This semi-blurry, obviously converted from tape video from Lebanon Valley Dragway sometime in the 1990s or early 2000s hit me like a ton of bricks because it features what is probably my all time favorite drag car. This is a 1976 Honda that’s powered by a supercharged 331ci Chrysler Hemi. It was run by some guys from (I think) Connecticut and it was called the Hull Brothers Bomb Squad. Sponsored by Cardinal Honda in Groton, Connecticut this singular car was the most ridiculous thing I had ever seen when I first laid eyes on it and for as long as I am in drag racing, I’ll never forget this little car.
I never, ever thought I would see it again and it has probably been the better part of 20 years since I have seen it in the first place. Every now and again I would look for video of photos of the thing and I always came up dry, especially on the video end. I was looking in the wrong place or searching with the wrong terms, or something.
When I saw this car sitting in the pits the first time I could hardly get any words out. The little 1976 Honda is minuscule to begin with but when you consider the engine setback and the fact that the top of the roll cage protruded through the roof along with some of the driver’s helmet, it just added to the mania. As if that wasn’t enough, the first time I saw the Hemi….THE HEMI(!) sitting between the frame rails of the awkward little car I think I made gasping noises and was offered a paper bag to breathe into. Sure, it is a baby hemi, and sure, the thing sits all high and stuff but honestly,this car is as right as rain for me and always will be. As you will see here the machine ran pretty deep into the 9-second bracket which is no slouch especially for something with the wheelbase of a Power Wheels car.
Find this was like opening a door in a strange house and finding gold. I have watched this a dozen or more times. In fact, the guy that is talking on the PA who’s name has long ago escaped my consciousness is the first guy I ever muttered words into a microphone next to at a drag strip, this drag strip in fact.
It is short, tall, weird, and nasty but hot damn was this car and does this car remain a personal favorite. I love it. LOVE IT.
Press play below to see the Hull Brothers Bomb Squad Attack The Strip –
The car when updated around 2016!
The OG version idling!
Cool! Was just back at Lebanon for the first time since 1975 last September for the Dover Reunion. My cousin Ted Ryan used to be the starter there in the ’60’s. Didn’t know you had any association with the track.
This car still runs at LVD, I’ve seen it a few times in the recent years.