Showcasing the First Factory X Camaro Pass at Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk
The new National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Factory X class has created a lot of interest and chatter since the first car was displayed at the PRI Show last December.
Now, the NHRA has showcased it to a national event audience, as Greg Stanfield made the first official passes in NHRA competition at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.
The Factory X class, designed to bridge the gap between the NHRA’s current Factory Stock Showdown class and the Pro Stock class, utilizes the modern supercharged powerplants from the Factory Stock Showdown cars.
But the main differences when stepping up to Factory X is a full-tube chassis, about 800-900 pounds less weight, and a 5-speed manual transmission.
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The lighter weight can be achieved through the use of fiberglass and carbon fiber components throughout, but a factory steel roof and quarter panels must remain on a Factory X ride. The cars are also held to strict bodylines.
Several builds were already planned or underway at the start of the season, including the first Factory X car completed, Geoff Turk’s Blackbird X Challenger.
That car crashed at the end of a 7.24 at 195 mph pass a few months back in testing, but Turk is planning a comeback with the rebuilt car in 2024.
The class is scheduled to compete for a NHRA championship later in the year, with Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge models all expected to compete.
But for Norwalk, Greg’s Camaro was in attendance for exhibition to the crowd. The run was done in a no-time format, but early predictions point to high 6-second runs near 200 mph once the class is sorted.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Aaron Stanfield.
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