HOW TO CONTROL 12,000 HORSEPOWER in a Top Fuel Dragster! A D/F Extra

[@heathergreylive]

This dude's enthusiasm is infectious. I want him to explain everything from dragsters to dishwashers.

[@Scot-p1v]

As is his smile. If you have permanent smile lines at his age (and mine), you’re having a great life.

[@ghomerhust]

agreed! he's great at explaining things, and is just really ramped up about the whole project

[@97justinparadis]

hell yeah man. so much charisma

[@jah9791]

Many of the drivers are that friendly. Some drivers aren’t so much (i. e. Tony Schumacher, you never see him in the pits).

[@AR_420]

😂❤right!? Well said miss Heather!

[@hawkeye454]

Freiburger is a freaking goldmine of hotrod knowledge.

[@RSi-w5t]

The Oracle

[@docsmallblock6584]

Yeah he is, it's so cool.

[@billgoodwin8742]

I have been a drag racing fan for over 50 years, and this is without a doubt the best description of a TF Dragster that I have ever seen.

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

True- an excellent presentation from Clay.

[@Bubba1960.]

I enjoyed every second, but the explanations of the front and rear wings, and the clutch system blew my mind.

[@JDevine687]

If you haven't been, just going to spectate a top fuel event is a whole damn experience. Nothing else like it.

[@piuthemagicman]

It is indeed, there was a top level Drag race competition in Finland when I was a kid. I remember how the ground and stands shook and the sound blew my ears, just pure insanity 😍

[@Scot-p1v]

Go! -but bring ear protection. The sound is beyond intense-it hurt my chest rather like seeing The Who decades back. Way worth it to see the cars in person, though.

[@ghomerhust]

my folks went for the first time about a decade ago, to bandameire in colorado. they absolutely loved it!

[@tomfry131]

You really can't explain it to ppl. If ppl are interested at all in cars they should just go to a event. I have brought several ppl to them and they loved it

[@Derf1313]

The smell of nitro-methanol, & then the feeling in your chest, even at a distance!!!

[@jasonblack8639]

Has got to be the best top fuel car walk through I have seen. Congrats Clay and thank you Freiburger!

[@TraceyMillican]

I was standing on the line for the Indy win - I’ll never forget it, but listening to that in-car audio makes me cry every single time. It was a great day with THE BEST TEAM ON THE PLANET. 💥💥

[@funkyzero]

I've never been happier for a team. That was a day a long time in the making, and there is no team more deserving of the crown

[@wilcoxstrengthinc]

@@funkyzero They had the meats with copped onions in it. Impossible not to get all in your feels on that one.

[@davidsawyer7880]

Clay gets it. He understands in no uncertain terms the importance of social media for his sponsors. Not only has he allowed you an insiders look. There are other channels as well. Not as well known as yourself. Who has had very similar content. It's great. All of you show case it in a different way. Meanwhile, Parts Plus is the winner. And yeah, we are, too. Thanks David

[@acguy661]

I went to an NHRA event for the first time earlier this year. Clay is one of the only Top Fuel drivers whose name I knew before going there. Why? Because I've seen him on other people's KZbin channels.

[@davelowets]

And he's just a super nice guy in general, and would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger... 👍

[@leprechaungarage]

I’ve followed Clay for quite a few years now . He is a top shelf dude , humble , nice , respectful , fun , and always putting on a good show . Great video FB

[@chillax498]

Could listen to Clay all day. Exudes positivity.

[@westonbyng1314]

Great video, great to meet you at the Ford nationals in Vegas. I’m a Toyota trackside engineer in NHRA and I wouldn’t have ever pursued a career in motorsports without your content.

[@TheDavidFreiburger]

Oh wow, that’s cool! I remember talking with you

[@SamHillyer-u7g]

Clay and his sister Leigh Millican have excellent coverage of every race, from qualifying to the finals. Everyone should follow them. Thank you Dave, great video

[@sharkinstx]

Yes, also follow Leigh Millican Hubbard.

[@HondaRider137]

Glad you guys are on KZbin. Who needs motortrend? Can you make 4x4 content? Maybe with Fred and Dave Chapelle? How long has it been since you’ve had the jeep out?

[@TheDavidFreiburger]

Wait for Thursday...

[@chloehennessey6813]

@@TheDavidFreiburgersuch a tease!!

