The time spent with the Jr. Dragsters was the best part of the video. Those kids will remember that for the rest of their lives. That was awesome of you to do.
Thumbs UP for Christopher, from Christopher over here. Dat's me. Kip. Love Clay Millican. ONLY NHRA i really follow any more. Just no cable for a while now. Best place to be a part of the Loud Pedal's Journey
You reminded me of Bob Glidden ....he got a phone call from the make a wish foundation...long story short ..it was a young kid with cancer he hung out all day with Bob at the track ..Bob ended up winning that day ... The trophy got put in the casket with the little man when he moved on ..... There is now 2 people in the world the I have much much respect for you.. you made that guys day in red an that's what it is all about 👍👍👍👍👍
You have to be one of the most personable racers out there. Awesome to see you share yourself with so many people. Lit up the lives of many of the juniors. May you race forever.
Started following you a month or so ago. Great to see you work with the kids. Young ones need all the encouragement and good influence they can get--and you are the best man for that. Kudos!
Not much to add beyond what was said regarding safety. Your channel here is my window to top fuel this season due to life and schedule. I'd like to say thank you for doing all this and thank you to Donna for the footage when your in the car. See you next video and if you can't be safe, be careful.
A friend of mine Jen who books rooms for NHRA came by and seen you Friday and had you sign a hat for me and surprised me with it because I couldn’t make that race, I just wanted to say thank you
Great meeting you in Richmond, Clay! Hated seeing you go out in the first round, though. Performance overall seems to be getting better and better. Keep stompin' on that loud pedal and get yourself a Wally this year!
Mr . Millican I just started to follow you, by way of cleetus,and Kevin at KSR .you are an expressive man! You know and totally seem to understand the big picture of everything around you and you hold nothing back you seem willing to tell all, me im a street yahoo totally impressed by Kevin and Tom Bayley who teach us yahoos a lot, but you are showing another side beyond my imagination and you put it in such simple terms even a lamo like me can understand and even gleen thoughts and ideas from. So I just say Thank You, you make it seem simple but open eyes to the reality of what's going on.
First thing I noticed was NO ONE was wearing safety glasses!? When you do something so well, for so long, you get confident, confidence creates complacency and complacency kills...
Thank you for sharing, even though it was violent, it's wonderful to be authentic!! Thank you Jim O for caring enough to address this issue & loving tell the team "Let's have EACH OTHERS' BACK" 🌞💥❤
Happy tears brother , praise Jesus Christ grace amen 🙏 clay and Donna I/we love you two and the summit racing CRC advance auto parts stomp on that loud gas top fuel race team lol thank you for showing the Jr, dragsters , nice thanks BigAl California
Clay, if you are not the best ambassador for NHRA I don't who is. You going to see the Jr's and sign their cars and post was one of the most awesome I've seen in a long time. Love to 3.6s, zoom. Be safe, keep stomping that load pedal. BTW, love your crew!
Loved this video Clay. Awesome going and seeing the kids. Be careful guys. We know what each of you drivers and crew put on the line. We appreciate y’all so much. Put on awesome show.
Another great video Clay!!! All of you are doing a great job!!! I think you made the junior dragster teams day good for you. Stomp on that loud pedal!!
Clay once again, good job on the race....The HUMAN race. I need to make one of these shows and try and get by and shake your hand. I never drag raced but spent several years circle tracking. When you stop and speak to a kid you make their day and may change their life. Good job buddy, Good job!!
I would love to see what Donna goes through in a weekend. As someone who has had the opportunity to do hospitality for a couple NASCAR race, I would love to see the miracle Donna and her team put on during the weekend or even raceday.
Thanks Clay for doing these videos. I’ve been a fan since your IHRA days. I’m glad Christopher was on the video, very nice young man. Hope to see you at Thunder Valley - Bristol Tennessee. 😎👍
It was great to hear y'all at the track again this weekend, I can see the grandstands from my house, but couldn't make it over. But that loud pedal rattles the pictures on the walls in my house! Glad to have y'all back in town.
I think he working for those kids and giving them the chance to meet their favorite rail car drags driver is one of the most awesome things a person can do it means so much to them you can always see it I hope you're having a great race and I'll see you at international
That had to been mind blowing. I am soon to be 65, and have still NEVER heard one. Maybe one day some day. But if I do ever make it to an NHRA event, I will be EXPECTING to see you win the event and Wally.
