If you think about it, many of us like to attend rod runs and remain active. Unlike the early days of rod runs, with participant-driving events, modern rodding events are sedentary get-togethers, which are ideally suited for today's rodders who enjoy this low-key approach. But I have spoken to more and more rodders who would like to see some of the old-time driving events brought back. Well, the Hot Rod Drags could easily be one of these events. Most street rods are capable of running somewhere approaching 90 to 100 mph in an eighth-mile. While that may sound fast, it really isn't much faster (about 20-plus percent) than nearly every one of us drives on a day-to-day basis. For those of us who drive freeways and highways, we see speeds of 70 to 80 mph routinely-generally twice a day. With the fear of speed removed, that brings us back to another taboo with rodders competitively racing their cars-breakage. The acknowledged death knell in quarter-mile racing is that the majority of parts and expense occurs after the 1,000-foot mark, or well after the eighth-mile. Today's street rods are capable of being built well enough, and the parts are plenty strong enough to handle the acceleration requirements of the eighth-mile. I can see rodders coming to a rod run and having some fun running the Hot Rod Drags. It would be a great opportunity to show off just how well-built you street rod is! Not only that, but what a great way to show that you can not only build a reliable rod, but one that handles well on the interstate and equally as well at the track.
This is an idea that will have to germinate for a while, but as more and more rodders give it some thought, we should start seeing the rodding masses taking in the Hot Rod Drags. I can tell you that you will be seeing Senior Editor Ceridono and me trying our hands at the performance aspect of our hobby. Drop me a line and give me your input as to your likes or dislikes on Hot Rod Drags.