[@johnmoss8230]

​@@TheDavidFreiburgeryour content is always great. Thanks

[@timothycarey3883]

​@@TheDavidFreiburgeryou should do matts offroad games or do some colabs with morr or fabrats.

[@blakenorquist9843]

I have been watching and going to nhra for 35 years, and Clay just taught me a bunch of things I've always wondered about that never got answer. Clay is the true gem in the sport

[@mrmiscast]

Clay Millican is one of the most easy going, friendly guys in any professional sport.. Thanks D/F for the video...

[@nu2this_stuff]

Love watching Clay. His enthusiasm is so infectious!

[@robg6485]

Keep up the great work Freiburger! RK & RKG FOREVER!

[@Evaunit98]

As a Mopar guy it brings me joy that top fuel engines are based on the 426

[@sirswerve2493]

The 426 Hemi is the king of the V8's!

[@ghomerhust]

gives me warm fuzzies! my first car in 1994 was a 73 roadrunner in tb3 petty blue! if you want a big body, get a mopar!

[@claytonmachine12]

in the early days of nitro cars they used the Ford Cammers, but once they started having to tear down the engines every run it was just too complicated to keep using. (yes its a bit of a simplification of the reasoning)

[@paulgomez930]

​@@claytonmachine12only 2%were cammers the reat were chrysler Hemis

[@DIARRHEA-PANIC]

As a mopar guy you should have known that...

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

Amazing idea for video Freiberger. This single handedly will probably draw more people into watching NHRA. I know it’ll get me watching again, haven’t watched in probably 15 years.

[@joshgreen2164]

Clay is cool as hell.

[@bigk7788]

Holy crap... David this channel is what we needed. Every episode has been fantastic!! Thank you.

[@HeyImDiO]

Clay is one of my favorites! I could listen to him talk about anything under the sun and I probably wouldn't get bored.

[@bradleyduncan8224]

Theres a special place in this world for clay, no better guy that supports and influences the sport in such an awesome way!

[@DHunter52171]

The info on the clutch is fascinating. Thank you Clay and Congratulations!

[@chadduplantis8591]

The Greatest Ambassador NHRA has hands down he goes into so much detail on his videos and his enthusiasm is top notch he has a young crew and treats them as if they were his kids you can tell how much he cares for every last one of them

[@williampalmer8052]

This should be played on a loop at the entrance to every NHRA event. Such a great ambassador for the sport.

[@dubberkm7200]

I ABSOLUTELY love Clay Millicans excitement and passion for what he does. You can always tell his love for drag racing and cars in general. I've been lucky enough to met him at Maple Grove, such a cool guy. I was so happy for him and the team to win the Indy this year. His KZbin channel is great, just for his infectious energy and attitude.

[@imacracker515]

Best interview ever. You let him talk instead of interjecting every minute like so many other interviewers.

[@TheDavidFreiburger]

Clay does not need me to prod him

[@Berm_Blaster]

I love Clay and John Force. They have the greatest personalities and really liven up NHRA.

[@JimPenix-u1v]

Clay did an excellent job with the tour of his car...might be neat to have him on more often.

[@HandDEngineering]

Clay seems to be all class! No inflated ego, passionate, experienced and willing to explain anything in both a detailed and/or simple manner. Very much appreciate the introduction from someone who shares the same traits.

[@davidtimms3201]

Clay is such a cool cat and so passionate about what he does. His explanation of the inner workings of a Top Fuel dragster was very clear and informative. Congrats again to Clay on his win at the US Nationals.

[@HotRodChris]

I worked for a parts plus affiliate speed shop for 10+ years. Good to see them with a win and a driver that is a car guy instead of a business person!

[@giovannirico7804]

Love these bonus stories

[@chrisr778]

Always pulling for Clay. You cant help but love the guy! I was so happy for him winning Indy!

[@WarrenAafedt]

Clay Millican is one of those unique individuals who takes a genuine interest in the fans. He is a model racer for others who could imitate him. Many racers feel they are above talking with the fans and answering questions about their race car. Clay is the kind of a guy who will talk with you when he has time. Fans love him. For good reason. He is one great guy.

[@moparbob8751]

Freiburger and Millican....what a team. Could listen to both of them talk cars all day long.

[@michaelhastie7324]

Having been a Clay Millican fan for a couple of years now, I do not remember seeing him explain his Drag Car in such detail before. Great video clip, David.

