Altered wheelbase on FX class cars

[OzzyMike]

I am new to this forum, so I am probably asking a previously answered question.

My question why did the FX (Factory Experimental) cars of the 1960s have what appears be a shortened wheelbase and a raised from end?
Their handling must have been weird!

The current thinking on modern Funny Cars is an elongated wheelbase (for stability) and a lowered front end (for down force)

Regards from OzzyMike

[Rusty Gillis]

Originally Posted by OzzyMike

I am new to this forum, so I am probably asking a previously answered question.

My question why did the FX (Factory Experimental) cars of the 1960s have what appears be a shortened wheelbase and a raised from end?
Their handling must have been weird!

The current thinking on modern Funny Cars is an elongated wheelbase (for stability) and a lowered front end (for down force)

Regards from OzzyMike

Traction the slicks were not that good

[geoklass]

One other thing to remember is that for the most part, altered wheelbase FX cars are mostly a myth. They were not permitted in the FX class at NHRA events. In 1962, the first year of the FX class, the wheelbase/axle locations were required to be in the stock location. It wasn't until 1965 that FX cars could relocate their axles, and then, it was limited to only 2% of the stock wheelbase. Meaning, if the stock wheelbase on the car was 118", the axles could be relocated only 2.3".


The altered wheelbase cars (of all makes) usually bypassed NHRA events and raced in "run whatcha brung" type events or went match racing...

[Super Sport]

Originally Posted by geoklass

One other thing to remember is that for the most part, altered wheelbase FX cars are mostly a myth. They were not permitted in the FX class at NHRA events. In 1962, the first year of the FX class, the wheelbase/axle locations were required to be in the stock location. It wasn't until 1965 that FX cars could relocate their axles, and then, it was limited to only 2% of the stock wheelbase. Meaning, if the stock wheelbase on the car was 118", the axles could be relocated only 2.3".


The altered wheelbase cars (of all makes) usually bypassed NHRA events and raced in "run whatcha brung" type events or went match racing...

Thank you for laying it on the line about what really happened in FX. Everyone needs to know those drastically altered wheelbase cars were not legal FX cars.

[Jimbo17]

The altered wheelbase cars (of all makes) usually bypassed NHRA events and raced in "run whatcha brung" type events or went match racing...

You are right!!!!

And were these match races exciting to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!
They used to pack the fans in for every race and this became a very popular form of drag racing.

Maybe this could all happen again if drag racers forgot about just running sectioned events and formed an Outlaw Association.

I know it just wishful thinking but those were the day's for real drag racing fans.

Jim Hill

[Travis Miller]

Originally Posted by Jimbo17

The altered wheelbase cars (of all makes) usually bypassed NHRA events and raced in "run whatcha brung" type events or went match racing...

You are right!!!!

And were these match races exciting to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!
They used to pack the fans in for every race and this became a very popular form of drag racing.

Maybe this could all happen again if drag racers forgot about just running sectioned events and formed an Outlaw Association.

I know it just wishful thinking but those were the day's for real drag racing fans.

Jim Hill

It is happening today with all the outlaw street racing being promoted on TV. Unfortunately that's what some of the youth of today think real drag racing is all about. And they see thousands of dollars being bet on heads up street races.

Maybe it is true about history repeating itself. The drastically altered wheelbase cars bypassed NHRA events, went match racing and drew big crowds. The same thing is happening with the outlaw street racers. Sad.