Please don't be so hard on yourselves, Amigos! What you and Larry and everyone else there does For The People, is absolutely incredible! It speaks lifetimes! I met Larry very briefly in Pomona many years ago. As humble as he was, to take the time to talk, will always stay with me. Even since Larry was banned, I haven't attended any national events. I can only imagine, the uncertainty he felt of his uncharted journey that lay ahead when being there for the people was his decision. You're making dreams come true for people! EVERYTHING associated with running a TFD is a crap shoot. If she hooks and runs, GREAT! I understand you want to give everyone a great run, but that's the nature of doing business with burning nitro. Even a pedal run would put a smile on my ugly mug. You guys are THE BEST NITRO TEAM OUT THERE!!! THANK YOU ALL!!! 🙏
@@jjjjjj426 I'd love to go for a ride in one, but having just been next to them firing it up was already a heck of an experience... the sound goes right through you.. Yup, words can't really describe that.. it's as if someone had a jackhammer on your stomach it's so violent. I'll just have to be happy with my old truck in the 14 second 1/4 miles though
@@cinegraphics I don't know what crack your smoking, every oil change shop takes about 30 minutes TOP. Or you can quit crying and do the oil change yourself, it's just an oil change...
At a national event they have 1hr 15 minutes between rounds Acounting for the time they spend getting to the start line and getting back to the pits they actually do a complete tear down and rebuild in about 45 minutes
You have tapped into something the NHRA should have thought of years ago. Always been a huge fan of Larry Dixon and his Dad. Two incredibly gifted drivers. Thanks for posting, I now know what to get my wife for her 65th Birthday.
I've enjoyed drag racing for over 50 years! It's great that Larry can give these folks ride of a lifetime! When it comes to the mechanics and approach to Top Fuel, it has always amazed me how quickly they can tear down and put back together a motor! That takes incredible skill. I will never forget as a kid being in the pits at Bristol watching the likes of Big Daddy, The Snake and the Mongoose! Fun times! Thank you for posting the great video!
Gotta be THE most expensive hobby in the world...Yacht demolition derby would be a close second...:) I'm 61 I live not too far from ATCO, I was into dragsters when Snake and Mongoose were house names...The sport is LIGHT YEARS from those days.. The performance curves are INSANE...:)...Thanks for the upload!
I think Formula 1 racing is the most expensive. Not counting the other fees and staff salaries, a single race car alone costs between $175-200 million!
I grew up not too far from Raceway Park in Old Bridge, NJ. When the wind was blowing right you could hear the nitro cars when they were there. I would love to be in the back seat of this beast.
Larry Dixon is a legend of NHRA and dedicated his life to Drag racing to make a living. The way he was and is being treated is a shame. NHRA lost a ton of fans with the way they are treating him. He is getting his own now moving back up and getting this moving is great. Thanks, Larry and Company. . .
@@edreynolds8721 The President of the NHRA first off lied and said Larry broke the rules by advertising or at least leaving to chance that the frame on this car is NHRA approved. He didn't ever say that. Please read up on it as NHRA President admitted [ by default] that Larry didn't break any NHRA rules. It's just nasty b/c now they won't allow this car on the NHRA track and that is probably illegal. The NHRA lied to Larry Dixon several different ways. This is all my opinion - -but I am pretty sure I am right.
@@edreynolds8721 You are right Ed & everything you said is spot on the money.When a woman wins they do make it a big deal also.They are the ones making it all political by doing this.The women want equality & it should just be that,equal & not a special mention that the race was won by,you guessed it,a woman.God help us if a black woman wins,are they going to say that the race was won by a woman & not only that but she is also black.Come on!!!
@@edreynolds8721 Not to mention the way NHRA dissed Street Outlaws, when it COULD have used it as the biggest free marketing gimmick in history. How about this? NHRA vs. Street outlaws? Nope. They attacked them. Wonder if next year any fake "nooses" will show up in the pits
I grew up on that track.My Dad was the Assistant starter on the drag strip.I ran around there like I owned Baylands.The best Professionals of any sport come from the drag racing community.
@@Far_Que no it's fake as hell if you Wana believe the rich white guys on t.v. feel free lol DUMMY X . people still think they have a Tesla in space lmao people are dumb as hell
I travelled from Australia to America to, among other things, ride some of the most fastest fun park rides in the world. I’ll anonymously admit I drooled a little bit during launch, but not as you’d expect. It was frightening and exciting to go from 0 to 180mph in a second or whatever it was. This would be twice that in every way. Now a dude doesn’t fly for 15,000 miles to not sit at the front, so I did. I’d save up the money for this experience, holy shit!
Man this is actually fucking customer satisfaction at its greatest even though buddy was obviously satisfied and visibly shaken chief wasn’t satisfied with the passes so he’s still going to take him for a ride again.
Great story to tell and well told. As an avid NHRA fan and motor head I thought the editing was great. Most people don't understand the fine line between a good run and back to the drawing board on a fuel car like this. great job.
What a program!!! Hats off to all of you for what you do, and a very professional vidio. I'm a former bracket racer of 13 years in the same street/sportsman car. Racing at 2 area tracks, very often a semifinalist going to the final round was not uncommon. Won the championship in 2012, and Wallys from both tracks. The sound of the kids screaming right after I compleated the burnout was priceless! God Bless everyone who was fortunate enough to have experienced experienced this thrill.
Cool video. I just watched Clays video a while ago. I remember being at the track watching the fuelers staging and saying to my buddy, "you think they're loud from the stands, can you imagine sitting in it?" LOL! They are awesome just to watch. Must be overwhelming to be strapped in it.
