.