Allen Johnson (top) still uses the Avenger body while Larry Morgan has the new Neon.

Just how good is the body? Jones told DRO this body is so aerodynamic that they are able to get the cars to go down track with the wing at zero degrees and a quarter- inch, 90-degree wickerbill.

Chrysler engineer Terry DeKoninck, who worked on the car from the very beginning said about the body. "We've been able to get a great deal of rear down force, without compromising on the spoiler."

DeKoninck went on to comment on the Avenger body that the Neon replaced. "The drivers (of the Neons) are going to notice a difference in how the car handles. The larger frontal area on the Avenger and the shorter wheelbase makes it move around in the lane (when making a lap).

According to team owner and engine builder David Nickens, the improved aerodynamics of the body gives the team another really important bonus. "In theory, the Neons will give us 30-40 more horsepower," Nickens said.

That means in theory that it will take that much less horsepower to make the Neon run the same speed as an Avenger. That horsepower is commonly referred to as "aero horsepower."

Rick Jones figures that if the Neon actually takes 10 less aero horsepower at the end of the quarter-mile, the car could actually pick up a couple of hundredths in elapsed time. That would be the difference between a win and a loss.

Based upon the performances that the Neons turned in at the just completed Seattle race, look for the Neons to be a force in Pro Stock for the immediate future. And also look for a lot more well financed Pro Stock teams to start spending time in the wind tunnels in Atlanta and Detroit.

NEON QUICK SPECS
Body Style: Carbon Fiber / '98 Neon Dodge R/T
Car Builder: RJ Race Cars, Galesburg, IL.
Weight: 2,350 lbs race ready
Wheelbase:105 inch wheelbase
Engine: 1290 hp est., race-gas burning, 500 cubic inch, new style Hemi
    : Two Holley Dominators
    : MSD Digital-7 Ignition system and components
    : Autolite Sparkplugs
Drive train: Five Speed Liberty manual transmission
    : Dual disc ACE
Suspension: Lamb Front Shocks
    : Koni Electric rear shocks
    : Strange Brakes and Axles
    : RJ Race Cars Four-Link rear suspension
Wheels and Tires: Weld Wheels and Goodyear Tires

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