VIPER SETS MILE SPEED RECORD USING E85 FUEL

Ron Misjak Jr. of Super Viper Systems in West Chicago, Ill., set the all time speed record for a car in the standing mile at 231.6619 mph at the East Coast Timing Association event at the Maxton Airport in North Carolina Sunday, Oct. 21. The Viper's MoTeC Engine Management System was tuned by Shane Tecklenburg of ST Consulting who was on hand at the event providing tuning and support. The Viper uses twin 76mm turbochargers in a production chassis. 

What makes the feat even more impressive is that the car is eco-friendly, burning E85 fuel. It was actually running the winter blend of 70 percent ethanol and 30 percent gasoline. The record run was a full 10 miles per hour faster than the previous attempt an hour before which netted a 220.9 mile per hour speed. [10/22/2007]

ONE STEP AT A TIME

John Force and physical therapist Melissa Simon work on car transfers outside Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Oct. 20. He spoke with members of the press about his plans. It was the first time Force had been outside since his Sept. 23 accident. (photo courtesy John Force Racing) [10/22/2007]

NEW FUNNY CAR TEAM TO DEBUT

Don Schumacher’s son-in-law, James Day, will make his professional debut at the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals driving Dave and Lynda Smith’s DLS Motorsports’ Funny Car. Day, 29, is the son of Screamer BB/Funny Car shoe Richard Day. He most recently worked in PR and marketing for Schumacher’s Chicago-based racing organization before moving back to his native California. He has driven alcohol and nostalgia Top Fuel before earning his Funny Car license. [10/22/2007]