[@JBAutomotive794]

Clay is not only an awesome race car driver but also an incredibly nice and humble guy. I shook his hand at a gas station one day and that smile was just as big as ever. Thanks for showcasing our boy Dave!

[@Berm_Blaster]

Clay is the only Driver that has taken the time and effort to bring us fans the technical info on the monsters. Can't thank him enough, your the shit Clay! Thank you and thank you FriedBurger for making this video.

[@mikes9939]

I love watching Clay explain the working's of all the stuff that makes these go. I am older and have been a drag racer and enthusiast sine the '70's. The technology of these cars has changed so radically during the time that it's hard to imagine so having him keep us in the loop is great. Makes us feel like we're a part of things and that keeps us enthusiastic about our sport. He is always so upbeat even when things don't go right. That's an inspiration for all of us on how to act and I respect him greatly for that. We don't hear from others like we do from Clay so we should certainly appreciate what he does for us. Thanks Clay.

[@paullees5705]

Yep, you were right. Clay's reaactreaction to his win in the national is a tear jerker. I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes as I write this. 👍

[@frdmdfndr]

Great video! Thanks to Clay for telling us about his ride AND HIS TEAM. Great content Freiburger, keep it coming!

[@SAM-zt2uy]

Massive respect to Clay and the videos he’s done with different channels sharing knowledge and enthusiasm with the fans. Thank you for explaining more on the clutch.

[@BradDemitras]

I used to work for a sportsman race team and miss the feeling of family in the pits. Clay, you are one heck of a driver and a downright prince of a person. You've always made yourself available to fans and answered some of the silliest questions I've ever heard asked. It's no wonder that you and Freiberger are friends. Just another comment for the algorithm

[@bradley-eblesisor]

I get chills each time I watch that in-car at Indy! I go almost every year. Almost, except for 2024😢 Clay and his KZbin channel are phenomenal! Go there and subscribe. You will not be sorry. His older episodes were the best, because of the crew chief conversations between runs. Now that they're becoming consistently competitive, he can no longer give those secrets away. If you're not a fan of NHRA, you'll change your mind. If you are a fan of NHRA drag racing, well, then you will have found your new home!

[@alexgillies4183]

Clay sure packed in a lot of information in that walk-around! Thanks for the video😊

[@jameshampton3969]

I've been a Clay Millican fan for years. I love his enthusiasm and passion for drag racing. His humbleness shows through every time he exits his vehicle. You can tell that he's ecstatic to be driving such a beast.

[@mwqs1]

Nobody better than Clay Millican to explain the awesomeness of top fuel dragsters. Thanks for bringing us this phenomenal video David Freiburger!!

[@Lucians_legacy]

Clay is the best kind of racecar driver. I love the excitement! And learning about these cars is cool. Thanks for the extra video!

[@TheTennesseeSage]

Love Clay! He is one of the most genuine guys i have ever met. I will always be a fan of his!

[@quintonb9870]

I love watching people explain stuff they're truly passionate about. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

[@alsshenanigans2883]

This was the best in depth video of the car I’ve seen clay do. Knew clutches were wild but wow!

[@GrandPitoVic]

His reaction is priceless!!!! You deserve it brother!!!! I've been watching him for a while now. Great guy!!! Thank you Freiburger for this content!!! SO worth it!!!!

[@06stiguy63]

Such a joy to watch people like you and clay talk about cars and dragsters and everything else. The person talking can simply make everything interesting by the way they explain things and how it is brought to us, a night and day difference from all those well known "shouty, look at me, omg,!" type of YT'ers. Thanks for making all these video's.

[@wizardshome9686]

That is the most excited I have ever seen him - and for a very good reason - the most prestigious event in the NHRA - more so than the World Finals - everyone regardless of the class wants to win the US NATIONALS --- credit to Clay for doing videos on top fuel for over 10 years - I hope you don't get mad at me for talking about another person's KZbin channel - but - this team took their car to Cletus's dyno to test it - that's how dedicated this team is ---

[@txsailor57]

I've been following Clay for years. No one shares Top Fuel info like Clay and he loves his fans!