That was a scary reminder of how powerful nitro is. Car damage was shocking. Glad everyone was relatively ok. I know any injury is bad, but could have been very bad. Liked how you improved every run in what had to be a not the best track with that much rain. Really impressive to run that last run time
If you stop and think, it's truly a testament to the NHRA, Safety Safari, the manufacturers, and the professionalism of the race teams that we sometimes "forget" how dangerous this sport is. We've gotten so accustomed to seeing explosions and crashes, and everyone is ok, that we forget that this is a dangerous hobby/profession, and the drivers and crew literally put their lives in somebody else's hands on a regular basis. Glad everyone is basically ok, and prayers for the quick recovery of the injuries that did occur. BE SAFE OUT THERE, GUYS!!! WE DEFINITELY DONT WANT TO LOSE ANY MORE OF OUR RACING HEROES!!!!
I was racing at Shakespeare County Raceway, in the UK, years ago, we were waiting at the front of the pairing lanes and a supercharged Triumph bike running nitro was started in the far lane and the engine exploded blowing the left side cylinder out showering bits everywhere, the engine was running and we were close enough that we could see the piston going up and down in what was left of the cylinder. That was a cracking time in the third qualifier, pity about the block though.
I'm sure you mentioned the dangers of this in a previous show Clay, I'm by no means trying to dismiss the severity of what happened I knew that there was a danger when hand cranking the engine and as you are the only top fuel team I follow and watch I must have got that information from you as where I live I Scotland if you mention top fuel they think you are talking about premium petrol (gas). I'm also proud you are a really good human being, I've noticed a few times you have interactions with fans and kids who are in some way differently abled, I believe that's the polite way to put It. My point is people in this category are no less a fan than typical gearheads, if anything that fact they focus on what you are doing is a massive compliment as they may not show other aspects of their life the same attention so you have made a connection and that is a beautiful thing. So thank you for going above and beyond for the kids and those super fans who light up like the sun when they get the chance to see you, you are a good man Clay and best wishes from Scotland
Hi Clay, love the videos crank up the audio a little bit a lot of us watch this on our phones and the audio is limited on the phone so I've heard others tell me the same thing but keep up the great content! Always enjoy it
Great video😀. Love it, I was at WSID In Sydney a couple weeks ago when that happened and it certainly shows how dangerous these cars can be. Love the junior drags😃.Hope to see you guys out here one day.
Glad your in great qualifying shape! Can't wait for even better news 📰 , next video 📸! Relieved to hear Australias Top Fuel team is recovering fine! 🙏 🇦🇺 🤝🇺🇸
Hey Clay I just wanted to say it is awesome to watch you! You are such a positive and happy person! Thanks for being such a great rolemodel and genuine person. Where can I buy some Clay Millican Merch?
Don't the engines dump like half a quart of 2 stroke oil into the blower when they pass the line to stop the engine from getting as roached when it's shutting down and there is no longer any fuel to lubricate?
I seriously doubt you will be able with your time reply or see this message. But if you do, I want you to know I am a super fan of your UA-cam show and your team. You always make me smile. I am in the hospital this moment for some blood clots, but you helped get my mind off of the procedure I have coming up in a few hours. I hope that you and your team have a great awesome year with a large amount of W's and a great safe year as well. I really enjoy your videos on your engine. I think you could get a huge amount of views if a team member could break down each bolt, rod placement, measurements and rebuild peice, bolt, nut, part by each other etc. each team member that works a certain portion of the rebuild or teardown part of what they are responsible for do it. It would give them a boost in pride in showing off what they can accomplish. May God bless you dearly this year and your team!😊
The last time I was at the drags I was a young teenager LOL, Jim Reed was at AIR "Adelaide international raceway" that's so long ago and he's still racing. Very lucky no one was seriously hurt, safety first. Anyway you keep up the good work, keep the videos coming and keep encouraging those kids.
I was fortunate enough to crew on Tom Topping/Brooks brown AFD in the 90s.Clearing the complete fuel system was the most important part of preparing the car to fire up.,lines disconcted, plugs out,blown out with air and motor spun.
