#and then you have mike who's already experienced and goes where the sand takes him and he is one with the desert

[gyunikum]

Fledgling Sailor of the Channel        |       Pirate of the Great Sand Sea

Tom Glynn-Carney in Dunkirk (2017) & SAS Rogue Heroes (2022)

[cynthiajayusa]

Community Celebrates Pompano Bill

Pompano Bill

1926 – 2018

Like so many other, I was deeply affected when I heard that Pompano Bill had passed away.  At first, I went into a deep silence and just wanted to be alone to collect my thoughts. A sense of calm overcame me as I thought that Bill had just ended a spectacular journey we call life on earth.  Bill and I often talked about our community, politics and of course, gossip. One thing is certain, I came to trust him like a father. In our last conversation he shared with me the fact that he decided not to undergo Chemotherapy while in the hospital.  I refused to consider that he was telling me his time had come. Denial, as you know, is one of the first phases of dealing with grief. Ironically, as I checked my last email to him regarding Hotspots business, the subject line was “time to relax.” God knows, I did not want him to take it literally by going to his eternal resting place.  

William Calcaterra, aka Pompano Bill, was born on January 12th, 1926 in Norway, Michigan.  He had a normal childhood, however, as he matured, he realized that he was different.  Back then the word gay wasn’t used, instead the word was “queer.”  Growing up in such a small town of 3,728 people, he kept his difference suppressed.

He graduated high school in June of 1944 and was immediately inducted into the Navy, attended Radio Operator School in Madison, Wisconsin and was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Theatre.  World War II ended and he returned to the U.S. 

While still on active duty and stationed in San Francisco he stumbled into a bar on Market Street, not realizing it was a bar frequented by homosexuals, and was invited out for cocktails at the Saint Francis Hotel and treated to a weekend of fun and luxury. He saw that gentleman again during the week. Although he said the experience was amazing, shortly afterwards he got his discharge papers and returned home, where he again went into suppressing his desires.   A year later, with the GI Bill, he went to Ferris State College and then moved to Detroit and completed his education at the Detroit Institute of Technology.  It was in Detroit that he really discovered gay life. 

While in Detroit he had his first relationship, which ended due to his partner being drafted for the Korean War.  After graduating from college, he joined IBM (which Bill says stands for I’ve been moved) in 1951, where he stayed until retirement 36 years later in 1987. During his employment at IBM he made his way up to middle management and was transferred to many places throughout the country.

Eventually, Bill had the good sense to move to the Florida.  After a few years he became bored and bought a camera.  In 1992 he started his second career as a photographer and was published as Pompano Bill in Scoop Magazine. Since then he has worked for Outlook, Buzz, 411, Express, The Blade and, for the last dozen years or so he was very happy shooting exclusively for Hotspots Magazine. Over the years he has accumulated tens of thousands of pictures, which have become his life, he says they are like his friends. He had all his old photos organized in shoe boxes and digital images were stored on 2 computers.  He often wondered what the stories were behind some of the people he captured on film when he looked back at them.  As many of you know, Pompano Bill had a huge heart and donated much of his time to charities including Poverello, Tuesdays Angels, Broward House, The Pride Center and so many others. 

Scott Holland once asked Pompano Bill:  What are the benefits of living longer?

Bill replied: “You can teach an old dog new tricks, outliving a few assholes, the ability to meet and enjoy younger people…especially those that like to hear about gay history that I experienced.” 

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Many have asked if funeral or memorial services will be taking place.  One of Bill’s closest friends, Toni Barone, reminded me that he did not want anything special or grandiose after his passing.   It is our understanding that a few family members will be arriving to discuss plans and we will announce the outcome of their decision the moment it happens.  One thing is certain, if a celebration of life takes place, it will be one to remember!

