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Bitchin’ Video: Dry Hops and Nitro Cackle From OCIR in the Early 1980s


Bitchin’ Video: Dry Hops and Nitro Cackle From OCIR in the Early 1980s

We got tipped off to this video by a BangShift reader and it rules all. Featuring the nitro floppers of Billy Meyer and Jim Dunn circa 1982 at the dead Orange County International Raceway, it shows the true theater of old time Funny Car racing. Oh, the sound kicks all ass as well.

One thing you’ll see in this video that you’d never see at a “modern” drag race between nitro funnies are dry hops. Dunn and Meyer both complete long smokey burnouts, back up to the starting line and make several dry hops, in almost perfect cadence. Why were they doing this? Back in the day before nitro engines and clutches became the rocket science they are today, dry hops allowed teams to practice their launches, maybe seat the clutch, maybe seat the rings (HA!), and get a feel for how the car was going to hook and book down the track.

You’ll note that one of Meyer’s guys (near lane) dumps some liquid in front of his tires before he makes his final approach to the starting beams. That’s a little extra whiff of traction compound and you can watch Meyer whack the throttle, give the tires a little spin and then they bite very well on the next hop.

 

Crank the speakers and watch Dunn and Meyer get busy at OCIR!

 

 


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11 thoughts on “Bitchin’ Video: Dry Hops and Nitro Cackle From OCIR in the Early 1980s

  1. Birdman

    Love the old days of racing! Remember them well, back when the cars actually LOOKED like cars, not cookie-cutter bodies with badge-specific stickers.

  2. c-yaspeedshop

    love this video ATTN all top fuelers!! please bring back some dry hops at the california hot rod reunion!!!!

  3. Anonymous

    spent alot of time @ OCIR from 181 until the day of the last race .used to drive my 68 427bbc camaro from the marine corps air station auto hobby shop to OCIR and race it every chance i got .i used to pi ** off the mp’s all the time as i would go to/from OCIR on slicks and open headers

  4. BobMan

    THAT’s effin’ racing….gotta bring back the showmanship! My favorite times were the Jungle Jim days, TV Tommy, long Force burnouts….etc.

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