Hey Clay , back in 1999 my brother and I were standing next to the starting line when Doug Herberts engine blew up which sent I think it was 10 people to the hospital . I think our only saving grace was we hit the pavement behind the wall . Its something we will never forget . Take care sir and catch you on your next video and of course smash that loud pedal .
Tennessee , you and the Crew do a great job ! Love ❤️ the report’s, would like to see a segment on Setting up Ignition Timing . Clay Millican “ To the Top !
As someone who runs nitro RC cars, I can say that I even treat the little engines with respect. The RC cars run fuel between 10% and 40% nitromethane at RPMs between 25,000 - 37,000. If an engine goes wrong and you're near it it'll hurt no matter the size. I hope the team members that were affected get well soon.
I have a Traxxas 3.3 that I ported and polished, custom crank, ceramic bearings and a Losi 3.4 carb on 40ish% and I treat it like a hand grenade. I can't even run it at the park because it draws every kid in a 3 block radius and I'm not trying to herd kids away from it in the event it lets go one day.
330MPH in 1000 feet is plenty quick and shortening the track made sense for both the drivers and the fans from a safety perspective for the top fuel class.
Well, yes and no on the safety. What I mean is, the cars can be slowed down (yes, no one wants to see that). Also, this started due to Scott K passing years ago. No one, though, mentions the fact that his car blew up either right at, or just before the 1000ft mark. So from that perspective, nothing would have changed. Really this has stayed in place due to the fact that teams are burning up less parts (well, at least when this was first put in place), thus saving some operating cost. So my statement was in no way to discount safety etc.. Just noting that I do miss the 1/4 mile days.
@@elrodjenkins Scott's dragster was tuned to 1320ft, not 1000 and as such, the change to shorten the TF track to 1000 was done for both rails and funny cars. It's not like every class was shortened to 1000 so there's plenty of 1320 racing to be experienced to this day.
@@strykerentllc 🤔 I suspect you realize your statement about the tuning of Scott K’s car is completely irrelevant. How it was tuned has nothing to do with where it detonated (I checked, and it appears to be right at the 1000ft mark). My comment concerning this is the fact that at the time the racing went from 1320 to 1000 would have made no difference in his incident. That’s it. I have no idea where you are going with this. Perhaps you are choosing to debate about nothing?
How about a slow-start module and switch installation on the starter motor for that initial turnover? That will help detect the hydrolock without detonating it.
Clay keep it safe, it can go sideways fast. Question for ya, how many times can you heat soak the engine and what effects does heating it have for the race? You heat it then sit for rain, get the call and heat it again but called off and it cools, reheat it and maybe race maybe called off again and it cool down, has to have an effect on parts.
@@HaddockAutomotive Correct, you choke on food, it doesn't explode lol. In 2019 5,228 people choked to death from eating in the US. It is far more likely than having a top fuel engine explode in your face...... I'm saying danger is relative. Some people see big scary loud things and assume they are wicked dangerous. When in reality very few people are injured or killed from that same thing. Perfect example, in the past 27 years only 8 people have died while competing in a NHRA event.
Yep, It was the top fuel championship round number 4 at sydney dragway. Watched it live and it was the loudest bang ever and all we seen was guys on the ground. How the guys on the left side didn't get engine shrapnel in their face i have no idea. Very lucky i guess. Thanks for your videos, love watching. Should come drive in Australia some time.
Great video mate. Was definitely unfortunate and rare for that accident we had over here. It made all our news channels, just lucky everyone was ok. Good luck at next race 💥💥💥👍
GREATEST NHRA channel on UA-cam! But can you tell me why NASCAR tires lose grip after a few laps, and My drag slicks don't? I cannot get anyone in NASCAR to answer. And I have asked for 2 years. Thanks.
Reminds me of the time I was a crew member for a Top Alcohol team, and after some reassembly of the engine we test fired it to make sure it would do the same thing on the starting line. I was the guy that primed the engine and engaged the starter. When that thing fired up I leaned forward a little towards the driver, and something the size of a BB came shooting out of the zoomy header and hit me in the face. It was like getting shot in the face point blank with a BB gun, and it cut my face open with a small cut. I learned a lesson from that to keep myself out of the firing line of the headers.
