Tasmanian Devil (NHRA dragracing)
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The Tasmanian Devil was the name of a drag racing car in the 1960s, named after the Tasmanian Devil cartoon character.
During the same time period that The Tasmanian Devil cartoon character was making a name for itself, a mechanical incarnate of this cartoon character was growing in popularity on the drag racing scene. Drag racing was in its early days and the cars and popular racing teams were known by nicknames. Don Garlits had "The Swamp Rat" and Pacers Automotive had "The Tasmanian Devil". The Snizek & Dodge Racing Team at Pacers Auto created a powerful mean machine worthy of it's nickname.
The Tasmanian Devil in racecar form was always loud, snarling all the way to the starting line and then unleashing a deafening roar as it raced down the track leaving behind a long hazy smoke trail. Crowds loved it as it devoured anything in its way - both race cars and speed records. Driver George Snizek and partner Charlie Dodge's team were perennial finalists in NHRA sanctioned events and set numerous track, class, and NHRA speed records becoming a true force in the 1960's drag racing scene. Aside from being the East Coast distributors of Nitro racing fuel, the team from Pacers were known as innovators in their field-being credited as the first to use silicone as an engine sealant and one of the first to necessitate use a parachute to stop "The Devil" in a class other than dragsters. Pacers Auto was also one of the first racing teams to incorporate appearance and ability having color co-ordinated racecars and matching racing team uniforms. They were among one of the first raceteams to utilize a team-coordinated tow trailer as well. They were members of Hi-Performance "Cars Magazine" Racing Team and were featured in Walter Ungerer's 1965 film called "The Tasmanian Devil" documenting the AA/A roadster and the crew that built it to become the number one racecar in its class filmed on location when it set the National NHRA speed record in 1963 in Atco, New Jersey.
After a long absence, a resurrection of The Tasmanian Devil NHRA AA/A Roadster is being sponsored by AAA Firefighting Equipment's Jerry Joaquin, with guidance from original driver, George Snizek, to light up the tracks and race once again. Chassis, Body, & Paintwork are being handled by Southwest Custom Trucks and the enginework is being built by Greulich's Custom Engines & Southwest Custom Trucks