I didn't know that ridealongs existed! To see Clay Millican there lets me know that those people got to meet a hell of a nice guy. Great to hear that Larry's suspension was lifted. Prayers for his and his wife's health.
I consume a lot of UA-cam content, and I truly enjoyed every element of this video. Yes, I'm a motorsports fan, so there's that. But this video captured my attention and held it tightly ... I was digging this. I've spent over 40yrs in all aspects of audio... in the studio as well as a FOH engineer for live concerts etc. On the side, I've recorded sound effects, and I know the challenges that nitro top fuel presents. Oftentimes, there's audio distortion that accompanies content such as this ... however here, was the exception. Sounded good. Good audio, good visuals ... damn that throttle blip while elevated up on stands ... was straight-up wicked! That first person view while starting ... staging, then launching down the track, damn ... it was just superb. Thanks for sharing, I'd love to see more. All the best
@robwendland Grow up little boy and stop spewing immature disgusting vulgarity on a public forum! How pathetically immature, uneducated, immoral, disrespectful, and Godless, thus anti-American.
First of all, I'd give my left nut to take that ride with Larry Dixon!! Who's a really cool guy btw. So if anyone out there has a chance to meet him, it's well worth the time. Secondly, Most folks are all in to seeing them do laps. Which yeah I'll agree that see these machines go down the track, feeling the ground shake, as well as everything in your body vibrant is an awesome experience. But for me it's the machines and the mechanics that's just amazing. It's like gear head porn for me personally. Anyways, GREAT stuff! ! Really enjoyed watching this and really appreciate the time and efforts it took for you to share it with us. Thank You Sir!
I really enjoyed this video. I've been a NHRA drag racing fan for 45+ years and have been going to Sonoma raceway for 40+ years to watch, hear and feel the Denso sonoma national events. Watching the race on TV is great BUT in person is awesome. I bet it's pricey to get the opportunity to ride with Larry, but what a rush that would be.
Larry Dixon is my favorite driver. I still have a T shirt signed by Larry. Did a Top Eliminator Club at Norwalk now Summit (My Home Track) and it was worth every penny. I am a sportsman bracket bike racer. Gotta guess this ride isn't cheap, I wish I could afford it, but so it goes. Great vid Thank you Larry and all
Talk about the ultimate bucket list of things to do. I am proud of you and your crew going to the lengths and cost/time to ensure the customer gets that full pull. Hell I would be happy with you doing the burnout lol.
I really liked this! As a fan I know it's tough being the chief, but every time I watch one of these videos I learn a little more about why it's so tough
Awesome Rob, one of my favorite vids. Of all time. Thank you for this. I have a hole in my mattress big enough to pay for this ride one day I just pray that Larry is still doing them in 3 years. By my math worst case , that’s how long it’s gonna take me to fulfill my dream of sitting thru a top fuel run of my own. God bless you guys for doing this for us!!!!
OwhhEmmGee!!! When they start the engine.. the shaky "putt!!putt!!puttt!!" engine+exhaust sounds on idle its like they are about to blow up & fall apart!! But!! When they Ramm the throttle, Suddenly, "BRAAWHOOOOMMMMMMM!!" The ROAR off the engine & the exhaust make.. Owhhhhh.... the only words that i had right now is AWESOME!!!. so wholesome awesome dude!! Hope you guys to be successful and stay safe out there on the track Lol...
Joe Hollas is a great guy. He was ecstatic that he got to experience tire shake. He convinced me to go watch y'all in South Carolina next month. I'll be there!
Larry Dixon is the man, always been my favorite. The passenger is one lucky man! Must be heart stopping at the burnout and heart exploding at the thwack of the throttle at the amber tree light! Right on! Big Al.
Mr. Wendland: great commentary, including providing valued insight on the inner workings of a TFD. BTW: have the pleasure to announce as numerous NHRA events, including being in staging when TF launches. Unreal, grin.
Best up close drag top fuel vidio experience I ever watched verry good. Vidio audio and great stuff piriod and beat all that none since curcing fighting on no prep prep street no street stuff keep it up you guys rock
I see Two very bold facts in play here: One, that there is even someone offering rides in a top fuel dragster (liability!), and Two, that you give a second ride if the first one is bad. That is Bold.
Hi Rob, thanks for the great video, and interesting project. I am the track speaker of NitrOlympX at Hockenheim, Germany, Clay used to come (and win) here in the 90s at transcontinental invitationals. Ask him about Rico Anthes, only german to race TF ever, won FIA championship, and owned NitrOlympX for decades, he had an old TF chassis converted & tagged to 2-seater. Ran it a few times, but never could put a full pass down due to issues with chassis balance. The car either went into a sideways wobble or up in smoke, this happened about 15 years ago. Seems your effort is going better, I wish for some great rides for your team & guests.
Appreciated your showing the chassis bring checked. I have heard Clay Millican say that transporting their TF car is much harder on the chassis than racing is. And that despite their using I believe 3 air bladders under the chassis, letting all the air out of slicks and then strapping the entire car tightly down to the trailer floor.
hey rob i miss working for you in Lawrenece Kansas, its been over 10 yrs but it was a blast at the performance shop by dairy queen glad to see ya doing what you love wish i could be there with ya turning wrenches again great video and keep up the great work.
The true enthusiast makes sure the customer gets to feel the entirety of 10,000 HP hooking up for 1000 feet. Ive been in a bunch of what I think are fast cars. However I think Id be getting out after the burn out. Like Yo I got my money's worth
Honestly hope to be able to do this one day, step 1 I need to lose the weight (already lost 103lbs) and then the fun part. Saving up the $. I've been lucky enough to photograph NHRA a few times and know what it feels like down on the wall. I can only dream of what it feels like strapped into it. Thanks for this amazing video!