Not even 2 minutes before this video pulled up in my recommended, I was thinking how lucky it is that I've never seen an explosion during the start up and burnout, right when everyone is closest to the machine
From Reports it sounds like Jim Read racing was turning the engine with a breaker bar to clear the cylinders of fuel. The magneto's where probably not grounded out, and they fired the excess fuel in the combustion chamber.
We where at Western Sydney Dragway when Reeds car blew up....The explosion was super loud and I saw Gus run and fall over... No sooner than I heard someone yell "ambo" the medical crews had turned up and where treating the injured guys....Hats off to them ,so glad the guys are ok.👍👍
Something I have noticed with this video clip, and that's the clarity of the sound when the dragsters do the burn out and the actual take-off. I wonder what microphone was used to grab the sound? A dedicated mic, or the one built into the camera. I'd be interested to know what gear was used.
I remember years ago at maple grove.They were clearing Doug Kalittas top fueler at the starting line and there was a big boom,It wasnt as violent as the one shown.
CRAZY COMPELLING VIDEO.. probably the scariest piece of video I’ve seen since Pilgrim Productions released the Fireball driveshaft explosion on America’s List.
I witnessed a nostalgia Top Fuel engine hydraulic on start up at the starting line at Famoso maybe 15 years ago. I will never forget the bang it made. Fortunately no one was hurt that day!
Clay, something would would help eliminate this is if a kevlar blanket was thrown over the engine until it was running. Then it could easily be removed after.
The time spent with the Jr. Dragsters was the best part of the video. Those kids will remember that for the rest of their lives. That was awesome of you to do.
Glad nobody was hurt and that y’all took it as serious as you did!!!
Really appreciate you checking out my video’s. Thank You 🙏
Now e ont marchandise Tell me wow tanks Tomy Québec Canada @@claymillican25
@@claymillican25be the et big allô to rick were racing teams love tomy Québec Canada
Thumbs UP for Christopher, from Christopher over here. Dat's me. Kip.
Love Clay Millican.
ONLY NHRA i really follow any more. Just no cable for a while now. Best place to be a part of the Loud Pedal's Journey
You reminded me of Bob Glidden ....he got a phone call from the make a wish foundation...long story short ..it was a young kid with cancer he hung out all day with Bob at the track ..Bob ended up winning that day ... The trophy got put in the casket with the little man when he moved on .....
There is now 2 people in the world the I have much much respect for you.. you made that guys day in red an that's what it is all about 👍👍👍👍👍
You have to be one of the most personable racers out there. Awesome to see you share yourself with so many people. Lit up the lives of many of the juniors. May you race forever.
Thanks for sharing a day on the track with us!!! The junior dragsters were amazing 🤩!!!! See you in the next video!!!!
BEST, Most Genuine, Informative, Relatable; LEAST Annoying Drag Racing Content available on the inter-webs!
GO CLAY! & Team!
Started following you a month or so ago. Great to see you work with the kids. Young ones need all the encouragement and good influence they can get--and you are the best man for that. Kudos!
Welcome to the best NHRA Channel on youtube which teaches old people and young alike, what it IS like and what it takes to be an NHRA Champion.
What an ambassador for the sport you are Clay! Well done sir, with the young drivers.
Love seeing y’a with Christopher, bet you made his day!
Love the TV audio at the end.
Clay is now in the "Cool Kids Club"
Stomp on that loud pedal again Clay.
Love all your videos. Thanks Clay for being such a great ambassador to the sport. NHRA needs more like you.
Not much to add beyond what was said regarding safety. Your channel here is my window to top fuel this season due to life and schedule. I'd like to say thank you for doing all this and thank you to Donna for the footage when your in the car. See you next video and if you can't be safe, be careful.
A friend of mine Jen who books rooms for NHRA came by and seen you Friday and had you sign a hat for me and surprised me with it because I couldn’t make that race, I just wanted to say thank you
Hey Greg 👋 !!!
We got to meet at Richmond/Dinwiddie and THANKS AGAIN for taking the time to talk. Wishing you THE BEST!
Great meeting you in Richmond, Clay! Hated seeing you go out in the first round, though. Performance overall seems to be getting better and better. Keep stompin' on that loud pedal and get yourself a Wally this year!
Really appreciate sharing everything that you do! We all learn so much about you as people, as a team and the sport overall!
