GOODYEAR VENTURES INTO DRAG RACING
2009-10-30 17:27:26 Author: admin Source:
Today in an official unveiling ceremony at Goodyear Malaysia Berhad in Shah Alam, Goodyear announced its intentions to venture into another arena of Motorsports in Malaysia, the popular Drag Racing series.
In conjunction with their inaugural participation in the Round 4’s Drag Battle at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend, Goodyear will be presenting a dragster along with drag racer, Apaspong Premanon (Khun O), at a special demonstration at the circuit.
The Dragster, full of torque and raw energy, has a maximum horsepower of 3,000hp coupled with the ability to hit a quarter mile in a mere 7.2 seconds. With a suped up 11.58 V8 engine, the dragster certainly makes its mark on the track with its 22 X 2.5 X 17” Goodyear Eagle Front Runners and 33.5 X 17 X 16” Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials. These special Goodyear tyres are hand made in Akron, Ohio, U.S.A. and are especially catered for use in drag racing.
Machine and man are an essential combination in racing, which is why handling of the dragster must be performed by a seasoned professional and Goodyear has selected Premanon or Khun O (above) for the assignment this weekend. Khun O is Goodyear Thailand’s official drag racer who participates regularly and efficiency at his home drag race events. His task, this weekend, is to demonstrate the sheer power of the Goodyear dragster.
When asked about piloting the dragster, Khun O said, “During take-offs, the immense acceleration feels as if someone has hit you on the rear end really hard.”
“Obviously, it is not a walk in the park with the dragster and every part of the vehicle must be counter checked for any problems before each take-off, otherwise a serious accident may occur,” he added.
Earlier, Goodyear ASEAN’s Managing Director Richard Fleming had given a brief count on Goodyear’s intentions in the Drag Battle and introduced a perspective about Drag Racing. “Goodyear has always had a rich heritage in racing, starting over a century ago, currently Goodyear’s motorsports involvements include the NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) series in the United States.”
“On the domestic front, Goodyear is actively involved in drift and drag motorsports. While drag racing may not be as established here now as it is in Thailand, the potential is definitely there,” he concluded.
The Drag Battle series 2009 began in May and is scheduled to conclude on 21 November. Since its introduction almost three years ago, the Drag Battle has gained a reputation as the quick “need-for-speed” motorsporting event among sports cars and motorsports fraternities.
Drag Racing is originally popularized by motorsports enthusiasts in the U.S.A, and involves a one-on-one battle between two mean machines competing against each other to be the first to cross the finish line. According to the NHRA, the distance between the starting and the end point is about a quarter of a mile long, equivalent to 1,320 feet. Races typically last between 3.9 – 17 seconds, while speeds of the vehicles vary in accordance to the type of vehicle used – on average, they range from 129km/h to 520 km//h.
So make your way to the Sepang Circuit tomorrow to witness the Goodyear Dragster and catch the Drag Battle, starting at 7 – 8p. Entry to the event is as reasonable as RM10 for grandstand and RM50 for paddock, while parking is RM2 for bikes and RM5 for cars.
About Goodyear
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs nearly 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information on Goodyear, please visit www.goodyear.com.my.
Goodyear Dragster Specifications
Max horsepower 1400hp
Best quarter time 7.61 secs
Engine 707 cubic/inches
Cylinder head Moroso
Port Justin Brangers (U.S.A)
Valve/Valve spring Titanium/3 layers
Retainer Valve PBN Titanium
Camshaft 314
Rocker Arms EPD, 1.75:1 ratio
Piston Diamond Coast 41.275mm forged
Connecting Rod H-beam
Carburetor 2 Holley
Nitrous Oxide system Speedtech 1 stages, 8 nozzles
Electronic system MSD
Transmission Automatic, TS 400
Differential Strange
2009 Drag Battle Schedule
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1
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23 May
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2
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27 June
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3
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18 July
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4
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31 October
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5
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21. November
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