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Car of the Week: Matthew Holmes' 1974 Chevy Vega

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! 

 

We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Matthew Holmes from Baileyton, AL.

 

What model/year do you race now? 

1974 Chevy Vega

 

What's under the hood? Any special features?

Huntsville Engine 406 SBC

Mark Walker Custom paint 

BTE Transmission Converter 

 

When/where was your first race?

Baileyton Good Time Dragstrip 2015 

 

Why do you race?

Racing has been in my family since the 1970s. Plus, the competition is so tight, it probably kept me out of trouble in high school. 

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Powerglide transmission 

388600 converter 

 

Why do you use BTE products? 

Hands down best customer service and products! BTE can’t be beat!

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

Adam Davis and Brad Plourd 

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

It would still be my 1974 Vega. 

 

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

Rebuilding nearly everything on my car with my grandfather and father. 

Posted by BTE Racing at Monday, March 14, 2022

Car of the Week: Claudio Collazo’s 1989 Chevy S-10

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! 

 

We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Claudio Collazo from Spring Hill, FL.

 

What model/year do you race now? 

1989 Chevy S-10. It’s nickname is the “Black Bullet.”

 

What's under the hood? 

SBC 421 cu inch Pump Gas

250 in nitrous

 

When/where was your first race?

1987 in Puerto Rico!

 

Why do you race?

As a child in Puerto Rico, I had a neighbor with a 1967 Chevy II sbc — that's where it all started.

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

TH400 Transmission 2000hp 

 

Why do you use BTE products? 

BTE is professional, punctual, and reasonable. It was easy for me to buy it online and I feel safe with the transmission because it is built for 2000hp even though I have 1100hp.

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

Warren Johnson

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

Actually, last October I bought the car of my dream a 1970 Camaro Z28!

Posted by BTE Racing at Monday, March 7, 2022

Car of the Week: Ray Thurston IV's 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! 

 

We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Ray Thurston IV from Northumberland, PA  who races a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S.

 

Why do you race?

It’s all I’ve known since day one. I was taken to Numidia Raceway right after I was born. 

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

My dad

 

What model/year do you race now? What's under the hood?

1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S with a 500 CI Big Block Mopar.

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

BTE Trans Case

1.98 Gear Set

Roller Tail Shaft Housing

Reid Bell Housing

 

Why do you use BTE products? 

I use BTE for quality parts and excellent customer service. Their low gear set improved my 60’ which improved my accuracy hitting the tree. 

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

NHRA Super Stock A Hemi 1968 Plymouth Barracuda

 

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

When I was the Division 3 Summit SuperSeries No Box Representative at the 2010 World Finals. It was televised by The Speed Channel!

Posted by BTE Racing at Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Car of the Week: Rodney Taylor's 1985 Camaro Z28

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Rodney Taylor from Greenville, MS who races a 1985 Z28 Camaro.

 

Why do you race?

I really just enjoy fast cars and open headers. 

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

I had friends with race cars that I would go to the track to watch. 

 

When and where was your first drag race?

Greenville, MS in the early ’90s

 

What's under the hood?

540 BBC with F2 pro charger

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Torque converter

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

You’re great to do business with. Very helpful. 

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

Kenny Bernstein 

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

That’s a tough one. This is the car I’ve wanted to build for about 30 years. It would probably be a custom build of some sort. 

 

What's your biggest challenge as a driver?

Keeping up with all the new technology.

Posted by BTE Racing at Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Car of the Week: Chris Starks' 1967 Chevy II

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Chris Starks from Greenbrier, TN who races a 1967 Chevy II.

 

Why do you race?

The racing family!

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

My dad (RIP), who also painted my car 30 years ago.

 

When and where was your first drag race?

Union Hill 

 

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

Winning Best Appearing Car at the Bracket Finals

 

Does your car have a nickname?

Mindbender

 

What's under the hood?

383 SBC by Tommy’s Machine Shop

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Converter and trans internals 

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

Consistency and dependable products

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

My son and My dad

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

I’d still be driving my Chevy II

Posted by BTE Racing at Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Car of the Week: Brian Stockinger's 1979 Camaro Z28

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting Brian Stockinger from West Bend, WI who races a 1979 Camaro Z28.

 

Why do you race?

It’s really not even the cars...It’s all about the memories made with my family race team. Stock Racing. My dad Jim and brother Mike and of course the support from our better halves Linda, Aubrey, and my wife Ann.

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

My pops Jim Stockinger.

 

When and where was your first drag race?

Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, WI

 

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

Simply watching my dad’s face as we make our memories.

 

Does your car have a nickname?

THE BLUEPRINT

 

What's under the hood?

555 BBC

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Torque Converter 

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

Best 60’ to date with your converter. You guys are predictable and consistent. 

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

There was a group in Chicago called Outlaw Super Stocks. Those drivers and cars got me hooked.

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

1941 Willys Gasser BB car. Straight axle.

Posted by BTE Racing at Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Car of the Week: JJ's GM Holden HQ One Tonner

Welcome back to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series! We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans. Today, we're highlighting JJ from Melbourne, Australia who races a GM Holden HQ One Tonner. 

 

Why do you race?

There’s no better feeling in the world than hauling arse down 1320.

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

Local guys in my area

 

When and where was your first drag race?

Calder Park Raceway 1995

 

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

3rd in the Boxing Day Challenge Heathcote Park Raceway Melbourne Victoria 

 

Does your car have a nickname?