Mr . Millican I just started to follow you, by way of cleetus,and Kevin at KSR .you are an expressive man! You know and totally seem to understand the big picture of everything around you and you hold nothing back you seem willing to tell all, me im a street yahoo totally impressed by Kevin and Tom Bayley who teach us yahoos a lot, but you are showing another side beyond my imagination and you put it in such simple terms even a lamo like me can understand and even gleen thoughts and ideas from. So I just say Thank You, you make it seem simple but open eyes to the reality of what's going on.
Great update , and an explanation of what happened Australia. Many thanks.
Awesome just awesome team love you guys to bits 👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌
First thing I noticed was NO ONE was wearing safety glasses!? When you do something so well, for so long, you get confident, confidence creates complacency and complacency kills...
Called the "normalization of deviancy". That term really came to light in the wake the Challenger disaster.
It sure does..hella scary 😢
The old adage, familiarity breeds contempt!
Explosions go right under safety glasses brother
Please rember nitro metan us not your Friend Tomy Québec Canada wish you the best love 💘 Tomy Québec Canada
Awesome to get to meet you this past weekend. Hated to see you go out Rd 1-looking forward to seeing you at the track again!
The interaction with the kids driving the jr’s was incredible Clay, that’s why you’re the best and I’m such a fan.
Awesome run Clay hope y'all keep the momentum up I know the motor issues aren't cheap but you are sending it keep diggin Clay from mobile Alabama
Thank you for sharing, even though it was violent, it's wonderful to be authentic!! Thank you Jim O for caring enough to address this issue & loving tell the team "Let's have EACH OTHERS' BACK" 🌞💥❤
Enjoyed….great to see you with the kids, my son followed Blaine Johnson (rip) and can still remember his excitement to be near him at the track
I was there at the race it was a hectic backfire a couple of them had light burns keep up the great videos clay cheers from australia
you sir are awesome . love watching you taking time with the Jr's
Happy tears brother , praise Jesus Christ grace amen 🙏 clay and Donna I/we love you two and the summit racing CRC advance auto parts stomp on that loud gas top fuel race team lol thank you for showing the Jr, dragsters , nice thanks BigAl California
If I remember correctly your fan Christopher was in a video last year. I can't forget that smile...
Clay, if you are not the best ambassador for NHRA I don't who is. You going to see the Jr's and sign their cars and post was one of the most awesome I've seen in a long time. Love to 3.6s, zoom. Be safe, keep stomping that load pedal. BTW, love your crew!
Loved this video Clay. Awesome going and seeing the kids. Be careful guys. We know what each of you drivers and crew put on the line. We appreciate y’all so much. Put on awesome show.
Another great video Clay!!! All of you are doing a great job!!! I think you made the junior dragster teams day good for you. Stomp on that loud pedal!!
Clay once again, good job on the race....The HUMAN race. I need to make one of these shows and try and get by and shake your hand. I never drag raced but spent several years circle tracking. When you stop and speak to a kid you make their day and may change their life. Good job buddy, Good job!!
I would love to see what Donna goes through in a weekend. As someone who has had the opportunity to do hospitality for a couple NASCAR race, I would love to see the miracle Donna and her team put on during the weekend or even raceday.
I agree
That's a FANTASTIC idea
Deb Rocks too..
Thank you for posting this great drag racing video .
Thanks Clay for doing these videos. I’ve been a fan since your IHRA days. I’m glad Christopher was on the video, very nice young man. Hope to see you at Thunder Valley - Bristol Tennessee. 😎👍
It was great to hear y'all at the track again this weekend, I can see the grandstands from my house, but couldn't make it over. But that loud pedal rattles the pictures on the walls in my house! Glad to have y'all back in town.
What an awesome guy!!! So nice to everyone, my favorite
Cool video and informative as well. Stay safe! Glad I got to meet you in Virginia... longtime fan!
I think he working for those kids and giving them the chance to meet their favorite rail car drags driver is one of the most awesome things a person can do it means so much to them you can always see it I hope you're having a great race and I'll see you at international
Thank You for putting the time into these!! always a great watch and lots to learn
That had to been mind blowing. I am soon to be 65, and have still NEVER heard one. Maybe one day some day. But if I do ever make it to an NHRA event, I will be EXPECTING to see you win the event and Wally.
Clay has got it down to a science with these videos. Some of the best and informed series of videos you can watch.