@@jebediahgentry7029 yea it is I talked to Larry Dixon or someone from the team and asked how much after he asked if you would go for a ride on Facebook
@@MARKBART02 you wanna hear something funny? I was talking about it with my brother and we thought maybe $500-$1000 which in hindsight seems totally nonsensical. We were saying if it was that much it would be worth it because it's a once in a lifetime experience. But it makes total sense that it costs $10k fo a ride of it costs 10k per pass to run a nitro car
@@robwendland yeah it was really sad seeing how bad Memphis was, not that it did too many drivers a lot of favors over the years, Larry included, but still.. sucks..
My father in law took me to the Memphis Nationals as a way to get to know me when I was dating his daughter. This was around 1994 or so. It was the greatest time I ever had. He was a longtime drag racing enthusiast and built his own cars. We watched all day and had a great time. He was more of a dad to me than my own was. He passed away in 2001. Rest in peace Ken.
@@Sickofsociety1 Cool man, my Uncle drag raced back in the '60s. He had a '59 vette that was a monster, putting put 600+ hp. On race weekends he would stop by our house and pick he up so that my nephew would have company. I'd spend the whole day in the pits, checking out the cars and watching from the fence. We also always did the National's, so I got to see all the greats from those days. Awesome memories. Oh I almost forgot, on the return trip he had to drop me off so they would stay for dinner and that totally insane car sitting up on it's trailer would be out in front of my house. Of course I was only kid in the neighborhood who could lean up against her. Way cool...great memories
I respect and appreciate the attention to safety, especially inspecting all the welds on the frame. All my knowledge is woefully obsolete but is pressurizing the frame and checking it at a Schrader valve no longer appropriate?
I have the best wife, twice for Xmas I got the Drive A Dragster experience at Gainesville, first time was best since I broke into the 9's (9.99 @ around 121 MPH I believe). When I mentioned my 9.99 the 2nd time I went the guy did mention they had de-tuned the cars a little. Probably the best gift I ever been given, can't imagine the cost of a ride in a TF car, probably a bit outside my wife's budget!
I will say, other than the whole going out, at least the guy got to experience the feeling of back peddling, that's cool ass experience on its own from the standpoint of the customer, since you can say you guys a lot, getting slammed around from tires Shake and feel a back pedal from a multi-time world champion driver. I'm going Way Beyond the glass half-full I guess but yeah. I still understand not going down the track, that feeling sucks really bad, to State the obvious LOL I typed this before I heard Clay Millican,🤣🤣 I don't know, people say I always have a smile on my face even when I'm irritated so I don't know, LOL great guy,
For the Porsche 917 Le Mans car they had a tube chassis as well that would also crack alot, so they made it air tight and pressurized the tubes with Nitrogen and put a gauge on it. Come track time, they checked the gauge and if it wasn't reading what it should they had a crack. Could save you some time and provide for a much more thorough indication if the chassis has any cracks in it.
I was Airborne - US Army w/272 jumps and it was scary each time. This would be like conscious dreaming with you BP at about 200bpm...my ‘71 Road Runner as a 20 y.o. Had about 550hp with 440 tunnel ram and Doug Nash tranny...I would love me the hell out of this. How much does it cost for the ride along?
@@blignell it still comes down to trust! Crew for the car or riggers for us. With either one, a member has a bad day or a brainfart...death is death am I right? Dropping a shitload of coin for, I admit fully, would be very, very fucking cool or being paid to train is a bit determined by your current monetary state. I never got rich in all my years in either the Navy or the Army...just loved the life and being part of something greater than myself...teamwork... 🤘🤘🤘
@@TAllyn-qr3io first of all thank you so much for your service God bless you sir. Skydiving is #1 on my bucket list and driving a NASCAR, not just the ride along is #5, but this may be replacing that lol
It wouldn’t be worth it. For no Longer the run lasts you wouldn’t have time to realize what 300 mph even felt like. Anything past 100 would feel the same as any other speed you reached.
@@jameslewis5 I can tell you personally it was worth it. Larry and the crew made us feel like we owned the operation. To me it was worth lots more as I got 2 rides. I would have paid just to ride back from the top end to the pits in that thing,but I probably have a deeper understanding than most do. My girlfriend got to warm it up and it was quite the experience for her. 10000$ is not a lot when you look at people that spend money on smoking,dope,gambling chasing women and have nothing to show for it. I want to go again.
I'm so glad Larry's going to get his license back! That was total bullshit, that's the politest way I can put that. There is no "well technically he..." No it's bullshit, lol, Larry is the most die-hard NHRA guy there is.. he is also one of the first drivers I ever met at a Top Fuel race before I worked Top alcohol, a fuel and eventually fuel funny car for a large team so Larry has a special place from my first race when I met him. So yeah, badass for promoting this man! I'm going to like you more each video, haha 🤘🏻
5 seconds make your heart drop best view of a lifetime I’d do it the owner takes pride in what he does no second chance it’s all or nothing best way to go
When I used to hang out in the pits at Sears Point, in Sonoma, CA, I used to talk a lot to David Grubnic-The Aussi. What a hell of a dude. Loves the sport. But he's not driving at the moment. Would love to see him drive again and hopefully win a few. He deserves it.
Larry d is a class act and Mr.Wendland i met years ago in lawrence ks with a friend of mine that knew Rob his name was jon showwalter i hope some day i have the chance to do this something i have wanted to do all my life i have the need for speed!!!!!