Now, I find myself trying to fill yet, another hole in my heart…

A special thanks goes to Scott Holland for contributing the biographical content of this article

From a Grateful Community

Last week, our community lost an icon and friend.  Bill touch many lives over the decades as he served our community, not only as a photographer but as a mentor and friend to many.  With so many condolences still pouring in, we thought the best way to communicate our feelings just was to capture a few comments that capture the essence of a man who was loved and admired by so many:  

Brad Casey: Dear Friend

It has been a day of reflection on my 27 year of friendship and association with Bill Calcaterra, Pompano Bill. It’s been a difficult day but I am at peace with his passing. Both Pompano and I knew his day of crossing the Rainbow were near. He was tired of fighting Cancer and loosing his eyesight. He now can see clearly and can rest. Thank You Pompano Bill for an amazing 27 years.

Richard Gray:  Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB

He was an amazing man with an incredible zest for life.

Michael Goodman:  Public Relations

He was so much a part of our community. I have very fond memories of him. He left his mark.

Billy Sand: Friend

R I P. Will always love him

Stephen R. Lang: Co-worker and dear friend

I don’t know what exactly to say and I have loved this man since the second time I met him. [The first time he did his groping thing.] We have had a wild ride standing next to   and he ALWAYS looked out for me and making sure I was getting my shots and doing my job. I remember one of his BIGGEST warning about nightclubs was the smoke and how he got some sort of Cancer from it. He was a Trooper and loved my many–including myself. Una famiglia italiana e un dono di Dio.

Michael Albetta: Broward Sherriff Community Liaison

Memories captured from my dear good friend who now rests in Heaven, William “Bill” Calcaterra aka POMPANO BILL.. Our beloved LGBT community will miss him more than we think. Let’s honor one last request from Pompano Bill: GET OUT TO VOTE AND VOTE DEMOCRATIC!

Jose Javier: Friend

I think every gay man in South Florida has a picture taken by him. I never got a chance to have a long conversation with him, but the short chat after he had taken a picture where always nice. Will be missed. Rest in peace Pompano Bill Calcaterra.

Mike Trottier:  Co-worker and dear friend

Pompano Bill…You can rest now my friend. Miss you already Peanut Butter!

Row lliescu:  Equality Florida

Don’t be sad! Of course, we will miss you, Pompano Bill—but what a life you lived–an example to all of us to seize the day and make the most of every situation–or so it seemed. Indeed, the place won’t be the same without you, but it’s immeasurably better because of you. I look forward to celebrating your life with the throngs who adored you.

Steven Walker: Friend

I was in two of his photos in Hotspots Magazine. One all dressed up at The Opera Broward Center, the other less put together in the pool at Inn Leather-tee hee!

Ken Evans:  Our Fund

Sad to learn of the passing of Pompano Bill. A wonderful friend to so many of us in the LGBTQ community. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bill without a smile or his camera ready to take that perfect shot. He will be greatly missed by our community. Thank you for all the memories Pompano…Rest In Peace good friend.

Howard Andrew: Talent Scout

I found myself driving to Pompanos Bills house today, and sitting in the car outside of his home. Shaking my head for not stopping by earlier, and for always saying I’ll stop by tomorrow I’ll stop by tomorrow I’ll stop by tomorrow. We’ll, tomorrow has come and Bill has gone. Don’t wait to see friends and loved ones…. Don’t miss the chance to tell someone you love them. Life is short….. Rip Bill

Robin Bodiford:  Attorney

I loved Pompano Bill. He had such a wonderful vibe and over the years such a big part of our community and also chronicled our community.

Kevin Clevenger, Poverello

Rest in peace Pompano Bill

Kenneth Flood: The Pub

So sad to hear of the passing of Pompano Bill Calcaterra. I have known this man pretty much since day one when I first moved to Fort Lauderdale. He was such a kind wonderful man. He always greeted me with a Hug & a Kiss(or three,LOL). I am saddened by the loss of this man, a treasure, R.I.P. my friend.

Daniel Curtis:  Friend

I’m celebrating the life of my friend Mr Pompano Bill Calcaterra.

The Snapchat & Instagram of his time from the Golden Cost to the Golf Cost South Florida has been best pictured by you!

I’ll lend you my ear anytime! Thank you for for your gifts the smiles & magic in our memories! You’re having a great time in the afterlife this I’m sure! Salute and cheers my friend…

Jim Libonati:  Friend and former Hotspots Executive

I miss him very much; like others we had a great history as friends, and he was once my neighbor back in the late 80’s… RIP My dear Friend!