That was a scary reminder of how powerful nitro is. Car damage was shocking. Glad everyone was relatively ok. I know any injury is bad, but could have been very bad. Liked how you improved every run in what had to be a not the best track with that much rain. Really impressive to run that last run time
If you stop and think, it's truly a testament to the NHRA, Safety Safari, the manufacturers, and the professionalism of the race teams that we sometimes "forget" how dangerous this sport is. We've gotten so accustomed to seeing explosions and crashes, and everyone is ok, that we forget that this is a dangerous hobby/profession, and the drivers and crew literally put their lives in somebody else's hands on a regular basis. Glad everyone is basically ok, and prayers for the quick recovery of the injuries that did occur. BE SAFE OUT THERE, GUYS!!! WE DEFINITELY DONT WANT TO LOSE ANY MORE OF OUR RACING HEROES!!!!
Your a good man Clay our world needs more men like you I only have a few people I consider hero’s
I was racing at Shakespeare County Raceway, in the UK, years ago, we were waiting at the front of the pairing lanes and a supercharged Triumph bike running nitro was started in the far lane and the engine exploded blowing the left side cylinder out showering bits everywhere, the engine was running and we were close enough that we could see the piston going up and down in what was left of the cylinder.
That was a cracking time in the third qualifier, pity about the block though.
I'm sure you mentioned the dangers of this in a previous show Clay, I'm by no means trying to dismiss the severity of what happened I knew that there was a danger when hand cranking the engine and as you are the only top fuel team I follow and watch I must have got that information from you as where I live I Scotland if you mention top fuel they think you are talking about premium petrol (gas). I'm also proud you are a really good human being, I've noticed a few times you have interactions with fans and kids who are in some way differently abled, I believe that's the polite way to put It. My point is people in this category are no less a fan than typical gearheads, if anything that fact they focus on what you are doing is a massive compliment as they may not show other aspects of their life the same attention so you have made a connection and that is a beautiful thing. So thank you for going above and beyond for the kids and those super fans who light up like the sun when they get the chance to see you, you are a good man Clay and best wishes from Scotland
At sunset. Maybe consider camera in opposing pit outside wall, from behind tires. Thus, taking sun out of pic until late in the run?
Hi Clay, love the videos crank up the audio a little bit a lot of us watch this on our phones and the audio is limited on the phone so I've heard others tell me the same thing but keep up the great content! Always enjoy it
Hey Clay as usual awesome video car is running good I hope you WIN this race can't wait to see the next video
Great video😀. Love it, I was at WSID In Sydney a couple weeks ago when that happened and it certainly shows how dangerous these cars can be. Love the junior drags😃.Hope to see you guys out here one day.
Glad your in great qualifying shape! Can't wait for even better news 📰 , next video 📸! Relieved to hear Australias Top Fuel team is recovering fine! 🙏 🇦🇺 🤝🇺🇸
Clay! That was SO COOL signing their cars!
Hey Clay I just wanted to say it is awesome to watch you! You are such a positive and happy person! Thanks for being such a great rolemodel and genuine person. Where can I buy some Clay Millican Merch?
Don't the engines dump like half a quart of 2 stroke oil into the blower when they pass the line to stop the engine from getting as roached when it's shutting down and there is no longer any fuel to lubricate?
I seriously doubt you will be able with your time reply or see this message. But if you do, I want you to know I am a super fan of your UA-cam show and your team. You always make me smile. I am in the hospital this moment for some blood clots, but you helped get my mind off of the procedure I have coming up in a few hours. I hope that you and your team have a great awesome year with a large amount of W's and a great safe year as well. I really enjoy your videos on your engine. I think you could get a huge amount of views if a team member could break down each bolt, rod placement, measurements and rebuild peice, bolt, nut, part by each other etc. each team member that works a certain portion of the rebuild or teardown part of what they are responsible for do it. It would give them a boost in pride in showing off what they can accomplish. May God bless you dearly this year and your team!😊
You made their days thanks for the video.
The last time I was at the drags I was a young teenager LOL, Jim Reed was at AIR "Adelaide international raceway" that's so long ago and he's still racing. Very lucky no one was seriously hurt, safety first.
Anyway you keep up the good work, keep the videos coming and keep encouraging those kids.