I feel the need to mention this as it is unfortunately relavent: put extra emphasis on cheking the top portion of the frame for cracks. Especially at welds like you do, but also along the members. As I understand this is a one off design so being with anything that isn't refined, unexpected stresses can exist. And in cases were the loading is in tension, that is where you get crack formation and growth. In assuming your greatest torque on the frame is on the big end, you are gonna have huge tensile loading along the top of the frame. If you got a crack on any part of your frame, you will absolutely not want it to be on the top of the frame at this point in the run. Your big worry should always be the effects of fatigue failure and be aware of stress concentrations that exist in the frame at joints or any change in geometry. Fatigue isn't always thought about when using some component or in day to day use of a vehicle but is insanely important to consider. Its hard to compute exact failure points but it is possible to get an idea.
Well the design in this car wasn’t on the back of some Cracker Jacks. Murf McKinney had all the FEA work done on this car and it actually has less “hot spots” than any single seat top fuel car. With the additional length it removed all the front bay stress loads. Also, the critical area is the #5 and #4 bays, lower rails, not the top.
Please don't be so hard on yourselves, Amigos! What you and Larry and everyone else there does For The People, is absolutely incredible! It speaks lifetimes! I met Larry very briefly in Pomona many years ago. As humble as he was, to take the time to talk, will always stay with me. Even since Larry was banned, I haven't attended any national events. I can only imagine, the uncertainty he felt of his uncharted journey that lay ahead when being there for the people was his decision. You're making dreams come true for people! EVERYTHING associated with running a TFD is a crap shoot. If she hooks and runs, GREAT! I understand you want to give everyone a great run, but that's the nature of doing business with burning nitro. Even a pedal run would put a smile on my ugly mug. You guys are THE BEST NITRO TEAM OUT THERE!!! THANK YOU ALL!!! 🙏
Thanks for the kind words brother! Sure appreciate it!
They made a dream come true for me!
@@jjjjjj426 Congrats! I bet even with the slower elapsed times it's still a thrill of a lifetime. This team is the best in my book. Thanks for sharing
@@jjjjjj426 I'd love to go for a ride in one, but having just been next to them firing it up was already a heck of an experience... the sound goes right through you.. Yup, words can't really describe that.. it's as if someone had a jackhammer on your stomach it's so violent.
I'll just have to be happy with my old truck in the 14 second 1/4 miles though
@@Rx7man you are correct about the jackhammer! I will never forget the day.
"We gotta rebuild the bottom end, so you're going to have to wait like 15 minutes"
But you need to wait 2 hours for the mechanic to change oil in your sedan.
Bills 10hrs Labor.
@@cinegraphics I don't know what crack your smoking, every oil change shop takes about 30 minutes TOP. Or you can quit crying and do the oil change yourself, it's just an oil change...
At a national event they have 1hr 15 minutes between rounds Acounting for the time they spend getting to the start line and getting back to the pits they actually do a complete tear down and rebuild in about 45 minutes
@@larryhullinger4141 In 45 minutes I can sometimes find my 10mm.
You have tapped into something the NHRA should have thought of years ago. Always been a huge fan of Larry Dixon and his Dad. Two incredibly gifted drivers. Thanks for posting, I now know what to get my wife for her 65th Birthday.
I've enjoyed drag racing for over 50 years! It's great that Larry can give these folks ride of a lifetime! When it comes to the mechanics and approach to Top Fuel, it has always amazed me how quickly they can tear down and put back together a motor! That takes incredible skill. I will never forget as a kid being in the pits at Bristol watching the likes of Big Daddy, The Snake and the Mongoose! Fun times! Thank you for posting the great video!
Gotta be THE most expensive hobby in the world...Yacht demolition derby would be a close second...:) I'm 61 I live not too far from ATCO, I was into dragsters when Snake and Mongoose were house names...The sport is LIGHT YEARS from those days.. The performance curves are INSANE...:)...Thanks for the upload!
Thanks for watching appreciate it!
I think Formula 1 racing is the most expensive. Not counting the other fees and staff salaries, a single race car alone costs between $175-200 million!
@@edwardgarner1299 Must be nice to have that kind of loot to throw around...Some guys have all the luck...:)
@David Bell No shit>? ...Never knew that... He's mostly known for Top Fuel drag racing and funny Cars...
I grew up not too far from Raceway Park in Old Bridge, NJ. When the wind was blowing right you could hear the nitro cars when they were there. I would love to be in the back seat of this beast.
Larry Dixon is a legend of NHRA and dedicated his life to Drag racing to make a living. The way he was and is being treated is a shame. NHRA lost a ton of fans with the way they are treating him. He is getting his own now moving back up and getting this moving is great. Thanks, Larry and Company. . .
I spoke a little with Larry and told him I wanna see him make a comeback like Cory Mac. He said he would love to but needed a spare million or two lol
@@edreynolds8721 The President of the NHRA first off lied and said Larry broke the rules by advertising or at least leaving to chance that the frame on this car is NHRA approved. He didn't ever say that. Please read up on it as NHRA President admitted [ by default] that Larry didn't break any NHRA rules. It's just nasty b/c now they won't allow this car on the NHRA track and that is probably illegal. The NHRA lied to Larry Dixon several different ways. This is all my opinion - -but I am pretty sure I am right.
@@edreynolds8721 if a couple people wearing masks made you quit watching, you were never a fan. What SJW shit did they actually say?
