Top Sportsman team looking at more potential in twin-turbo Cobalt
ABERFOYLE, ONTARIO (March 2, 2012) – We had a crappy learning curve last season, but it was an exciting year.
And Frank Goddard, driver of the DeJonge-Goddard Racing Top Sportsman Cobalt added the team has learned a great deal after racing last year in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts.
The Cobalt is powered by a 585-cubic inch big-block Chevy engine, but is unique to the Series in that is features twin turbochargers, a sophisticated setup that the team believes will show its worth this year.
Both seasoned racers, in 2011 Goddard and car owner Fred DeJonge wanted to try something different to travel down the quarter-mile, and have been working to get the car's potential from the engine to the rear wheels.
They are now confident the drivetrain of the Cobalt will enhance the high-horsepower of the engine.
The potential of the car was demonstrated last year, as the team qualified number one at the Canadian Nitro Nationals with a 6.855 at 208.75, and then a blistering 6.796, 212.56 pass during the Stratford Spectacular Hot Summer Nationals. They qualified in two other races last year, but just couldn't get into the winner's circle.
A major upgrade to the Cobalt has been the installation of a new transmission for 2012 which the team believes will be of benefit.
We've put in a Rossler three-speed transmission and got rid of the Powerglide, said DeJonge. This new setup will be able to better handle the torque and horsepower.
The transmission and drivetrain are now up to the engine's capabilities, agreed Goddard. We've also streamlined the cooling system for easier maintenance.
The Cobalt is a Jerry Bickel Race Cars product, with the engine featuring twin 88-millimeter Precision turbos. An Aeromotive fuel system is employed, and the new three-speed automatic is a Rossler unit based on a General Motors TH400.
DeJonge added they have switched from Goodyear slicks to Hoosiers in the hopes of getting down the track with more success.
DeJonge acts as crew chief for the team, with Luke DeJonge, Colin Penney, Darren Skiva, Kelsey and Sam making up the rest of the effort.
I want to thank the crew, and my wife Lisa for remaining enthusiastic through thick and thin last year, said DeJonge. We will be back and do the best we can do. Working with this setup has been pretty cool and to figure it out has been satisfying.
We will continue where we left off, added Goddard. There's more potential in that engine. We will just keep working at it.
It's going to be a fun year, he continued. That's a monster motor we're taming.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts kicks off its 2012 season with the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge May 18-20 at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park, the first of six events.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series' companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, will also be at Cayuga for this event.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca will race six times in 2012. The series also competes with its two companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca offering a solid and full package of drag racing action.
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at Bruce@Quick32.ca
Photo Credit: Mike Goodwin ~ www.MGdigital.ca