Jim has retired from driving, his son Phil drives the car now and Bruce another son is the crew chief.
@@70chevs that makes sense, how old would Jim be now in his seventies.
@@tropicrows yes, I think he's 78. I think I read that back in 2014/15 maybe that he celebrated turning 70.
I was fortunate enough to crew on Tom Topping/Brooks brown AFD in the 90s.Clearing the complete fuel system was the most important part of preparing the car to fire up.,lines disconcted, plugs out,blown out with air and motor spun.
Clay you rock! Love the channel and content! I'm here for the algorithm! Peace
Hey Clay , back in 1999 my brother and I were standing next to the starting line when Doug Herberts engine blew up which sent I think it was 10 people to the hospital . I think our only saving grace was we hit the pavement behind the wall . Its something we will never forget . Take care sir and catch you on your next video and of course smash that loud pedal .
Luv what you do with the kids Clay. I'm looking g forward to bringing my 5yrold to Sonoma this july!!July!!! Waaaapp waaaapp loud pedal!!
Tennessee , you and the Crew do a great job ! Love ❤️ the report’s, would like to see a segment on Setting up Ignition Timing .
Clay Millican “ To the Top !
As someone who runs nitro RC cars, I can say that I even treat the little engines with respect.
The RC cars run fuel between 10% and 40% nitromethane at RPMs between 25,000 - 37,000.
If an engine goes wrong and you're near it it'll hurt no matter the size.
I hope the team members that were affected get well soon.
BS
@@stuwest5862
W E!
I have a Traxxas 3.3 that I ported and polished, custom crank, ceramic bearings and a Losi 3.4 carb on 40ish% and I treat it like a hand grenade. I can't even run it at the park because it draws every kid in a 3 block radius and I'm not trying to herd kids away from it in the event it lets go one day.
@@SAVikingSA Show me one nitro rc engine that has exploded to the point of releasing shrapnel. Don't bother looking because it doesn't exist.
Man your car was getting it in Q2. Those are some really impressive 60’, 330’ and 660’ incremental numbers! Congrats on that pass.
thanks for the video! keep plugging away!
Your team is so awesome, and everybody brings something cool to the table!!!!
LOL @ the mop at 11:38. Wondering if it's loud??
Love the run breakdowns in the hauler. Appreciate the material that is less edited and realistic!
This is some great stuff. But I've got to say, I miss 1/4 mile racing.
330MPH in 1000 feet is plenty quick and shortening the track made sense for both the drivers and the fans from a safety perspective for the top fuel class.
Well, yes and no on the safety. What I mean is, the cars can be slowed down (yes, no one wants to see that). Also, this started due to Scott K passing years ago. No one, though, mentions the fact that his car blew up either right at, or just before the 1000ft mark. So from that perspective, nothing would have changed. Really this has stayed in place due to the fact that teams are burning up less parts (well, at least when this was first put in place), thus saving some operating cost. So my statement was in no way to discount safety etc.. Just noting that I do miss the 1/4 mile days.
@@elrodjenkins Scott's dragster was tuned to 1320ft, not 1000 and as such, the change to shorten the TF track to 1000 was done for both rails and funny cars. It's not like every class was shortened to 1000 so there's plenty of 1320 racing to be experienced to this day.
@@strykerentllc 🤔 I suspect you realize your statement about the tuning of Scott K’s car is completely irrelevant. How it was tuned has nothing to do with where it detonated (I checked, and it appears to be right at the 1000ft mark). My comment concerning this is the fact that at the time the racing went from 1320 to 1000 would have made no difference in his incident. That’s it. I have no idea where you are going with this. Perhaps you are choosing to debate about nothing?
@@elrodjenkins I suspect you have never been involved in racing. You want, you miss...
Awesome, you guys really are a win just waiting to happen.
How about a slow-start module and switch installation on the starter motor for that initial turnover? That will help detect the hydrolock without detonating it.
Clay is the MAN!! wish nothing but success for you and the team.
Clay keep it safe, it can go sideways fast.
Question for ya, how many times can you heat soak the engine and what effects does heating it have for the race? You heat it then sit for rain, get the call and heat it again but called off and it cools, reheat it and maybe race maybe called off again and it cool down, has to have an effect on parts.
