One last thing I want you to think about. Take a close look at your fire jacket and all your safety equipment. If it is worn, frayed or the date on the belts is expired get on the phone and get the new equipment ordered today. The best safety equipment is an investment in yourself so you will be around for your family, friends, work, and for more racing.

WHEELS AND TIRES:
Talk about a tough selection to make. I just about wore out the different manufacturers on what I needed, what they offered and when could I get them. I was really impressed by one manufacturer at the PRI Show in particular. Rich Bogart of Bogart Racing Wheels took the time to explain why he felt his wheels were the best. They are super lightweight and the polished finish is flawless. Bogart also makes every possible offset and they were the only ones I found that made a 16-inch wide wheel in 15-inch diameter.

The front wheels are 17x 2.25 and are spindle mount. We decided to go with his newest creation, the "Force Five" model. All he needed was the backspacing for the rear wheels that Dragstar Chassis requires for the 4-link chassis. We ordered them and Bogart Racing Wheels made us a set and they arrived via UPS in ten days. Bogart can custom make wheels for just every possible combination you can imagine.

The BIG and the LITTLE of what today's rear engine dragster requires. Bogart Racing Wheels carved out the 16-inch wide x 15-inch diameter 4.75-inch backspacing rear wheels. Then turned the lathe and polisher loose on a set of 17 x 2.5 front wheels. This is their model "FORCE FIVE."

When it comes to ordering wheels the key question is, "What backspacing do you need?" To properly measure backspacing you need to take a straight piece of wood or aluminum that will reach across the diameter of the wheel. Lay this flat piece across the back of the rim and measure down to the hub of the wheel where it sits against the brake drum or rotor. Record this measurement and when you get ready to order the wheels be sure to ask the manufacturer if they measure from the outer edge (as I described) or if they measure from the inside where the bead of the tire seats. If it is the inside, just subtract the thickness of the wheel from your backspacing measurement. Just take your time and sketch out what you need before you call.

BODY PANELS FOR PROJECT 4-LINK:
The welding is finished and all the mounting brackets have been installed. All the suspension pieces, motor plates, dash panel and steering components are out being plated. Now it is time to form the body panels. The body is the most visible part of any racecar and with almost sixteen feet of flat body panels the final fit and appearance of a dragster body is critical.

Jim at Dragstar Chassis uses .040" thick PVC-coated aluminum for the body. He also puts a "hemmed" aero lip on the bottom of the side panels to enhance straightness and strength.

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