Whereas casually scrolling Instagram this previous weekend, I got here throughout the VolksWorld Present occurring at Sandown Park in Surrey. Shortly after Google-ing the space, I hopped within the automotive and went seeking inspiration for my very own 1957 VW ‘Oval Window’ Beetle drag automotive mission.
Amidst the fantastically restored, immaculately offered present automobiles, I discovered the Outlaw Flat 4 Drag Racing Membership show. It was simply what I wanted.
The Outlaws describe themselves as “a heads-up drag racing membership for automobiles powered by VW flat 4 engines, able to operating a 12.99 [second] or sooner” quarter mile, and that makes for some significantly well-prepared drag Beetles. I used to be in luck.
My very own automotive is a California native automobile and packed a turbocharged flat 4 throughout its time within the USA. A daring setup within the residence of classic VW drag racing.
After touchdown in England, it was despatched straight to Intergalactic Pace Store the place it obtained a full weld-in roll cage – the one welding carried out on the automotive in 66 years on this planet. Due to this I really feel like a little bit of a custodian of the chassis, and wish to do it justice when it hits the highway once more.
I don’t fairly have the price range for a fully-built, fire-breathing turbo motor, however I’ve picked up a enjoyable little 1,776cc engine with twin carbs and efficiency cylinder heads.
The Flat 4 Outlaw stand handily displayed the specification of every automotive on present, proving that it’s doable to get entangled with out breaking the financial institution. It’s an all-inclusive race collection focussed on breaking one thing else – the 13-second quarter-mile barrier.
The main points on these automobiles all centre round performance, but it surely doesn’t make them any much less lovely.
It’s refreshing to see how devoted these guys are to going quick, particularly with the 2 turbocharged automobiles firstly of the lineup. When you’re into such a VW, you’ll already be conversant in James Wooton’s all-steel Oval.
Gulping large quantities of air by way of the port on the rear wing, James manages to squeeze 500bhp from the horizontally opposed push rod engine whose primary design was penned over 100 years go. And all with out a drop of water in sight. It’s mind-boggling when you concentrate on it.
Whereas James runs trendy EFI, Darren Sheppard’s Social Outcast Beetle retains it old fashioned with a draw-through-carb turbo setup and a big roof chop.
The way in which it sits is simply excellent, and it’s not till you see this automotive subsequent to one with an everyday roof that you simply realise fairly how abbreviated it’s.
There’s nothing higher than poring over different folks’s tasks to get your thoughts straight by yourself. Seeing how others clear up issues and overcome the challenges you’re going to face – or maybe are going through on the time – lets you construct on their information, or at the very least interpret it in a brand new manner.
For too lengthy I’ve been caught on the right way to create a detachable rear valance for my automotive. Having it bolt on and off helps pace up the inevitable engine modifications, so seeing some working options was a giant assist. Possibly that is what exhibits are for?
We’ve bought some extra tales from VolksWorld Present 2023 coming quickly, so look out for these.
Ryan Stewart
Instagram: 7.nth
ryan@speedhunters.com