Murder Nova showcased exceptional skill and strategy at Qlispe Raceway Park, overcoming challenges like heavier car weight and tough competition to secure a $40,000 victory. Through meticulous tuning, nitrous system upgrades, and strategic racing, the team outperformed rivals including Scott Taylor and Ryan Martin, marking a significant milestone in their racing season.
The world of drag racing is a thrilling blend of precision engineering, driver skill, and strategic tuning. At Qlispe Raceway Park, Murder Nova demonstrated all these elements, culminating in a spectacular $40,000 payday. This article delves into the behind-the-scenes preparations, challenges, and race-day performances that led to this impressive victory.
Upgrading the Nitrous System: Science Meets Racing
At 187 Customs, the team began by upgrading their nitrous system to gain a competitive edge. Understanding the exact amount of nitrous oxide flowing through the motor was crucial for tuning the engine effectively. Since the manufacturer, Nitrous Express, could not specify the pounds per hour flow for the new solenoid, the team devised a practical method:
- They measured the weight of the nitrous bottle before and after spraying wide open for 5 seconds.
- Using this data, they calculated the flow rate per hour.
This approach, while not the most precise, provided a close estimate essential for tuning fuel and timing. The upgraded solenoid was capable of flowing approximately 1,872 pounds per hour of nitrous, a significant increase from the previous setup.
Challenges of Weight and Competition
One of the season’s toughest challenges was competing against cars with the same combination but significantly lighter weight. For example, Scott Taylor’s car was about 150 pounds lighter than Murder Nova’s, which affected performance. Without a weight rule in place, heavier cars like Murder Nova had to push their setups to the limit to stay competitive.
Preparing for the Race at Qlispe Raceway Park
The team arrived at Qlispe Raceway Park, located near Spokane, ready to tackle the track conditions, which were less than ideal. The track was described as “a little more no prep,” meaning it was less prepared and more challenging for traction.
Despite these conditions, the team was confident in their car’s ability to perform well on less-than-perfect surfaces, a key factor since the track could act as an equalizer among competitors.
Race Day: Strategy and Execution
First Pass and Adjustments
On race day, the team made a strong first pass, running about four numbers faster than their tune predicted, thanks to the new nitrous setup. However, the car experienced some issues going up on the two-step (a feature used to build engine RPM before launch), causing a bobble and hesitation.
Adjustments were made to the converter and tune-up to address this, focusing on pulling some fuel out on the two-step to stabilize the engine.
Beat the Champ Class
Murder Nova competed in the “Beat the Champ” class, a heads-up racing category with a $10,000 prize. The competition was fierce, with top drivers like Scott Taylor and Ryan Martin in the mix.
The team focused on cutting good lights (quick reaction times at the start) and maximizing the car’s performance. The car’s ability to pick the front end up when the nitrous kicked in was a sign of its power and traction.
Key Races and Opponents
- First Round: Faced Paige Coughlin, who had mechanical issues and could not make a pass.
- Second Round: Competed against Chris Rankin, a top contender, and won after adjusting to the right lane.
- Subsequent Rounds: Faced Clay Cole and Nate Sailor, both formidable opponents with fast cars.
Throughout these rounds, the team emphasized consistency, reaction times, and trusting the car’s setup.
The Finals: Murder Nova vs. Ryan Martin
The much-anticipated final race was against Ryan Martin, a driver known for his horsepower and mile-per-hour advantage on the big end. This was a significant matchup, as it was the first time these two had met in a final.
Murder Nova focused on:
- Cutting a good light to gain an early advantage.
- Trusting the car to perform without hesitation on the two-step.
The race was intense, but Murder Nova managed to leave first and maintain the lead, securing the win and the $40,000 prize.
Reflections on the Victory
Despite not having the lightest or fastest car on paper, Murder Nova’s team leveraged their tuning expertise, driver skill, and strategic decisions to overcome the competition. The victory was a testament to:
- The importance of precise tuning and understanding of nitrous flow.
- The ability to adapt to challenging track conditions.
- The critical role of reaction times and race strategy.
This win also propelled Murder Nova into first place in the points championship, marking a significant milestone in their racing season.
Personal Insights: Tattoos and Team Culture
The team shared personal stories about their tattoos, many of which pay tribute to drag racing legends and personal memories. This glimpse into their culture highlights the passion and camaraderie that fuel their racing endeavors.
Looking Ahead
With two more races left in the season, Murder Nova aims to maintain their momentum and continue competing at the highest level. The team plans to rebuild the motor after the intense weekend and prepare for upcoming challenges.
Conclusion
Murder Nova’s domination at Qlispe Raceway Park was a masterclass in combining technical knowledge, driver skill, and strategic racing. Overcoming weight disadvantages and tough competition, the team secured a well-deserved $40,000 payday and a top spot in the championship standings. Their story is an inspiring example of perseverance and precision in the high-stakes world of drag racing.
