British V8 2007 Valve Cover Race Results
as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume XV Issue 2, September 2007In the history of racing there have been few results as clear as our first ever British V8 Valve Cover Races. On the one hand, we witnessed the triumphant spectacle of stunning and complete technical domination. On the other hand we heard the humiliated and sickening silence of those who arrived unprepared, followed by excuses and lame accusations. (Only one car entered.)
The gauntlet has been thrown down. Who will rise to the challenge next year?
Despite bold Oldsmobile marketing, this year's winner wasn't really rocket powered...
Gentlemen, this ain't rocket science!
A respectable valve cover racer can be built in one afternoon. Alternatively, extraordinarily "open" rules encourage innovation. You've got most of a year to scheme-up and implement something bold. Why not go overboard with this? It'll be fun!
"The Retro Rocket" electrified spectators with its flashing red (LED illuminated) transparent front wheels!
2007 Champion
A respectable valve cover racer can be built in one afternoon. Alternatively, extraordinarily "open" rules encourage innovation. You've got most of a year to scheme-up and implement something bold. Why not go overboard with this? It'll be fun!
"The Retro Rocket" electrified spectators with its flashing red (LED illuminated) transparent front wheels!
| Builder | Engine | Weight | Wheelbase | Ft Track | Rr Track | Ft Whl Dia | Rr Whl Dia |
| Curtis Jacobson | 53 Olds "Rocket 88" | 12 lbs | 16.5" | 7.25" | 0.25" | 3.8" | 3.75" |
Rules for British V8's Valve Cover Races
(other clubs will differ)The Cars
- The cars shall have no power source. All motive power is provided by gravity.
- Cars shall be based on an actual rocker cover or cam cover (valve cover)
from a car engine.
There shall be no limitation on engine make, model, cylinder configuration, or displacement. - Wheel base shall be no more than 24 inches.
(Note: The staging lane is only 24 inches long.) - Wheel track shall be no more than 14 inches.
- Cars must have 4 wheels, each no greater than 6 inches in diameter.
- Cars shall weigh up to but certainly not more than exactly 12 pounds.
- The course shall consist of a launch incline 8 feet long, followed by a level run of 20 feet.
- Two lanes shall divide the launch incline, each 2 feet wide.
The incline shall be 2 feet high at the rearmost part and level with the course at the front edge.
The front edge shall be mitered so as to provide a smooth transition from the incline to the run out area. - The official "Starting Line" shall be 2 feet from the rear edge of the incline.
A mechanized starting gate, which is 2 inches high, shall be used. - The run out section of the course shall consist of 2 lanes, each 3 feet wide.
The lanes shall be clearly marked. - The finish line shall be marked 20 feet from the front edge of the launch incline.
The Races
Photos by Curtis Jacobson and Brian Kraus (autocross background) for The British V8 Newsletter. All rights reserved.
- Cars will be run in heats of 2 cars each.
- The cars are to be launched with their front wheels on the starting line.
(Note: If your car's design doesn't allow this, it's to your disadvantage.) - The first car to have its front wheels cross the finish line shall be declared the winner.
- If neither car makes it to the finish line, the car going farthest shall be declared the winner.
- If a car's wheels touch or cross over the lane markers, that car shall be disqualified.
The remaining car shall be declared the heat winner. - Winning cars will advance to the next round until all are eliminated - except one champion!
Photos by Curtis Jacobson and Brian Kraus (autocross background) for The British V8 Newsletter. All rights reserved.