Gary Resnick: Mayor, Wilton Manors

“Our community has lost an Icon and a loving man who gave so much to so many”

Toni Barone: Close Friend, Community Leader

“How do you say goodbye to such an Icon?  Our community will come together and heal but right now, we are still coming to terms with our loss.  

Steve and Zak:  Owners of Ramrod

We grieve the sudden loss of a long-time community member and dear friend

Michael Murphy:  Photographer

I’m not sure how to express my love for Pompano, my own shortened nickname, in a paragraph. Over 25 years of sharing great images with one another, playfully bumping each other while shooting, comparing butts and bulges and yes telling secrets. I’m grateful that he had the best life, surrounded by so many people that loved him and that he loved even more. Many of us forget that when he was young and gay, he couldn’t be out.

So, his last 25 years, the 25 I got to enjoy alongside of him, truly were his Golden Years and he lived every minute to the fullest!  I love you Pompano!

Watch for next week’s edition of Hotspots for a special photographic retrospective of Pompano Bill’s life and legacy.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/10/25/community-celebrates-pompano-bill/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2018/10/community-celebrates-pompano-bill.html

[hotspotsmagazine]

Community Celebrates Pompano Bill

Pompano Bill

1926 – 2018

Like so many other, I was deeply affected when I heard that Pompano Bill had passed away.  At first, I went into a deep silence and just wanted to be alone to collect my thoughts. A sense of calm overcame me as I thought that Bill had just ended a spectacular journey we call life on earth.  Bill and I often talked about our community, politics and of course, gossip. One thing is certain, I came to trust him like a father. In our last conversation he shared with me the fact that he decided not to undergo Chemotherapy while in the hospital.  I refused to consider that he was telling me his time had come. Denial, as you know, is one of the first phases of dealing with grief. Ironically, as I checked my last email to him regarding Hotspots business, the subject line was “time to relax.” God knows, I did not want him to take it literally by going to his eternal resting place.  

William Calcaterra, aka Pompano Bill, was born on January 12th, 1926 in Norway, Michigan.  He had a normal childhood, however, as he matured, he realized that he was different.  Back then the word gay wasn’t used, instead the word was “queer.”  Growing up in such a small town of 3,728 people, he kept his difference suppressed.

He graduated high school in June of 1944 and was immediately inducted into the Navy, attended Radio Operator School in Madison, Wisconsin and was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Theatre.  World War II ended and he returned to the U.S. 

While still on active duty and stationed in San Francisco he stumbled into a bar on Market Street, not realizing it was a bar frequented by homosexuals, and was invited out for cocktails at the Saint Francis Hotel and treated to a weekend of fun and luxury. He saw that gentleman again during the week. Although he said the experience was amazing, shortly afterwards he got his discharge papers and returned home, where he again went into suppressing his desires.   A year later, with the GI Bill, he went to Ferris State College and then moved to Detroit and completed his education at the Detroit Institute of Technology.  It was in Detroit that he really discovered gay life. 

While in Detroit he had his first relationship, which ended due to his partner being drafted for the Korean War.  After graduating from college, he joined IBM (which Bill says stands for I’ve been moved) in 1951, where he stayed until retirement 36 years later in 1987. During his employment at IBM he made his way up to middle management and was transferred to many places throughout the country.

Eventually, Bill had the good sense to move to the Florida.  After a few years he became bored and bought a camera.  In 1992 he started his second career as a photographer and was published as Pompano Bill in Scoop Magazine. Since then he has worked for Outlook, Buzz, 411, Express, The Blade and, for the last dozen years or so he was very happy shooting exclusively for Hotspots Magazine. Over the years he has accumulated tens of thousands of pictures, which have become his life, he says they are like his friends. He had all his old photos organized in shoe boxes and digital images were stored on 2 computers.  He often wondered what the stories were behind some of the people he captured on film when he looked back at them.  As many of you know, Pompano Bill had a huge heart and donated much of his time to charities including Poverello, Tuesdays Angels, Broward House, The Pride Center and so many others. 

Scott Holland once asked Pompano Bill:  What are the benefits of living longer?

