[ DRAG ILLUSTRATED ROUNDTABLE ]
THE EVOLUTION OF
DOORSLAMMER
RACING
Taking a closer look at the rapid development and technological
changes that have pushed doorslammer racing forward
BY JOSH HACHAT
GREG
ANDERSON
MARK
WOODRUFF
CHUCK
SAMUEL
TOMMY
LEE
DOUG
WINTERS
CHARLES
CARPENTER
Evolution in drag racing is inevitable,
but when it comes to the doorslammer ranks, it’s
almost been astronomical over the last decade.
We’ve seen drag radial racing – and most notably,
Radial vs. the World – explode onto the
scene, Pro Mod become as popular as it ever has
been and Pro Stock take a number of massive
steps to switch up the class, finally finding some
sort of positive footing during the last couple seasons.
Mountain Motor Pro Stock remains in a world of flux, but dipping its
toes into the NHRA ranks could put yet another doorslammer class onto
a road participants hope will rival its heyday.
Combined, there’s no doubt much has changed in almost every area.
Doorslammer racing looks nothing like it did just 10 years ago and there’s
plenty of positives — as well as a few negatives — that accompany that.
To take a deeper dive into the evolution of doorslammer racing, Drag
Illustrated talked with a panel of standouts spanning the full spectrum
of door car racing, including Pro Stock, Pro Mod, drag radial and MMPS.
Each touched on how the class has evolved, the challenges and biggest
advancements in technology, predictions for the future and more.
As wildly different as the classes are, the answers showcased the different
spot each category is currently in, where it came from and the biggest
factors toward continued growth.
Greg Anderson is one of the biggest legends in Pro Stock history. He’s
been both crew chief and driver, giving him an interesting perspective as
Pro Stock moved into its current EFI era.
Mark Woodruff is one of the originals when it comes to drag radial
racing, witnessing the dramatic rise of Radial vs. the World. It’s also left
him with strong opinions about what’s helped the class succeed.
Chuck Samuel is a standout crew chief in the Mountain Motor Pro
Stock ranks, helping lead Cary Goforth to his last championship, and
currently tuning the likes of standout Chris Powers.
Tommy Lee has been a successful driver and tuner in both the NHRA
Pro Stock and MMPS ranks, driving during the biggest run of success for
the class. He’s currently the tuner for multi-time champ John Montecalvo.
Doug Winters is a veteran who raced Pro Mod and Nitro Coupe in the
Super Chevy days and is now a standout driving full-time in the NHRA
Pro Mod ranks. There’s been significant changes – which he views as
pluses and minuses – in his time in the class.
PHOTOS: COLE ROKOSKY, TARA BOWKER, NHRA
66 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated.com Issue 158