@@edreynolds8721 You are right Ed & everything you said is spot on the money.When a woman wins they do make it a big deal also.They are the ones making it all political by doing this.The women want equality & it should just be that,equal & not a special mention that the race was won by,you guessed it,a woman.God help us if a black woman wins,are they going to say that the race was won by a woman & not only that but she is also black.Come on!!!
@@edreynolds8721 Not to mention the way NHRA dissed Street Outlaws, when it COULD have used it as the biggest free marketing gimmick in history. How about this? NHRA vs. Street outlaws? Nope. They attacked them. Wonder if next year any fake "nooses" will show up in the pits
This is an excellent all round video. The voice over style is great.
Thank you! Watching a video is one aspect. Learning by video with a story teller is almost unforgettable.
@@robwendland oh this is so true!!!
This is proof you can put a price on a good time! It was a day I will never forget!!
truly the ride of a lifetime!! too cool!!
I like the name haulass....
That's freaking awesome !!!!
I’m jealous Joe.That would of been mad.
@@blastermaster2383 you should do it. You would not be disappointed.
I used to go to Fremont Dragstrip in Cali in the 60's. Larry Dixon Sr. was my favorite driver!
He’s a good dude!
I grew up on that track.My Dad was the Assistant starter on the drag strip.I ran around there like I owned Baylands.The best Professionals of any sport come from the drag racing community.
I saw Evel Kenevel jump there . I lived in San Leandro.
Forget the billionaires going to space, this is what I want to do!
This is actually Real
@@johnnybgood774 what, and going to space isn’t? 😂
@@Far_Que no it's fake as hell if you Wana believe the rich white guys on t.v. feel free lol DUMMY X . people still think they have a Tesla in space lmao people are dumb as hell
@@johnnybgood774 guarentee you believe in an imaginary man in the sky though, right? 😂😂🤡
@@Far_Que I am the man in the sky fool
Thank you for posting this video . A ride in your drag would be like winning the lottery once in a lifetime wild experience .
Appreciate it!
I travelled from Australia to America to, among other things, ride some of the most fastest fun park rides in the world. I’ll anonymously admit I drooled a little bit during launch, but not as you’d expect. It was frightening and exciting to go from 0 to 180mph in a second or whatever it was. This would be twice that in every way. Now a dude doesn’t fly for 15,000 miles to not sit at the front, so I did.
I’d save up the money for this experience, holy shit!
This video itself was a experience!!!
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!
Also expensive
This is the kind of show that should on tv, nothing better than this s**t! Don’t stop guys!!!
Thank you brother! That would be a blessing for sure!
I completely agree!
No just leave it on UA-cam. Hollyweird ruins everything.
I will never forget the experience!
@@bryanroupe8646 your probably right...
Man this is actually fucking customer satisfaction at its greatest even though buddy was obviously satisfied and visibly shaken chief wasn’t satisfied with the passes so he’s still going to take him for a ride again.
Just the footage itself and the comments on what we get to see, awesome! Thank you!
Great story to tell and well told. As an avid NHRA fan and motor head I thought the editing was great. Most people don't understand the fine line between a good run and back to the drawing board on a fuel car like this. great job.
Great video. Impressive to see how much work goes into it. Thank you Rob
Thanks for watching!
What a program!!! Hats off to all of you for what you do, and a very professional vidio. I'm a former bracket racer of 13 years in the same street/sportsman car. Racing at 2 area tracks, very often a semifinalist going to the final round was not uncommon. Won the championship in 2012, and Wallys from both tracks. The sound of the kids screaming right after I compleated the burnout was priceless! God Bless everyone who was fortunate enough to have experienced experienced this thrill.
Cool video. I just watched Clays video a while ago. I remember being at the track watching the fuelers staging and saying to my buddy, "you think they're loud from the stands, can you imagine sitting in it?" LOL! They are awesome just to watch. Must be overwhelming to be strapped in it.
That’s the reaction of most people when they get out!
I didn't know that ridealongs existed! To see Clay Millican there lets me know that those people got to meet a hell of a nice guy. Great to hear that Larry's suspension was lifted. Prayers for his and his wife's health.
Clay Millican is an outstanding sportsman and Top Fuel drag racer.
I’m absolutely amazed at how much power that little motor lays down.
Absolutely amazing!
Lol 👍
What an incredible experience that would be!
And THIS IS WHY going to Larry Dixon's camp is on my bucket list!!
I consume a lot of UA-cam content, and I truly enjoyed every element of this video.
Yes, I'm a motorsports fan, so there's that.
But this video captured my attention and held it tightly ... I was digging this.
I've spent over 40yrs in all aspects of audio... in the studio as well as a FOH engineer for live concerts etc. On the side, I've recorded sound effects, and I know the challenges that nitro top fuel presents.
Oftentimes, there's audio distortion that accompanies content such as this ... however here, was the exception. Sounded good. Good audio, good visuals ... damn that throttle blip while elevated up on stands ... was straight-up wicked!
That first person view while starting ... staging, then launching down the track, damn ... it was just superb.
Thanks for sharing, I'd love to see more.
All the best
Appreciate the kind words! New to this game ! It’s a tough job for sure!
@robwendland
Grow up little boy and stop spewing immature disgusting vulgarity on a public forum! How pathetically immature, uneducated, immoral, disrespectful, and Godless, thus anti-American.
Thanks for the great video Rob! You,Larry and the crew made a dream come true for me that day!!!!
Right on Joe! It was a pleasure having you!
First of all, I'd give my left nut to take that ride with Larry Dixon!! Who's a really cool guy btw. So if anyone out there has a chance to meet him, it's well worth the time.