Bill replied: “You can teach an old dog new tricks, outliving a few assholes, the ability to meet and enjoy younger people…especially those that like to hear about gay history that I experienced.” 

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Many have asked if funeral or memorial services will be taking place.  One of Bill’s closest friends, Toni Barone, reminded me that he did not want anything special or grandiose after his passing.   It is our understanding that a few family members will be arriving to discuss plans and we will announce the outcome of their decision the moment it happens.  One thing is certain, if a celebration of life takes place, it will be one to remember!

Now, I find myself trying to fill yet, another hole in my heart…

A special thanks goes to Scott Holland for contributing the biographical content of this article

From a Grateful Community

Last week, our community lost an icon and friend.  Bill touch many lives over the decades as he served our community, not only as a photographer but as a mentor and friend to many.  With so many condolences still pouring in, we thought the best way to communicate our feelings just was to capture a few comments that capture the essence of a man who was loved and admired by so many:  

Brad Casey: Dear Friend

It has been a day of reflection on my 27 year of friendship and association with Bill Calcaterra, Pompano Bill. It’s been a difficult day but I am at peace with his passing. Both Pompano and I knew his day of crossing the Rainbow were near. He was tired of fighting Cancer and loosing his eyesight. He now can see clearly and can rest. Thank You Pompano Bill for an amazing 27 years.

Richard Gray:  Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB

He was an amazing man with an incredible zest for life.

Michael Goodman:  Public Relations

He was so much a part of our community. I have very fond memories of him. He left his mark.

Billy Sand: Friend

R I P. Will always love him

Stephen R. Lang: Co-worker and dear friend

I don’t know what exactly to say and I have loved this man since the second time I met him. [The first time he did his groping thing.] We have had a wild ride standing next to   and he ALWAYS looked out for me and making sure I was getting my shots and doing my job. I remember one of his BIGGEST warning about nightclubs was the smoke and how he got some sort of Cancer from it. He was a Trooper and loved my many–including myself. Una famiglia italiana e un dono di Dio.

Michael Albetta: Broward Sherriff Community Liaison

Memories captured from my dear good friend who now rests in Heaven, William “Bill” Calcaterra aka POMPANO BILL.. Our beloved LGBT community will miss him more than we think. Let’s honor one last request from Pompano Bill: GET OUT TO VOTE AND VOTE DEMOCRATIC!

Jose Javier: Friend

I think every gay man in South Florida has a picture taken by him. I never got a chance to have a long conversation with him, but the short chat after he had taken a picture where always nice. Will be missed. Rest in peace Pompano Bill Calcaterra.

Mike Trottier:  Co-worker and dear friend

Pompano Bill…You can rest now my friend. Miss you already Peanut Butter!

Row lliescu:  Equality Florida

Don’t be sad! Of course, we will miss you, Pompano Bill—but what a life you lived–an example to all of us to seize the day and make the most of every situation–or so it seemed. Indeed, the place won’t be the same without you, but it’s immeasurably better because of you. I look forward to celebrating your life with the throngs who adored you.

Steven Walker: Friend

I was in two of his photos in Hotspots Magazine. One all dressed up at The Opera Broward Center, the other less put together in the pool at Inn Leather-tee hee!

Ken Evans:  Our Fund

Sad to learn of the passing of Pompano Bill. A wonderful friend to so many of us in the LGBTQ community. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bill without a smile or his camera ready to take that perfect shot. He will be greatly missed by our community. Thank you for all the memories Pompano…Rest In Peace good friend.

Howard Andrew: Talent Scout

I found myself driving to Pompanos Bills house today, and sitting in the car outside of his home. Shaking my head for not stopping by earlier, and for always saying I’ll stop by tomorrow I’ll stop by tomorrow I’ll stop by tomorrow. We’ll, tomorrow has come and Bill has gone. Don’t wait to see friends and loved ones…. Don’t miss the chance to tell someone you love them. Life is short….. Rip Bill

Robin Bodiford:  Attorney

I loved Pompano Bill. He had such a wonderful vibe and over the years such a big part of our community and also chronicled our community.

