Whereas casually scrolling Instagram this previous weekend, I got here throughout the VolksWorld Present taking place at Sandown Park in Surrey. Shortly after Google-ing the gap, I hopped within the automotive and went in the hunt for inspiration for my very own 1957 VW ‘Oval Window’ Beetle drag automotive mission.
Amidst the fantastically restored, immaculately offered present vehicles, I discovered the Outlaw Flat 4 Drag Racing Membership show. It was simply what I wanted.
The Outlaws describe themselves as “a heads-up drag racing membership for vehicles powered by VW flat 4 engines, able to operating a 12.99 [second] or quicker” quarter mile, and that makes for some critically well-prepared drag Beetles. I used to be in luck.
My very own automotive is a California native automobile and packed a turbocharged flat 4 throughout its time within the USA. A daring setup within the dwelling of classic VW drag racing.
After touchdown in England, it was despatched straight to Intergalactic Velocity Store the place it obtained a full weld-in roll cage – the one welding carried out on the automotive in 66 years on this planet. Due to this I really feel like a little bit of a custodian of the chassis, and wish to do it justice when it hits the street once more.
I don’t fairly have the funds for a fully-built, fire-breathing turbo motor, however I’ve picked up a enjoyable little 1,776cc engine with twin carbs and efficiency cylinder heads.
The Flat 4 Outlaw stand handily displayed the specification of every automotive on present, proving that it’s attainable to become involved with out breaking the financial institution. It’s an all-inclusive race collection focussed on breaking one thing else – the 13-second quarter-mile barrier.
The small print on these vehicles all centre round performance, but it surely doesn’t make them any much less lovely.
It’s refreshing to see how devoted these guys are to going quick, particularly with the 2 turbocharged vehicles at the beginning of the lineup. If you happen to’re into the sort of VW, you’ll already be acquainted with James Wooton’s all-steel Oval.
Gulping enormous quantities of air via the port on the rear wing, James manages to squeeze 500bhp from the horizontally opposed push rod engine whose fundamental design was penned over 100 years go. And all with no drop of water in sight. It’s mind-boggling when you consider it.
Whereas James runs fashionable EFI, Darren Sheppard’s Social Outcast Beetle retains it old skool with a draw-through-carb turbo setup and a major roof chop.
The best way it sits is simply good, and it’s not till you see this automotive subsequent to one with a daily roof that you simply realise fairly how abbreviated it’s.
There’s nothing higher than poring over different individuals’s tasks to get your thoughts straight by yourself. Seeing how others remedy issues and overcome the challenges you’re going to face – or maybe are going through on the time – permits you to construct on their data, or no less than interpret it in a brand new approach.
For too lengthy I’ve been caught on how one can create a detachable rear valance for my automotive. Having it bolt on and off helps velocity up the inevitable engine adjustments, so seeing some working options was a giant assist. Possibly that is what reveals are for?
We’ve acquired some extra tales from VolksWorld Present 2023 coming quickly, so look out for these.
Ryan Stewart
Instagram: 7.nth
ryan@speedhunters.com
