This was my first Y Block Shootout and I was fortunate enough with my schedule to be there for all 3 days at West Salem, Ohio. You guys are the best! While I was chewing on Ted's ear trying to "steal" some Y block power tips he broke out his camera and took a few photos. My buddy happened to be there and snapped this shot as well... Charlie McCraney is on the far left, but beyond Ted, myself (I'm in the red coveralls), and Royce Brechler (with the baseball cap) I need some help remembering all these faces. 

I learned quite a bit about bracket racing, and drag racing in general, in a very short amount of time - a testament to these guys standing here (and others not pictured who were just across the access road). If I started naming names I would leave so many helpful people out! I cannot say thanks enough to all of you guys who were there, and even the ones who did not make it (our own Dennis Leeking had trouble and had to be hauled home we found out later). I am already looking forward to next year.

If ever you forum members can attend one of these events I highly recommend you do so. The veterans take in new guys like you and me who have no idea what we're doing and they take their time explaining the shootout and answering our questions. At this particular track the tech part of preparation to race was a breeze, and the track staff did a good job of managing the racing surface. As Bob Martin says, "Salute!" 

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

A little rain this morning but the afternoon was great.  The weather has been better than predicted earlier in the week.



Lawrenceville, GA

hi guys! is it raining at 42?

 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.

For anyone participating or spectating in the Y Block Shootout you can consult the facility map below to find the Y Block powered pit area. Bob Martin did send out  some great information in the Y Block Magazine but this information below was not available when the issue was published. (Coordinating with all parties has been very difficult for me but very productive!) I even made a personal visit to Dragway 42 one week ago to get a tour of the track. Ron and Mary Anne Matcham, owners since late 2013, were very helpful. I know that Bob had planned to call Mary Anne this week because we were told that a section would be set aside for us and Bob wanted to run those details by Mary Anne. While Bob is always our go-to guy with this annual event, I have tried to make myself available where I can. I know nothing about drag racing but I enjoy Y blocks and fast Fords.

Hopefully I can learn some things next weekend to prepare for 2022. 



Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Hey Chuck!

Yes, I am planning on being at this year’s Shootout. I’ll be there Friday afternoon and Saturday for sure. I haven’t yet decided if I’ll stay until Sunday. I’ve made my reservation at the Best Western. It will be great to see you!

Soffian Adam
Jamestown, NY
59 F100, 55 Club sedan

Hey Sofian You're coming to the Y-block shootout? Great, its been a while. Sorry we missed you when you were over this way. I'll see you there! Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I'm wondering if anyone is interested in going to the Thursday Thunder at dragway 42 on June 17th that has 2 time trials then eliminations but no money just a trophy. Here is a link. https://www.dragway42.com/event/thursday-thunder/2021-06-17/

  Vic Correnti

Thanks Charlie,

I do have lap belts installed and double springs. I will have to get a catch can. The truck is lowered but still has a straight front axle and drum brakes all around. The motor is a slightly built 292 (about 296) but not stock—Isky E4 cam, Edelbrock 553, and a T5. I have no idea how fast it is, which is partly why I’d like to run it.

Would I need a helmet?

Soffian Adam
Jamestown, NY
59 F100, 55 Club sedan

If stock, you need only seatbelts as far as safety.  You'l also need a coolant catch can and, I think double throttle return springs.
Is it stock and if not, do you have any idea how quick it is?


Lawrenceville, GA

I would really like to come to the Shootout and run my 59 F100. Obviously, it’s just a street driven vehicle. I’m planning on driving it out since I’m about 175 miles away.

My question to all of the veteran racers is what safety equipment do I need and is there anything my truck would need to have in order for me to make a pass down the track? I don’t want to get there and find out I can’t do it for some reason.

Thanks. Soffian

Soffian Adam
Jamestown, NY
59 F100, 55 Club sedan