Secondly, Most folks are all in to seeing them do laps. Which yeah I'll agree that see these machines go down the track, feeling the ground shake, as well as everything in your body vibrant is an awesome experience. But for me it's the machines and the mechanics that's just amazing. It's like gear head porn for me personally.
Anyways, GREAT stuff! ! Really enjoyed watching this and really appreciate the time and efforts it took for you to share it with us. Thank You Sir!
I could not agree more with literally everything that you said
Wow! Really gutsy move to run something like this... A HEAP of hard work. Well done guys, very well done 👍🏻
Thank you!
I'll second that
I really enjoyed this video. I've been a NHRA drag racing fan for 45+ years and have been going to Sonoma raceway for 40+ years to watch, hear and feel the Denso sonoma national events. Watching the race on TV is great BUT in person is awesome. I bet it's pricey to get the opportunity to ride with Larry, but what a rush that would be.
Yeah, this is one of the best videos I have seen in a really really long time, like of any video period.
Thanks brother!
Positive attitude is everything 👌👊... AND A bout..1000cc's of adrenaline.. beautiful rail folks.. thanks for sharing 🤙😎🤠👌
Thanks Johnny!
Can I just say WOW, What a Ride!
We have to get a two seater Downunder!
Mark from Melbourne Australia
That we get you up here!
Larry Dixon is my favorite driver. I still have a T shirt signed by Larry.
Did a Top Eliminator Club at Norwalk now Summit (My Home Track) and it was worth every penny.
I am a sportsman bracket bike racer. Gotta guess this ride isn't cheap, I wish I could afford it, but so it goes.
Great vid
Thank you Larry and all
Very standup of Larry & you guys to allow the riders to get another go at it!
Talk about the ultimate bucket list of things to do. I am proud of you and your crew going to the lengths and cost/time to ensure the customer gets that full pull. Hell I would be happy
with you doing the burnout lol.
Unbelievable. Best video I've seen in a long time. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sure appreciate that and thanks for watching!
Wow, cool. I love the way you did this video. Thanks for the time you took to make.
Thanks for watching I sure appreciate it
I really liked this! As a fan I know it's tough being the chief, but every time I watch one of these videos I learn a little more about why it's so tough
Great video Rob !!!
Thanks brother! Just trying to keep up with you!
Rainbows are circles, the light is perception, and the light is all around. Good stuff. Love the sound. Really love the sound.
Awesome Rob, one of my favorite vids. Of all time. Thank you for this. I have a hole in my mattress big enough to pay for this ride one day I just pray that Larry is still doing them in 3 years. By my math worst case , that’s how long it’s gonna take me to fulfill my dream of sitting thru a top fuel run of my own. God bless you guys for doing this for us!!!!
Thank you Jeff! Sure appreciate it!
OwhhEmmGee!!!
When they start the engine..
the shaky "putt!!putt!!puttt!!" engine+exhaust sounds on idle its like they are about to blow up & fall apart!!
But!!
When they Ramm the throttle,
Suddenly,
"BRAAWHOOOOMMMMMMM!!"
The ROAR off the engine & the exhaust make..
Owhhhhh....
the only words that i had right now is AWESOME!!!.
so wholesome awesome dude!!
Hope you guys to be successful and stay safe out there on the track
Lol...
Joe Hollas is a great guy. He was ecstatic that he got to experience tire shake. He convinced me to go watch y'all in South Carolina next month. I'll be there!
Right on should be a good time!
He sure is and we’ll see you in South Carolina!
Larry Dixon is the man, always been my favorite. The passenger is one lucky man! Must be heart stopping at the burnout and heart exploding at the thwack of the throttle at the amber tree light! Right on! Big Al.
Just blipping the throttle made the whole back end jump, doggone near jumped of the pit jack. Nasty.
Mr. Wendland: great commentary, including providing valued insight on the inner workings of a TFD. BTW: have the pleasure to announce as numerous NHRA events, including being in staging when TF launches. Unreal, grin.
Well done Rob, your really keepin it real
Appreciate it brother!
@@robwendland i wish i was able to do this. I can only imagine the rush you had sitting in a top fuel car it was a good video
Best up close drag top fuel vidio experience I ever watched verry good. Vidio audio and great stuff piriod and beat all that none since curcing fighting on no prep prep street no street stuff keep it up you guys rock
Appreciate it bud!!
Well, never knew there was a 2 seater for a ride. Gotta do it. Just gotta do it. 👍🏻😎👍🏻
Outstanding video and just the fact that it is now possible to actually take a ride in one of these beasts is just incredible.
I see Two very bold facts in play here: One, that there is even someone offering rides in a top fuel dragster (liability!), and Two, that you give a second ride if the first one is bad. That is Bold.
Very good narator. It helps a lot with foriegn viewers. Thanks.
Appreciate that thank you
Hi Rob, thanks for the great video, and interesting project.
I am the track speaker of NitrOlympX at Hockenheim, Germany,
Clay used to come (and win) here in the 90s at transcontinental invitationals.
Ask him about Rico Anthes, only german to race TF ever, won FIA championship,
and owned NitrOlympX for decades, he had an old TF chassis converted & tagged to 2-seater.
Ran it a few times, but never could put a full pass down due to issues with chassis balance.
The car either went into a sideways wobble or up in smoke, this happened about 15 years ago.
Seems your effort is going better, I wish for some great rides for your team & guests.
Thank you!
8:01
Love how it blows the bucket lid up blowing its contents out into a dust cloud at 8:01.
Love Larry! A true ambassador of motorsports
Holy crap i learned so much in the first 1:35. Nice video !
