Kit Car's first ever Performance Day was so successful that we'll be staging another Performance event in 2008. Before we do, we need to give the results for all the cars tested on that inaugural day. In this very issue of the magazine, we provide feature articles on the remaining two cars that were put through their paces.
Backdraft Racing brought one roadster out to El Toro Marine Base to the AMCI testing center, where we fielded the Performance Day. With Backdraft Racing's Reg Dodd behind the wheel, the yellow rookie-striped, navy blue Backdraft Racing roadster performed admirably. No stranger to road racing, Reg was a champion driver for two years in South Africa. We don't know whether he has done much performance testing, which is a bit different than going all out on a sports car course, but he handled the 0-to-60-mph acceleration runs, the 420-foot slalom, the skidpad, and the 60-to-0 braking passes with seasoned skill.
Backdraft roadsters are shipped from South Africa all over the world as fully assembled and painted cars, without the engine or transmission installed. The company's authorized dealer network installs the drivetrain the customer selects. Should the client be mechanically inclined, they can install the engine and transmission themselves.
For KIT CAR Performance Day, Backdraft Racing installed a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission mated to the back of a Roush 402R engine. The Roush powerplant is rated at over 500 hp, so it's a great engine to install in a Cobra replica. Likewise with the Tremec TKO 600 trans (the 600 part of the TKO name designates that this manual transmission can handle up to 600 lb-ft of torque, which is more than tough enough to handle the Roush 402R's 500 lb-ft of torque rating).
Backdraft Racing had so much fun at KIT CAR Performance Day '07 that we've heard rumors they'll be testing two cars in '08. We can't wait to see what they bring this year. Until then, read and see how the Backdraft Racing roadster did at KC's first big testing party. Enjoy!
Reg also handled the 420-foot...
Reg also handled the 420-foot slalom with smooth skill. (Photo by Eric Geisert)
The Roush 402R engine has...
The Roush 402R engine has an internally balanced rotating assembly (crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons) and produces 515 hp. At KIT CAR Performance Day we put the drivetrain and the roadster that envelops it to the test.
VDO Instruments and black...
VDO Instruments and black leather seats come standard from the factory. A wood rimmed steering wheel does too, but this one's equipped with an optional leather-wrapped wheel, which is easier to grip in performance testing or racing.
Goodyear Eagle F1 245/45/17's...
Goodyear Eagle F1 245/45/17's wrap the Halibrand style 17x8 wheels in the front as shown. The rear radials are Goodyear Eagle F1 315/35/17's to cover the 17x11 Halibrand-style rolling stock.
As evidenced by achieving...
As evidenced by achieving 0.89g on the skidpad, Reg Dodd, Backdraft Racing's U.S. sales, marketing, and testing guru, is also a very competent race car driver.
Backdraft Racing roadsters...
Backdraft Racing roadsters come painted and ready to receive the engine and transmission of your choice. Authorized Backdraft Racing dealers across the country are also qualified to install the drivetrain you select.