The 2024 LOD event was a great success. Most cars hadn’t been on a track until arriving in Dallas. Even with a late start on Friday due to the cold air and Sunday’s cancellation due to 16 degrees and sleet, there were some great runs. There were two driveshaft failures, no engine, no transmission and no diff failures. The one diff failure was an OG without brace.
There were a few runs in the 8.9s and several more under 9.2. Based on my recollection, the 8.9s were all on drag pack wheel setups. I didn't have time to get a drag pack wheel package prior to attending and ran the factory aluminum wheels resulting in a best of 9.14 @149. I’m confident of getting into the 8s with a better wheel package. It was difficult to get good launches with the factory wheel/tire even with all the track prep. Tire shake was prevalent and launching at idle with footbrake was the best method. Everyone I spoke with was footbraking the D170. It’s amazing we were getting those wheelies at idle and footbrake.
We made great progress understanding the car. Keeping the front a bit lower on launch and transferring that energy in forward motion will be key to beating the record. Once we begin working with the launch control and torque curve, times and launches will get better and more consistent. I believe Dodge’s record will be eclipsed very soon.