Kevin Clevenger, Poverello

Rest in peace Pompano Bill

Kenneth Flood: The Pub

So sad to hear of the passing of Pompano Bill Calcaterra. I have known this man pretty much since day one when I first moved to Fort Lauderdale. He was such a kind wonderful man. He always greeted me with a Hug & a Kiss(or three,LOL). I am saddened by the loss of this man, a treasure, R.I.P. my friend.

Daniel Curtis:  Friend

I’m celebrating the life of my friend Mr Pompano Bill Calcaterra.

The Snapchat & Instagram of his time from the Golden Cost to the Golf Cost South Florida has been best pictured by you!

I’ll lend you my ear anytime! Thank you for for your gifts the smiles & magic in our memories! You’re having a great time in the afterlife this I’m sure! Salute and cheers my friend…

Jim Libonati:  Friend and former Hotspots Executive

I miss him very much; like others we had a great history as friends, and he was once my neighbor back in the late 80’s… RIP My dear Friend!

Gary Resnick: Mayor, Wilton Manors

“Our community has lost an Icon and a loving man who gave so much to so many”

Toni Barone: Close Friend, Community Leader

“How do you say goodbye to such an Icon?  Our community will come together and heal but right now, we are still coming to terms with our loss.  

Steve and Zak:  Owners of Ramrod

We grieve the sudden loss of a long-time community member and dear friend

Michael Murphy:  Photographer

I’m not sure how to express my love for Pompano, my own shortened nickname, in a paragraph. Over 25 years of sharing great images with one another, playfully bumping each other while shooting, comparing butts and bulges and yes telling secrets. I’m grateful that he had the best life, surrounded by so many people that loved him and that he loved even more. Many of us forget that when he was young and gay, he couldn’t be out.

So, his last 25 years, the 25 I got to enjoy alongside of him, truly were his Golden Years and he lived every minute to the fullest!  I love you Pompano!

Watch for next week’s edition of Hotspots for a special photographic retrospective of Pompano Bill’s life and legacy.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/10/25/community-celebrates-pompano-bill/

[itsworn]

5 Tips For Hooking Your Street Car … On or Off the Track!

Crafty racers like Mike Goodman can somehow get a street car to hook up on gravel. We asked, and he was willing to share his hard-won knowledge on how he gets his gorgeous ’69 Nova SS to make consistently fast passes, lap after lap.

In the entire history of mankind, we doubt there has ever been a true drag racer who has taken his new car to the track for the first time and said, “That’s fast enough.”

We figure you fall into that category too, so we asked longtime racer Mike Goodman to share some of his tips for traversing the quarter mile just a bit quicker. Goodman’s bright blue ’69 Nova SS is famous in street racing circles. It’s definitely the definition of a true street machine. Besides the hood, the body is all original steel, and the roof is even still clad in an old-school vinyl top.

Like all veteran racers, Goodman understands getting down the track faster than the next guy requires more than simply having the most horsepower. He knows all the tricks for getting a car to hook, no matter the conditions. As proof, Goodman won the Midnight Drags at the 2017 Car Craft Super Nationals, and this year when the organizers were looking to beef up the big-tire class, he volunteered to run his small-tire Nova against the big-rubber behemoths and nearly won again. He finished second (see the video and coverage here (Midnight Drags Presented By Gear Vendors Overdrive: Saturday Results & Gallery!), losing in the final round to Bryant Goldstone’s world-beating ’73 AMC Javelin.

Anybody who can take a 3,500 pound all-steel car and run against all comers has our respect. Plus, he was incredibly forthcoming when we asked him to share the hard-won knowledge that allows him to consistently make 8.0-second passes time after time. “It’s all pretty simple,” he explains, “after you’ve spent 20 years beating your head against a wall trying to figure it out.”

Plan Ahead

First things first: Goodman understands that money is an issue for everybody, and if you waste it you are already behind the curve.

“Plan for where you want to be and work to that goal intelligently,” he explains. “Buy good parts that are going to get you to that goal.

“If you don’t know what your goal is, or if you are too cheap to buy the right stuff the first time, you end up buying the same parts over and over. And that costs you more money in the long run.”

There’s nothing secret or unobtainable in the powerplant underneath Goodman’s hood. It’s a 565 cubic-inch, carbureted big-block, and there’s no missing the nitrous system he uses to pour on the power.

