New technology delivers the traction for Bean
31 August 2018
New technology delivers the traction for Bean
Mitchell Bean's beautiful 1968 Chevrolet Camaro will be a must-see for LS-motor fanatics at this Saturday's Kenda Tires Radial Riot at Willowbank Raceway.
With a twin turbocharged six litre LS V8 riding up front and Mickey Thompson radials out behind, the street-driven Camaro is a five second handful over the eighth mile.
Modern technology has created a raft of tuning options for high performance street cars, allowing them to be tailored perfectly to conditions. Bean said it makes quick times more accessible given the trade offs a street car has to make.
“The joyful part about today's EFI systems is that they have a lot of power management features built into them,” Bean explained. “Track conditions on the day play a big part of power management, such as how much RPM and boost we want to leave on and then how fast we ramp the boost into it.
“Launching the car consists of engaging the transbrake and having my foot flat to the floor. We run a progressive boost controller that works on a time based setup. I have always been told to hold my foot flat and let the ECU do the work, I don't even shift the car anymore!”
Like any other successful drag racing effort, Bean makes sure it is a team effort with tuner Ricky Fenwick to find the fine line between traction and tyre spin.
“Ricky has a huge passion for drag racing,” Bean said. “He strives to see each and every car he looks after run personal bests. He spends countless hours looking over data, trying to find ways to improve the car's performance each and every time it goes down the race track.
“We are currently at the limits of our turbo capabilities. So at the Kenda Radial Riot this weekend we will be concentrating on our 60 feet and 330 feet times.”
Bean said the growth in radial tyre drag racing has been a boon for fans.
“I think Scott and Justin from the Kenda Series have made it appealing to the spectators and racers by organising a fun, family event that anyone can participate in, so long as you have a set of radials,” he said. “All the cars are based on a street appearance with big horse power engines and small tyres. It’s a challenge being able to get the power to the track through a small tyre.
“Hopefully Ricky will be able to read the track and put a killer tune into it for the Kenda Tires Radial Riot!”
Kenda Tires Radial Riot will feature a massive pool of cash and prizes totalling $35,000 for those who can tame their cars and bikes over the eighth mile (201 metre) distance of Willowbank's superbly prepared track. Classes will include Classic & Muscle Car Imports 660 Radial Rebels, Gazzard Bros Limited 275, Phantom Performance & Dyno Outlaw 235, Simon O’Carroll Swimming Pools 660 Radial Renegade, All Over Plant Hire 660 Radial Rumble and Pro Cycle Dyno 660 Radial Rockets (Radial Pro Street Bikes).
For more information head to www.willowbankraceway.com.au.
Photo by dragphotos.com.au