ORIGINALLY built in America during the late 90’s, this custom land speed race car with its sleek lines was designed to go fast.
The unique vehicle offers a high-profile racing history competing multiple times at the prestigious Bonneville Salt Flats in the States through its lifetime.
Penola racer David Bullock broke an Australian record in the vehicle earlier this year at the Dry Lake Racers Australia Speedweek, recording an average speed of 389kph.
Mr Bullock said the vehicle was originally built with a four-cylinder engine, achieving a top speed of 285kph.
“The second owner then fitted a V8, 350 Chevrolet which ran a top speed of 305kph ” he said.
Mr Bullock first drove the vehicle in 2018 during Lake Gairdner Speedweek with a top speed of 345kph.
“We had some major handling issues and the car was horrible to drive,” he said.
“Once the car was back in Penola we decided some major work to the suspension and chassis was needed for it to go any faster.
“I was fortunate enough to have Penola specialist mechanic Peter Taylor show an interest and he was willing to offer his time to start a major rebuild on the car.”
Between Mr Bullock and Mr Taylor, the car has now undergone a complete rebuild.
“It originally had front and rear trans leaf spring suspension with front ladder bars and a four link setup with a rear panhard rod,” Mr Bullock said.
“The front now runs coil over suspension with extended ladder bars and the rear retained the four link setup but now coupled with coilover suspension and a Watts linkage.
“We have added a lot more bar work to strengthen the chassis and roll cage which would not have been possible without Peter’s help.”
With the shell of the vehicle derived from an old aircraft fuel tank, Mr Bullock said the aim was to have a car that was comfortable to drive.
“We knew with comfort, speed would come with minor adjustments,” he said.
“It is a specially constructed lakester meaning the vehicle’s wheels are exposed and now runs a two speed Doug Nash gearbox, 632 ci Chevrolet, (10.3 litre engine) – which sits just above the driver’s head – and a ford nine inch differential in the rear.
“In first gear we usually sit at approximately 250kph and the car is naturally aspirated and runs on pump fuel to make approximately 800 horsepower.”
Mr Bullock said the car runs with steel rims and purpose-built land speed tires capable of running over 500kph.
“The cockpit is very basic with a 3mm-thick aluminium plate for the seat and backrest with no seat padding. The driver sits in a slightly laid back position,” he said.
“There is not much room to move as the vehicle is only 600mm wide.
“A 120mm perspex windscreen protects the drivers field of view with a 200mm butterfly steering wheel and a basic gear shifter as controls.
Mr Bullock said safety is always on the very top of the list when running at fast speed.
“The car features a custom-built roll cage which completely cocoons the driver,” he said.
“It is also fitted with three inch seatbelts and a five point harness with arm restraints.
“The driver’ always wears a four layer Nomex suit as well as fireproof underwear and HANS device is also mandatory.”
Mr Bullock said the vehicle was also fitted with an on-board fire system and parachute.
Mr Bullock said he has had many racing highlights during his career.
“I raced HQ Holden’s at Calder Park Thunderdome in the early 90’s before moving to America in 1995 and worked for three different NASCAR teams, building and working on cars for Darryl Waltrip, Kurt Busch, Mark Martin,” he said .
“In 2002 we finished second in the NASCAR championship with Mark Martin driving.
“In 2003 2004 and 2005 I then worked for Jason Myers while he competed in the World Of Outlaws Sprintcar Series before moving back to Australia permanently in 2006.”
Mr Bullock said he is looking forward to the future with next year’s goal to reach a speed of over 400kph.
“We could do some major aerodynamic work to it and possibly push the 440kph barrier but don’t want to lose the character of the original car,” he said.
“Peter and myself are also looking to build another car in the future which could possibly be twin engine and be fully enclosed and 500kph has been mentioned a couple of times.”
For more information visit Wombat Racing on Facebook.
