I have attended several road and drag racing courses over the years. The Radford Dodge Demon 170 course was at the top of my list for excellence. I thought nothing could top the excellent quality instructors, an outstanding course schedule, driving Radford's Demon 170's, and completing the requirements for an NHRA competition license.
Last weekend Radford sent one of their top-notch instructors, Rich Lash, to the MSHS "Mopars at the Rock" event at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. Rich and I had maintained contact after I took the 170 course, and we agreed to meet at the Rock. Rich agreed to "look" at my car and provide any advice. The resulting interaction was the most valuable I have received from any of the courses taken.
Although Rich was meeting with any other drivers at the Rock, he came well prepared to assist past Radford 170 participants and others. He showed up with the latest power grids for the trans break. (The Demon 170 has computer set points from launch to the first 1.6 seconds) We switched from what we called the original 3(B) to a modified B grid that others used successfully attain the 9.5 second runs I was looking for. After watching two runs, Rich determined that the shift power set points needed adjustment. He next noticed that the car lifted about five hundred feet down the track. Again, Rich had the knowledge and experience to know about a transmission fluid issue that requires the addition of 55 ml of transmission fluid to a full transmission to be added thru the transmission air vent. The 170 uses specific type of transmission fluid that was not available at the track so I wrote that fix off as something that I would have to address in the future. I tested the car and the changes that Rich suggested were on point, bringing the car from an also ran to competitive.
Rich then went above and beyond. He showed up the next morning with a quart of Dodge transmission fluid and the small funnel that was required to pour it down the transmission vent. He had canvassed his contacts at the race and found a quart of transmission fluid and the funnel. Once the transmission issue was addressed, I went back to the track with an amazing car that no longer dipped or lifted with no hesitation between shifts.
I (and several other drivers ) were still having difficulties with the line lock and trans brake initiation process. Rich made very constructive recommendations and set up 15 minutes before racing started to give us time to process in the lane with active lights. We did not launch, just practiced with active lights. Rich watched and determined that one of my problems was related to releasing the brake pedal after the release of one of the two paddles (170 owners probably know what I'm talking about). That leaves you dead at the green light. His advice on how to avoid that problem was spot on.
The thing that was amazing what that Rich provided expert counsel and advice not only for Radford participants, but for others that were having Mopar issues or questions. A number of individuals in our racing group received advice on everything from tire pressures to the fool proof method to release the foot brake after the first paddle release in the trans break process. Rich was asked and answered questions on every Dodge model that was racing.
I am by no means a novice- over the years I regularly won my class in the NMCA HEMI Shootout, and participating in the Quick 8 quite often. But it was an exceptional experience to get advice on my specific car at the track during an actual competitive event. I'm not sure that anyone can remember everything during course driving a third party vehicle. But I clearly retained what I learned sitting in my own car on a race weekend. The benefit was enormous.
Rich also provided advice and counsel to many other drivers at the event. The feedback from those drivers was exceptional. I want to thank Radford and Rich for extending their experience and advice beyond the course in Phoenix. The extra effort that Rich put forth is what makes racing a community.
Response from the owner:Rick, thank you so much for this incredible review!! We are very lucky to have Rich as one of our Drag Racing instructors. We are so happy he was able to help you and make the event even better.