“Brutis”

 

What's under the hood?

Atm 496 BBC 

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

BTE valve body.

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

Better and consistent shifts. BTE products are all of great quality and reliable.

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

Grumpy Bill Jenkins! 

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

Blown Alcohol funny car

 

Posted by BTE Racing at Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Car of the Week: Logan Sheffer's 1977 Chevy Monza

The BTE Racing Car of the Week series is back! We’re excited to feature more loyal customers and drag racing fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, we're highlighting Logan Sheffer from Kevil, KY, who owns and races a 1977 Chevy Monza. 

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

My family has been drag racing for years, it’s in my blood. 

 

When and where was your first drag race?

2009. Gleason Raceway Park in Gleason, TN.

 

What model/year do you race now? Any special features?

1977 Chevy Monza 

 

Does your car have a nickname?

My uncle calls it “Dingleberry.” 

 

What's under the hood?

Wilson Racing Engines 414 SBC

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Transmission parts and a torque converter 

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

They always answer questions and are very helpful. BTE parts keep my car going with consistency! 

 

Describe BTE Racing in 3 words.

Dependable, consistent, affordable 

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

I have two. Randy Bowerman was the first person to help when I got my first car. He worked every day after his day job to help get my operation started. Bear Nichols (my uncle) taught me how to drive and is there every time I race. He helps with any questions I have and always inspires me to do better! 

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

Tube chassis 1969 Camaro 

  

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

Watching my mother get Top 10 in Sportsman Points. The smile on her face and her achievement — it was a very proud moment for me!

 

Why do you race?

The sound. The smell. The friendships I’ve made. The people I race with aren’t just friends, they're family. When I arrive at the track it’s my escape from reality and my drug. 

 

What is your biggest challenge as a driver?

Getting more seat time to become a better driver.

Posted by BTE Racing at Friday, January 21, 2022

Car of the Week: Justin E. Hale's 1974 Mustang II

 

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature loyal customers and drag racing fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, we're featuring Justin E. Hale from Rainsville AL, who owns and races a 1974 Mustang II.

 

How did you get interested in drag racing?

A friend of the family took me under their wing and taught me everything I know. 

 

When and where was your first drag race?

2001. Sand Mountain Dragway in Section, AL. 

 

What model/year do you race now? Any special features?

1974 Mustang II. Tube chassis, 4-link, big tire.

 

Does your car have a nickname?

Big Booty Judy

 

What's under the hood?

460in big block Ford

 

Which BTE Racing products do you use in your vehicle?

Stock case Powerglide with all BTE internals

 

Why do you use BTE? How has BTE helped you improve your racing?

Great products and great tech support when you need it. My Powerglide is the last thing that ever needs to be worked on. 

 

Describe BTE Racing in 3 words.

Quality. Helpful. Reliable 

 

Who is a drag racer you look up to?

Greg Anderson

 

If money were no object, what would your dream car be?

All fiberglass 1955 Thunderbird big tire car

  

What is your proudest drag racing moment?

Two semi-finals and a win in the finals in two weeks at two different tracks. 

 

Why do you race?

Because I enjoy it — definitely not because I'm good at it haha

 

What is your biggest challenge as a driver?

Not beating myself mentally. The car usually works, the driver has some hiccups from time to time.

Posted by BTE Racing at Monday, December 13, 2021

The BTE Guide to Holiday Gift-Giving

We know, we know. You’ve seen plenty of these flying around. The best dolls and action figures for kids. The fanciest restaurants to book a romantic dinner for two. The best movies to watch over the holidays. All those lists are fine but, hey, what about the best drag racing apparel, parts, and gifts? That’s where we come in. 


Help them show their BTE pride with some apparel 

Every fan loves to support their favorite sports team. Why should drag racers be any different? After all, we do consider every single fan and racer with BTE parts to be part of our family. So, whether they like to rock flat bill caps or trucker hats, we’ve got you (and your gift recipient’s head) covered. And our t-shirts aren’t just cool because they have our logo emblazoned on them—they’re cozy too. 

 

For racers new and experienced - racing parts, of course

It would be kind of silly if we didn’t remind you that our BTE parts are ready to take anybody’s racing experience to the next level. Our Econo Powerglide is a great and economical option if you're helping a young racer get their feet wet. If you’re looking to spend some quality time together, and not just watch them hit the strip, we have racing, master, and top sportsman overhaul kits that will help show them the inner workers of the BTE parts that help them win. 

 

For more experienced drivers, we offer a wide range of powerglides, torque converters, and other keys to drag racing success whether it’s on the street or the strip.

 

Not from BTE but still cool 

 

For the up-and-coming racer   

Drag racing is undeniably a family sport, and there's nothing like the thrill of seeing your loved one race down the track. Before you take the kids to their first race, consider gifting them noise-reduction earmuffs so they can get used to the sounds of the strip.

 

For anyone who "would rather be racing..."

Doesn’t matter where they’ll be — at the doctor’s office, grocery store, on vacation, or picking up kids from school — keep the racers in your life focused on the sounds, smells, and feel of the strip with this carbon fiber tire ring. If they prefer t-shirts rather than jewelry, this shirt says it all. Literally.  “Sorry I Can't... We're Racing.” Birthday parties? Picnics? Zoom meetings? No need to even make excuses anymore.

Posted by BTE Racing at Wednesday, November 24, 2021