Love watching your content. Any time I'm in Brownsburg I drive by the shops hoping to see a peek at something in the lots. Lol
Send me a message and stop by
Will do. Thank you.
Excellent! Everything about this is just Excellent!
This gives me some real inpiration towards my own work ethic. Awesome car!!! Sign me up. Lol...
Appreciate it! Thanks fir watching!
Appreciated your showing the chassis bring checked. I have heard Clay Millican say that transporting their TF car is much harder on the chassis than racing is. And that despite their using I believe 3 air bladders under the chassis, letting all the air out of slicks and then strapping the entire car tightly down to the trailer floor.
I would do anything to experience this. 0-500km/h in 3-4 seconds is unimaginable to me.
0 to 100mph in .8 second. That is just insane man.
Great video! Always learning something new from you.
Sure appreciate that! Hopefully I can get my video skills up a little bit and will make some bad ass videos!
Bless all the racers for your love and dedication
Truly appreciate that brother!
Where do I sign up to do this? This has been on my to do list my entire life.
hey rob i miss working for you in Lawrenece Kansas, its been over 10 yrs but it was a blast at the performance shop by dairy queen glad to see ya doing what you love wish i could be there with ya turning wrenches again great video and keep up the great work.
Hope all is well! Appreciate it!
The true enthusiast makes sure the customer gets to feel the entirety of 10,000 HP hooking up for 1000 feet. Ive been in a bunch of what I think are fast cars. However I think Id be getting out after the burn out. Like Yo I got my money's worth
Garmin 530 and a PS eng audio panel..... I put a 8000BT in my PA32 last year. Nice unit.
Honestly hope to be able to do this one day, step 1 I need to lose the weight (already lost 103lbs) and then the fun part. Saving up the $. I've been lucky enough to photograph NHRA a few times and know what it feels like down on the wall. I can only dream of what it feels like strapped into it. Thanks for this amazing video!
Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is something I would totally do if I had a spare 10k
I hear you!
Is that how much it costs to ride? I've been trying to find out but google isn't helping me any
@@jebediahgentry7029 yea it is I talked to Larry Dixon or someone from the team and asked how much after he asked if you would go for a ride on Facebook
@@MARKBART02 you wanna hear something funny? I was talking about it with my brother and we thought maybe $500-$1000 which in hindsight seems totally nonsensical. We were saying if it was that much it would be worth it because it's a once in a lifetime experience. But it makes total sense that it costs $10k fo a ride of it costs 10k per pass to run a nitro car
Super cool for your team to build this and give fans the real experience. Awesome!
Appreciate it!
Street Outlaws "No Prep" tracks looks more prepared than that one did.
Poor Memphis. Water seeping up through the cracks and no money to run it. Doomed for sure.
@@robwendland yeah it was really sad seeing how bad Memphis was, not that it did too many drivers a lot of favors over the years, Larry included, but still.. sucks..
My father in law took me to the Memphis Nationals as a way to get to know me when I was dating his daughter. This was around 1994 or so. It was the greatest time I ever had. He was a longtime drag racing enthusiast and built his own cars. We watched all day and had a great time.
He was more of a dad to me than my own was. He passed away in 2001. Rest in peace Ken.
@@Sickofsociety1
Damn, that's an awesome memory to have... powerful stuff.
Thanks for sharing
@@Sickofsociety1 Cool man, my Uncle drag raced back in the '60s. He had a '59 vette that was a monster, putting put 600+ hp. On race weekends he would stop by our house and pick he up so that my nephew would have company. I'd spend the whole day in the pits, checking out the cars and watching from the fence. We also always did the National's, so I got to see all the greats from those days. Awesome memories. Oh I almost forgot, on the return trip he had to drop me off so they would stay for dinner and that totally insane car sitting up on it's trailer would be out in front of my house. Of course I was only kid in the neighborhood who could lean up against her. Way cool...great memories
This is fantastic! Great video!
Famoso outside of Bakersfield ca is dry and ready to run. Hope to see you here!
I respect and appreciate the attention to safety, especially inspecting all the welds on the frame. All my knowledge is woefully obsolete but is pressurizing the frame and checking it at a Schrader valve no longer appropriate?
Not on a dragster
Hell yes!!! This is for me, I'm 63 now I gotta do this while I'm still breathin.
Class operation. I thought that was Clay and some of his crew.
Part of Clay’s crew is my crew of five years. Another member that was there is now at John Forces
That was clay. Another guy who it can't be bad to have out there with ya to give some help if needed
I have the best wife, twice for Xmas I got the Drive A Dragster experience at Gainesville, first time was best since I broke into the 9's (9.99 @ around 121 MPH I believe). When I mentioned my 9.99 the 2nd time I went the guy did mention they had de-tuned the cars a little. Probably the best gift I ever been given, can't imagine the cost of a ride in a TF car, probably a bit outside my wife's budget!
If I was in the front seat when this launches properly, I bet half my world wound end up in that second seat.
I will say, other than the whole going out, at least the guy got to experience the feeling of back peddling, that's cool ass experience on its own from the standpoint of the customer, since you can say you guys a lot, getting slammed around from tires Shake and feel a back pedal from a multi-time world champion driver. I'm going Way Beyond the glass half-full I guess but yeah. I still understand not going down the track, that feeling sucks really bad, to State the obvious LOL
I typed this before I heard Clay Millican,🤣🤣 I don't know, people say I always have a smile on my face even when I'm irritated so I don't know, LOL great guy,
That blower alone tickles me pink. God I would love to see data sheets on how that beast runs
Might have to do that
Awesome vid, awesome that y’all gave the riders a chance to go to a better track. Plus always good to see clay.