[@King-Kazma]

It is amazing how simple and raw the actual engine is. Hemi, a massive distributor, and a hose to pour fuel in. This makes total sense given how on edge the whole thing is. The vast majority of tech is in the safety systems. What there is has rule limitations, e.g. Fuel mapping cut off to stop it becoming an airplane race. I looked at the money spent and assumed it was just a case of ‘he who spends wins’, but the rules seem well crafted to keep driver and pit crew skill central to the whole competition.

[@paultidsy4019]

Not only can the man drive, he has a gift for explaining the technical side so well. Can see why he loves his job.

[@cup-a-joe8042]

This video is like gold! Top Fuel has come such a long way over the decades. I was there at Fremont the day Don Garlits debuted a Dan-Cap Engineering 8-71 supercharger. Up until then everyone used the original 6-71. The long wheelie bars? They had modest ones back in the 70s-80s. They couldn't have them until the late 70s because, up until then, the top fuel cars were push start. Long wheelie bars would get in the way of the tow vehicle. Before the puke tank, there were nothing but breather caps on the valve covers. There were some bad fires, especially in funny car, caused by oil fumes. They finally fitted blow-by tubes from the breather caps to a small tank under the rear wing. I remember watching the late Herb Parks, Garlits' crew chief, clean that tank out during Saturday qualifying in 1979 at Fremont. It's just amazing how advanced these cars are today. But I will say this: Clay Millican has the gift of teaching. He is so good at breaking everything down into digestible chunks of information.

[@mrdougc905]

That was the clearest description of how a top fuel clutch works that I have ever heard - along with the rest of Clay’s description of the workings of the dragster. I didn’t know that they flexed up in the middle. Wow. Thank you Clay and David!

[@tankthebiker]

Clay is such a genuine person. I love the enthusiasm for the sport.

[@TyTanium1294]

Clay Millican is just as courteous and genuine in person as he is in this video. He’s a stand up guy, very entertaining, and can be pretty darn funny too when he want to be 😂. The NHRA is lucky to have him.

[@jeffhartwick6612]

I'm so glad that you're still on and you're making great shows man keep it up really love the stuff you're doing dude

[@TheDavidFreiburger]

Thank you!

[@garrypayne9892]

That has got to be the most down to earth & understandable walkthrough ever! Enjoyed every second. (Clay, congrats on your win)

[@junkyardjunkie7192]

I was working just outside of Memphis and I ran into clay so I introduced myself and we talked for a bit he is an awesome Guy very humble and down to earth he works his butt off and deserves all he gets

[@mikeletry4468]

I have watched drag racing since the 60's and never learned so much in a short time. Excellent video David!!

[@gingerelvis]

Theres so many things that are awesome about this. Knowing very little about top fuel there is so much info into the cars and why things are done the way they are presented in a really clear and logical way even if you only have half an idea about drag racing. What is really inspiring is the passion, knowledge and understanding of the mechanical side of things from Clay, in any other form of top level racing these days the driver knows how to drive, suspension and tyres that's about it, he knows so much more. F1, WRC whatever they couldn't diagnose issue like him, the only exception I can think of is motorcycle road racing / TT.

[@thefbombgarage]

Great video! Have been watching drag racing for years but learned more in 20 min than I have in years of watching. Thank you.

[@chrislowery185]

Clay is awesome. Been my favorite for a long time.

[@daguys30]

The most informative video about drag racing (top fuel or other) that I’ve ever seen. How this information has never been on a motor-trend show before is borderline criminal!

[@looneylonzo28]

i’ve met a few different drivers over the years like Shirley Muldowney, Kenny, Bernstein, and big daddy, Don Garlitz I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Clay Milliken, but one thing I know for sure he’s got to be the happiest most enthusiastic person I’ve ever gotten to watch. you know some people shake your hand talk nice, but you can really tell you’re in Their Way,. Clay just doesn’t seem like that type of dude. Even the pranks he pulls on his teammates on his KZbin channel. thank you David thank you Clay you guys are truly first class.

[@MichaelDozier-j1b]

Kenny was awesome...a great competitor AND businessman. But he would talk to anyone in the pits with a smile and kind word. Shirley and Big and Prudhomme were too intense....winning was everything to them.

[@bayricker]

Millican provides the clearest explanation of just about anything I've ever seen

[@matthewjacobs2287]

Clay did the best explanation of a top fuel car that I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen many. Thanks Freiburger! Thanks Clay! 🏁🏁

[@scottburrow8717]

Clay is a legend! So is the creator of this video! David thanks for sharing this. Clay explains a lot on his KZbin channel about his car, but this was killer. Really appreciate it.

