Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals: Featured flyers

National Dragster, May 23, 2003

In Bristol, Jewell stalled the engine at the starting line at 3,200 rpm, shifted at 6,900 rpm, and crossed the finish line at 7,100 rpm.

Jewell thanked Zito's Speed Shop in Roseto, Pa., for its valuable help.

DOUG MARSHALL

Marshall, Va.

Super Gas

'73 Datsun

Many racers drive certain makes or models because they love the look or feel of the car. Some get into a certain brand because their father or brothers also drive that model. Others are interested in pure performance what goes the fastest, is the most reliable, and has the potential to win the most trophies.

Doug Marshall got into his old Datsun because of girls - specifically the girls who were eyeing the Datsun he drove in college.

"I had a '73 Datsun in college [Averett University in Danville, Va.], and the girls always seemed to like it, so I figured I'd try one as a race car," said Marshall, who competes in NHRA Super Gas events with a '73 Datsun 240Z that is powered by a 406-cid Chevy engine. "When it came time to build a race car, I said, 'Why not?'"

Arundel Chassis built the car in 1993, and HLM Racing Engines put together the engine. Featured components include an Aeromotive fuel system, Brodix cylinder heads, Holley carburetor, and MSD ignition. Other suppliers include Moroso, Comp Cams, Milodon, and GP Enterprises. The transmission is by Transmission Specialties. The eye-catching paint scheme, which features swooping blues, yellows, and purples, was designed by Tanya at TP Graphics. Marshall gets help at the races from his uncle, Leonard Marshall; sister, Evelyn; and wife, Kathleen.

"It's a fun ride; it's a dream to drive all the way through [a run]," said Marshall, 39, who makes his living as an accountant in Virginia. "The only real challenge is that it's a 94-inch-wheelbase car, so when it works, it works very well; on a marginal track, though, those 94 inches can get to be a little interesting."

Marshall races mostly in Division 1 and Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events and usually attends only a couple of national events per year. All of his NHRA racing has been done with the Datsun, which often draws stares - not to mention commentary - in the pits.

"It's the only car I've ever driven down a racetrack; I didn't start out with a street car like a lot of guys," said Marshall, whose racing season usually doesn't begin until his work as a CPA begins to lessen following the April 15 tax-filing deadline. "A lot of people will mention how different it is and ask, 'Why did you pick a Datsun?' I usually tell them the college story."

BOBBY BROOKS

Savannah, Ga.

Super Gas

'48 Anglia

Bobby Brooks is one of Super Gas' true originals; he runs 9.90s with the same car that he drove more than a decade before Super Gas was created, a '48 Anglia that he first bracket raced in 1970.

"I had a four-speed '58 Chevy I used to race, but it was so heavy that it would always hurt parts, so you couldn't have any fun with it," Brooks said.

In about 1980, he removed the drive-train from the '58 and installed it in the Anglia that he has been racing ever since.