National Hot Rod #95 Gavin Murray @ NIR

[@peteb167]

Excellent vid! More please...

[@speedydenboy1]

Thanks for taking the time to reply-last questions what roughly would be the gear set at wimbledon say to arena essex?Thanks in advance

[@speedydenboy1]

this maybe a rookie question but why is there no changing gear?

[@tomellingham8627]

Hello! Seeing as nobody could answer your question in six years I thought I'd have a go - although I'm not a national hotrod driver so if anyone knows better please jump in. As far as I understand - from what various drivers and mechanics have told me - different gears are put on the car to suit each track. Most things on these little racecars can be done quite quickly. The cars have very few gears - there's a very low gear for driving around the pits and getting into position, and a maximum of two others for going full pelt, depending on the track - this circuit at Northampton needing only the one gear for racing. The cars aren't automatic, but - as you can see for yourself - they have a huge amount of torque, and a big power range. Acceleration is the key - as you're constantly shooting up to 70mph plus in as little time as possible and back down again. ... There's a certain type of Vauxhall "red top" engine that does this job well, though I forget which one. And if you didn't already know - the guys with the quickest record start at the back of the pack and have to fight their way through the crowd. Unlike other formula in the UK-Irish-Dutch oval racing world, hot-rodders aren't allowed to attack other cars or spin the guys out from in front of them. I'm told these little things don't generally have much grip and drivers tend to slide them in the corners of most circuits I've seen them race at. UK 'classic hotrods' (often with Escort mk2 based cars) are a bit grippier. That's what I've been told, but feel free to correct if it's bollocks!

[@flilzy1596]

The cars are grippy

[@flilzy1596]

If they learnt to slide the tyres would die

[@troyholtby3527]

The may have a long first gear and not many Revs , dad use too race a national hot rod .