[@toralfcross3819]

That is fascinating technology in the car. It would be interesting to talk to and hear the stories of all the brilliant people who figured out how to engineer the different systems throughout a top fuel car.

[@markchapman2585]

I started watching Clay through PFI Speed. Brent, who is teaching him how to do KZbin videos. He likes how little Honda 4 cylinder engines can make so much power and how fast you can make them. Awsome having him your channel too. Come on, people subscribe to both channels. Cheers 🍻

[@budd1814]

Nice video David. Clay, JimO, Nicky and Jessie and the fellas making Rick proud. US Nationals Champs. Yes Clay, "Thank You Jesus"

[@catherinebhicks]

Clay is the absolute best ❤

[@SamWilliams78]

How can you not just love Clay Millican. I was beyond stoked to see him win at Indy this year.

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

Quite the character! He brings a lot of magic just in talking about the car-I learned things I never thought of. And the run! The one perfect Top Fuel run he can keep in his pocket, like, Forever!

[@glamiskid50]

Thank you that was a great interview with one of the OG’s. I was jumping up and down when he won the US nationals two thumbs up.

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Love the class room David. In my opinion more class room content like this would be great. Like button energized.

[@davespotton7627]

Clay is awesome, one of the few to really talk about the race car in detail

[@gregkelly319]

My father was never necessarily a "car guy", so I'll always be appreciative of the knowledge you, Dulcich, Brulé, and Finnegan have shared with me, and many others. I know that I speak for alot of people by saying that. Thanks Freiburger. Good luck with all of your future endeavors. I'm subscribed to your KZbin channel, and will be a constant viewer. Thanks again. Also mentioned this my appreciation on Finnegan's channel.

[@philshock3805]

Wow, that was very cool! You can tell Clay absolutely loves his job even before the emotional reaction to the win. He's probably explained this stuff a million times, but is still highly enthusiastic about it. Thanks for sharing that, DF!

[@PFIBrent]

Such a great episode!! Clay is the people’s champ ! Thank you for sharing !

[@Friscorockhead]

Clay is awesome! I've been a fan for decades. Great human being!

[@RedmistAU]

Clay Millican is a absolute legend of our time!

[@McQdaClutz]

Dave.....This was fantastic!!! This is the kind of content that is hard to find. The way Clay simplified the workings of the car and put it all together was awesome. I never put it together that because of the front and rear wings and the shape of the vehicle that the driver has to stay ahead of the forces on the frame. Exactly like flying a plane! AWESOME stuff. Thanks

[@maxmopardyar6039]

Thanks!

[@TheDavidFreiburger]

I appreciate you, thanks!

[@BrickNewton]

I love Clay and his family. He has made me a massive top fuel fan and learned so much. Also his Sister Leigh does great pit live streams and NHRA recaps

[@David9523]

Man, this was great...I've been a TF drag fan for many years, and really learned a lot from this, especially the clutch explanation. Best description yet I've heard on how it works.

[@flitetym]

I only get 3 or 4 opportunities to go to an NHRA event every year (Reading and Petersburg), and over and above all else that’s going on - meeting and greeting Clay Millican is a “must.” Clay is one of the finest people you will ever have the opportunity to meet. Above all else and in a crowd of Champions, he is Drag Racing’s “High Priest.” … and thanks Clay for mentioning Joe Amato … 😎

[@joelbosso1331]

Clay seems like a great dude! Thanks to Freiburger for putting this together!

[@craigleigh5233]

So many questions I wouldn’t have known to ask answered… what a legend!

[@tonykemper8896]

That’s so awesome!!! Clay is such a cool dude and that’s coming from someone who’s never even met him in person.

[@kamin28]

This is absolutely spectacular content about how a top fuel car works. Thank you. This kind of content is so hard to find.

[@pdlegend6829]

Fascinating! Answered so many questions I always thought of when watching these cars go. Clay is everyone's friend on the track! SO may people love and follow home because he shares so much info and loves to teach about his car! Thanks Freiburger for sharing!!

[@piuthemagicman]

Freiburger & Millican. Two unbelievably cool dudes. Thank you Dave and cheers from far away Finland! 🤘🏼

[@RichardDumas-qv6dm]

This season I love all y'all out there that watch him and his crew thank you and God bless you all