It's always scary when things like this happen, reminds us how dangerous all this really is
Danger is relative. You could choke to death on a piece of food tomorrow.
@@The_Cat_Authority I work on one of these cars, and everything we do on them is dangerous. A piece of food isn't likely to blow up in your face.
You just can't discount the danger, is all I'm saying.
@@HaddockAutomotive Correct, you choke on food, it doesn't explode lol. In 2019 5,228 people choked to death from eating in the US. It is far more likely than having a top fuel engine explode in your face...... I'm saying danger is relative. Some people see big scary loud things and assume they are wicked dangerous. When in reality very few people are injured or killed from that same thing. Perfect example, in the past 27 years only 8 people have died while competing in a NHRA event.
Used to crew on my buddys alcohol injected Bbc. Had a valve cover blow off from blow by. This was in the shop . nobody got hurt .
Good job Clay ! And you're crews absolutely amazing as well !
Yep, It was the top fuel championship round number 4 at sydney dragway. Watched it live and it was the loudest bang ever and all we seen was guys on the ground. How the guys on the left side didn't get engine shrapnel in their face i have no idea. Very lucky i guess. Thanks for your videos, love watching. Should come drive in Australia some time.
Very well done yuaalll 🇸🇪💪
Jim O. is just the best. Much respect.
Great video mate. Was definitely unfortunate and rare for that accident we had over here. It made all our news channels, just lucky everyone was ok. Good luck at next race 💥💥💥👍
God was watching that team on that day. Glad all are well.🙏
Awesome video thank you for sharing it
GREATEST NHRA channel on UA-cam! But can you tell me why NASCAR tires lose grip after a few laps, and My drag slicks don't? I cannot get anyone in NASCAR to answer. And I have asked for 2 years. Thanks.
Reminds me of the time I was a crew member for a Top Alcohol team, and after some reassembly of the engine we test fired it to make sure it would do the same thing on the starting line. I was the guy that primed the engine and engaged the starter. When that thing fired up I leaned forward a little towards the driver, and something the size of a BB came shooting out of the zoomy header and hit me in the face. It was like getting shot in the face point blank with a BB gun, and it cut my face open with a small cut. I learned a lesson from that to keep myself out of the firing line of the headers.
God stuff, Clay. Always interesting and informative.
Mine makes that “skeet” sound too. I love it too!!!
Not even 2 minutes before this video pulled up in my recommended, I was thinking how lucky it is that I've never seen an explosion during the start up and burnout, right when everyone is closest to the machine
Prayers for the guy and the team
From Reports it sounds like Jim Read racing was turning the engine with a breaker bar to clear the cylinders of fuel. The magneto's where probably not grounded out, and they fired the excess fuel in the combustion chamber.
We where at Western Sydney Dragway when Reeds car blew up....The explosion was super loud and I saw Gus run and fall over... No sooner than I heard someone yell "ambo" the medical crews had turned up and where treating the injured guys....Hats off to them ,so glad the guys are ok.👍👍
Wow. Glad everyone is OK for the most part. Heck of an explosion blowing the muffs off and damaging the ear drum.
Something I have noticed with this video clip, and that's the clarity of the sound when the dragsters do the burn out and the actual take-off. I wonder what microphone was used to grab the sound? A dedicated mic, or the one built into the camera. I'd be interested to know what gear was used.
Jonathan, the on track video are filmed with a GoPro Hero 9 with a media mod from GoPro. It’s a directional mic. Thanks for watching.
At 14:14 "she didn't say write a book" ... I laughed so hard I think I broke the recliner in my LazyBoy!
I remember years ago at maple grove.They were clearing Doug Kalittas top fueler at the starting line and there was a big boom,It wasnt as violent as the one shown.
CRAZY COMPELLING VIDEO.. probably the scariest piece of video I’ve seen since Pilgrim Productions released the Fireball driveshaft explosion on America’s List.
It's happened to Jim too! When he was Connie Kalitta! Along with several others! Stay safe!
Awesome & WoW , Thanks Clay
I witnessed a nostalgia Top Fuel engine hydraulic on start up at the starting line at Famoso maybe 15 years ago. I will never forget the bang it made. Fortunately no one was hurt that day!
Clay, something would would help eliminate this is if a kevlar blanket was thrown over the engine until it was running. Then it could easily be removed after.