My heart is racing and i'm just watching the video😜
Thanks for watching brother!
Great presentation, thanks for sharing!
For the Porsche 917 Le Mans car they had a tube chassis as well that would also crack alot, so they made it air tight and pressurized the tubes with Nitrogen and put a gauge on it. Come track time, they checked the gauge and if it wasn't reading what it should they had a crack. Could save you some time and provide for a much more thorough indication if the chassis has any cracks in it.
We have system controls, brake lines, clutch controls in the chassis rails to protect them. So this is not possible
Thanks for showing the details on what goes on before the race. Saw a lot that you normally don't see at race whether live in person or on TV.
I can’t say what is more insane...jumping out of an airplane or riding in the backseat of the apocalypse!
I was Airborne - US Army w/272 jumps and it was scary each time. This would be like conscious dreaming with you BP at about 200bpm...my ‘71 Road Runner as a 20 y.o. Had about 550hp with 440 tunnel ram and Doug Nash tranny...I would love me the hell out of this. How much does it cost for the ride along?
There's a whole hell of a lot more that can go wrong with one of these than there is a parachute..
@@blignell it still comes down to trust! Crew for the car or riggers for us. With either one, a member has a bad day or a brainfart...death is death am I right? Dropping a shitload of coin for, I admit fully, would be very, very fucking cool or being paid to train is a bit determined by your current monetary state. I never got rich in all my years in either the Navy or the Army...just loved the life and being part of something greater than myself...teamwork... 🤘🤘🤘
@@TAllyn-qr3io first of all thank you so much for your service
God bless you sir. Skydiving is #1 on my bucket list and driving a NASCAR, not just the ride along is #5, but this may be replacing that lol
@@TAllyn-qr3io its 10,000$ and worth every bit of it. I want to go again.
This is fantastic. Definitely an item to put on my bucket list. Never saw what the cost was however.
Great filmmaking. Love seeing how much goes into this.
Great Entertainment, I'm learning so much and in such a Short period!! Thanks I Subscribed!! Dean( Soul)
Subscribed sir! You and your team members are awesome!
Thank you!
That is one of the greatest things could ever been done for people to understand to feel power that so many of us desire
Imagine going from 0 to 100 in .8 of a second...and 300+ in 3.5 to 4 seconds. That is mind blowing!
And these guys call it just another day in the office.
It wouldn’t be worth it. For no
Longer the run lasts you wouldn’t have time to realize what 300 mph even felt like. Anything past 100 would feel the same as any other speed you reached.
@@jameslewis5 I can tell you personally it was worth it. Larry and the crew made us feel like we owned the operation. To me it was worth lots more as I got 2 rides. I would have paid just to ride back from the top end to the pits in that thing,but I probably have a deeper understanding than most do. My girlfriend got to warm it up and it was quite the experience for her. 10000$ is not a lot when you look at people that spend money on smoking,dope,gambling chasing women and have nothing to show for it. I want to go again.
Ppffftt I run faster boiiiiii
@@jjjjjj426 Hell Ya brotha
I'm so glad Larry's going to get his license back! That was total bullshit, that's the politest way I can put that. There is no "well technically he..." No it's bullshit, lol, Larry is the most die-hard NHRA guy there is.. he is also one of the first drivers I ever met at a Top Fuel race before I worked Top alcohol, a fuel and eventually fuel funny car for a large team so Larry has a special place from my first race when I met him. So yeah, badass for promoting this man! I'm going to like you more each video, haha 🤘🏻
5 seconds make your heart drop best view of a lifetime I’d do it the owner takes pride in what he does no second chance it’s all or nothing best way to go
2:37 It barked! 🤣🤣🤣
Man I would love to take a ride in rail. How expensive is it???
10k topfuelexperience.com
Bucket list for sure!!!!!awesome video edit👍🏻
Finally ! I need to do this !
When I used to hang out in the pits at Sears Point, in Sonoma, CA, I used to talk a lot to David Grubnic-The Aussi. What a hell of a dude. Loves the sport. But he's not driving at the moment. Would love to see him drive again and hopefully win a few. He deserves it.
Larry d is a class act and Mr.Wendland i met years ago in lawrence ks with a friend of mine that knew Rob his name was jon showwalter i hope some day i have the chance to do this something i have wanted to do all my life i have the need for speed!!!!!
Right on! Old Jon! Great guy!
Man if I could afford this. Wow what a ride, even if the pass is off. I've driven 10s cars, but this is a whole lot of different levels.
I feel the need to mention this as it is unfortunately relavent: put extra emphasis on cheking the top portion of the frame for cracks. Especially at welds like you do, but also along the members. As I understand this is a one off design so being with anything that isn't refined, unexpected stresses can exist. And in cases were the loading is in tension, that is where you get crack formation and growth. In assuming your greatest torque on the frame is on the big end, you are gonna have huge tensile loading along the top of the frame. If you got a crack on any part of your frame, you will absolutely not want it to be on the top of the frame at this point in the run.
Your big worry should always be the effects of fatigue failure and be aware of stress concentrations that exist in the frame at joints or any change in geometry. Fatigue isn't always thought about when using some component or in day to day use of a vehicle but is insanely important to consider. Its hard to compute exact failure points but it is possible to get an idea.
Well the design in this car wasn’t on the back of some Cracker Jacks. Murf McKinney had all the FEA work done on this car and it actually has less “hot spots” than any single seat top fuel car. With the additional length it removed all the front bay stress loads. Also, the critical area is the #5 and #4 bays, lower rails, not the top.
Nice, well presented video, well done !!!!!
Thank you!