The date is July 12, 2004. Last Wednesday the NHRA announced the potential of three additional rule revisions for the Hot Rod Class to be effective in '05. The new rules may include limiting turbo sizes and aerodynamics, such as belly pans and spoilers, which would benefit racers' ability to compete in events. The Hot Rod Class has put a lot of time and energy in the motor programs. For example, Gardella Racing runs a 1.8-liter motor compared to other teams that run 2.4- to 2.5-liter motors. Our team utilizes two power adders to compensate for the difference in displacement size rather than swapping to the 2.4 K-series motor. If GR attempted to swap to the K motor, it would be very hard to develop a solid program mid-season.
Gardella Racing has become the leader in the Hot Rod Class and in the sport compact industry. Similar to many other race teams, GR constantly works to advance ourselves to move faster. If the new regulations become effective, Gardella Racing, and all of the other Hot Rod competitors, will have to put in more time, energy and money to create new setups for our cars. Many of us will be facing, or re-facing, problems from two or three years ago, the results of which could be major inconsistencies at the traps.
As the '04 season comes to an end, Gardella Racing has to figure out where to go next. The team faces many tough decisions; we are contemplating changing motors, chassis, body, turbo, even class. The solution to any new rule is not easy because there are four years of R & D invested in the Gardella Racing 1.8 GS-R motor program that would have to be set aside to start from the beginning with the K-series.
In order to make the field more competitive, why not consider making changes according to motor size? I am aware of the lack of competitors in the Hot Rod field and have openly voiced my concerns. Gardella Racing has put a lot of thought into an alternative that would have positive results for the NHRA, racers, and most importantly, the fans. These changes would include the creation of different classes within the Hot Rod field. For example, there could be an extension Quick 8 Outlaw class, making the current Hot Rod Class for racecars that run 10.0 to 9.0 e.t.s
It is important for the new rules to benefit all of the people who are invested in the sport compact industry. GR does not want to build a Pro FWD car; we are looking to continue in Hot Rod as long as we can challenge ourselves to go faster. The team thrives off modifying and testing our motor program, even when we struggle to get it together at the track. As a race fan, I like to be shocked by the power produced from a four-cylinder and will be excited when Gardella Racing busts the 7-second barrier.