To be able to do that well, it means you’ve got to have good communication with your engine builder and chassis fabricator. And if you do those things yourself, you’ve got to be up on your game. Goodman stresses that simple systems can be fast. For example, in an age where turbos are dominating, he continues to race and win with a nitrous-fed 565 cubic-inch big-block.

Places to consider are your fuel supply system, your air intake, and your exhaust. All can quickly become bottlenecks as you add horsepower to help you get down the track more quickly.

Tire Choice

One mistake Goodman says he often sees less experienced racers make with a street car is to choose a very aggressive race tire with too little sidewall strength. A street car is typically significantly heavier than a full-blown race car, and they require more sidewall support in the tire. This is especially true if you are racing on an unprepped surface.

Goodman’s Nova is an all-steel car and weighs in around 3,500 pounds. He says heavier street cars require rear tires with a stronger sidewall and more air pressure to help support the car. Start out with 11 pounds of pressure or so and do a series of 60-foot hits. Keep lowering the air pressure until the car starts to shake and wobble, and then increase the tire pressure back to your previous mark.

When a DOT tire is required with his 3,500 pound Nova, Goodman says he prefers the Mickey Thompson ET Street stiff sidewall. The next test is to figure out just how much air pressure in the rear tires the car needs. You can do this by making a series of 60-foot test runs to see how the car hooks up. Begin with plenty of pressure in the tires—maybe 10.5 to 11 psi—and then work your way down. You will know when the air pressure is too low because the car will start to shake and wobble, forcing you to pedal the throttle on the starts. Move back up to the lowest air pressure that still felt good and continue on with your setup prep.

With a full-weight car, another option is to run a tube or beadlocks on the rear wheels. This helps keep the tire from distorting on hard hits.

Nitrous vs Turbo

Even though nitrous is his weapon of choice, Goodman calls turbos “the ultimate power-adder.” You can make tons of power with nitrous, which is why it has become so popular lately.

“You can make more power with a turbo, but they can also be difficult to work with on the starting line,” he explains. “You’ve got to have time to get the turbos spooled up, and if you don’t have everything right, you can overpower the tires.

It doesn’t matter how much power you have on tap, it’s no good if you can’t control how it gets to the tires. Goodman keeps his Edelbrock progressive nitrous controller within easy reach on the dash to help tune how it comes on so that he can apply the most power possible without smoking the tires.

“That’s where you can sometimes find an advantage with nitrous. You’ve got to have the suspension and tires right, but with nitrous you can leave faster and harder. If you are in a race with a starter using an arm drop, they may not give you enough time to spool the turbos up before the drop. My nitrous is on a micro-switch. I can stage quicker, and when the tree goes green or the arm drops, I’m gone.

“Whether you go turbo, or nitrous, or all motor, they all have their advantages. You’ve just got to determine what will work best for you.”

Be Adjustable

Goodman says that with the power available these days, it’s almost mandatory if you hope to be consistently fast—especially if you race different tracks or tire compounds—that you use double-adjustable shocks. He estimates that tuning is 80 percent of the game. A double-adjustable shock can make your life significantly easier because it makes meaningful suspension changes as simple as turning one or two knobs.

Normally, a double-adjustable shock will have two dials somewhere on the body of the shock. One will control shock compression and the other rebound. They are more expensive than a standard, non-adjustable shock, but with a good double-adjustable you will only need one set. And while you are investing in a quality set of double-adjustables, you can also set your car up with coilovers which makes ride-height adjustments and corner-weight adjustments a breeze.

Goodman uses double-adjustable coilover shocks on all four corners of the car, and he says they are especially important on the rear end. If you switch from bias-ply tires to drag radials, he says the required settings are just about opposite. Making those changes are a lot easier when you can simply turn a couple knobs to reset the shocks’ compression and rebound.

“If you run different classes or tracks and find yourself running bias-ply tires one weekend and drag radials the next, double-adjustable shocks are a must.” Goodman explains, “That’s because the best setups for the different tires are almost directly opposite each other. Instead of making a bunch of changes, with double-adjustable shocks you can just make your changes right on the shocks.”

