The Sumek family’s blown altered fits into NHRA’s AA/A-Methanol Competition Eliminator class, which runs on an index of 7.19. One thing that is unique about the Sumek altered is that instead of a standard clutch and conventional Lenco planetary transmission their setup features one of the company’s “Lenco-glides” which is a three-speed Lenco with a torque converter. So far the best performance the team has been able to get out of their blown semi-automatic altered is a 6.60/205, which isn’t bad for a 2,300-lb altered and is only six-tenths under the class index.
Of course the Brad Anderson Hemi doesn’t hold the car back. The 421 cubic inch engine uses a Brad block and heads that come complete with valve train from Brad. A 14-71 Mert Littlefield charger sits on a Brad Anderson intake. A Sid Waterman pump supplies the alky and an MSD 44 amp mag fires the plugs.
Like many Comp Eliminator racers, the Sumeks are finding it increasingly hard to be competitive. In today’s Comp Eliminator world six-tenths under isn’t what it used to be. Now, to realistically have a chance to win, your car must be able to run a second or better under the index.
“It’s really getting hard out there," Sumek said, adding, "this might be our last season.”
That would be a real shame as because there can never be too many blown altereds in drag racing, especially ones as nice as the Sumek family’s.
The Bantam bodied altered boils the Goodyears earlier this year at the fabled Pomona fairgrounds.
