David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Kolman’s Korner: That is one extremely noisy engine

Jan. 19, 2015
Listening up close when a Nitro Funny Car is started.

The annual Rush Truck Centers Tech Skills Rodeo always includes an exhibitor fair.

At the latest competition, held San Antonio, Tx., in mid-December, there was an exhibit by Pedregon Racing. The team competes in NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing events.

Among the things on display were the team’s hauler and two Nitro Funny Cars.

A select group

I was part of a select group of people invited by team owner Tony Pedregon – two-time NHRA Funny Car Champion and quarter mile record holder (4.65 seconds at 331 mph) – to see one of his cars “undressed” and watch him “fire it up.”

Because a Nitro Funny Car’s engine – which is fueled by Nitromethane, a  fuel made specifically for drag racing – is so loud, the event took place outside on the last day of the exhibitor fair.

You can watch a video of the engine start up here.

Funny Car facts

Here are some “stats” on Pedregon’s Nitro Funny Cars:

- They travel about 1,000 feet in under four seconds.

- They pull some 5 Gs (Gravitational Force) going from 0 to 100 mph in one second.

- The forged aluminum V-8 supercharged, fuel-injected engine generates 10,000hp.

- They consume between four and five gallons of fuel during a quarter-mile run and use between 17 and 20 gallons of fuel for a complete “pass,” including the burnout, backup to the starting line and quarter-mile run.

- Nitromethane costs around $22 per gallon.

- The cars have a wheelbase of 125” and an overall weight distribution of 60-percent rear, 40-percent front.

Heritage

Pedregon is from Torrance, Calif. His older brother, Cruz, is also a Funny Car drag racer.

They are the sons of Drag Racing Legend Flamin' Frank Pedregon.

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