Front Travel

Don’t think front wheel travel is important when it comes to setting up your car? Here’s a clue to how important Goodman thinks it is:

“If we’re at the track and I find out you don’t know what your front travel is, I don’t need to know anything else. I want to race you for money!”

Front travel is drag racing lingo that can more accurately be described as front droop. We don’t care about the total wheel travel, just how much the front wheels can move down as the front end of the car rises up from ride height until the tire leaves the asphalt.

Front travel is a critical setting for maximizing traction because it influences weight transfer. The more traction a track has, the less front travel you need. Here, in front of the coilover shock you can see the travel limiter Goodman uses to dial in exactly how much front travel he needs.

You can measure front travel by setting the car up at ride height (don’t forget to either have the driver in the seat or simulate his weight with sand bags). Take a measurement from the top of the wheel opening, or somewhere else on the front of the car, then place a jack under the front crossmember and slowly raise the car. Stop when the front wheels just leave the ground and take your measurement again. That’s your front wheel travel.

On the track, front travel is important because it plays a huge role in weight transfer. Street cars don’t have the same flex as tube-chassis Pro Mods or other cars, so it is important to get the front end to lift up to move weight over the rear tires so you gain traction. As a rule, the looser the track (less traction), the more you want the front end to rise. And more front travel equals more lift on the front end.

Goodman recommends having at least five inches of front travel. His Nova actually has 5.5 inches to work with. Just like with tire pressure, he will start with lots of front travel and then tighten it up as necessary. Many manufacturers make limiting straps that can be used to control front travel on street cars. You don’t want any more front travel than necessary because lifting the front of the car takes power. If the track is tight with plenty of traction, you can limit front travel so that the front of the car doesn’t lift as much and more of the engine’s horsepower can be used to move the car down the track. It’s all a balancing act.

Weight Matters

Speaking of weight transfer, Goodman says controlling it is critical for getting down the track consistently. We’ve already talked about how you can use front travel to tune weight transfer, but it is also important to get as much weight out of the car as possible. Next, whatever weight you can’t get off the car, move as much as you can to the back.

At 3,500 pounds, Goodman’s Nova is not exactly a lightweight, so it’s not imperative to have the absolute lightest car on the track. With a street car it can be tough to get weight off the front and over the rear axle, but do what you can. Goodman says he races with his Nova at a 51/49 front/rear weight split, and that works pretty well for him.

Generally, you don’t want to have to carry any more weight down the track than you have to, but sometimes you must add weight to the rear to get the traction you need. An easy way to do this is by simply adding fuel. This is why Goodman has installed a 15-gallon fuel cell in his Nova. The capacity is way more than he will ever need for a quarter-mile pass, but it’s the easiest way in the world to add weight to the rear of the car. Plus, since this is a real street car, the extra range is nice when Goodman takes his Nova on the road.

One easy way to add weight if necessary is with fuel. Even though he will never need it all for a quarter-mile pass, Goodman has installed a 15 gallon fuel cell because it is an easy and quick way to increase the rear weight percentage if necessary. Race fuel weighs between 6 and 7 pounds per gallon, so if you find yourself needing a bit more traction, throwing in an extra few gallons of fuel can get you there with only a minimal weight penalty.

Control Issues

“These days, as easy as it is to make power, anybody can go buy enough horsepower to blow the tires off of anything,” Goodman says. “If you are going to win races, you’ve got to be able to control the application of power so you can get down the track without spinning the tires.”

Goodman is talking about more than just a sensitive right foot. There are boost controllers for turbocharged and supercharged engines, multi-stage nitrous controllers for nitrous engines, and even timing controllers for any type of engine. There’s a lot more science in making the most of these systems than we have room for here, but the key is to invest in a system and spend the time and effort required to make the most of it.

And most of all, Goodman says going fast is all about balance. Consistency comes down to finding the right balance that gives you the traction you need to get out of the hole without smoking the tires–and then use all the available horsepower to get down the track.

The post 5 Tips For Hooking Your Street Car … On or Off the Track! appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network https://www.hotrod.com/articles/5-tips-hooking-street-car-off-track/ via IFTTT