Dobbs Debuts Latest Funny Car        

By:  Bruce Biegler

Larry Dobbs, widely regarded as the “Ironman” of Canadian Funny Car racing, debuted his newest effort during the recent NHRA Tire Kingdom Gatornationals in Florida….

Dobbs, who first started racing Alcohol Funny Cars back in 1981 was behind the wheel of a vastly reconfigured machine which he hopes will propel him to a more competitive position within the NHRA TAFC category.

During the past off season, Larry purchased some modern racing technology from Manitoba’s Brian Friesen and has also installed a sleeker and lightweight Firebird body on his chassis for this season.

Larry Dobbs debuted his newest Funny Car during the recent Gatornationals

The initial event effort with the new combination (at Gainesville) produced a 5.791 secs at 242.93 mph qualifier but also a first round loss when the car drifted over the centerline versus eventual winner Mickey Ferro.

“We did buy all of Brian Friesen’s spare stuff including a complete “big bore” block assembly and BA heads,” Dobbs reported.  “It all went into last year’s chassis which has been stiffened and modified.  Our focus going forward is now all NHRA racing so we are working hard on transferring a car that was suited towards a Roots blower to newer supercharger and engine technology.”

In fact Dobbs was one of the quickest and fastest cars ever to run a Roots blower combo — hitting a still standing record of 254.14 mph back in IHRA racing days.

The car’s Firebird body was originally raced by Ohio’s Cheeseman Brothers but was acquired by Dobbs from Dr. Tom Carter (in Texas).

“That is an all carbon fiber body which weighs 65 lbs lighter then the Corvette,” Larry added. “That is another positive factor or us going forward.”

Dobbs’ team which is affectionally known as the “Kardiac Kids” has renewed its valued and primary sponsorship with Canadian based Sportz Tents will frequent Eastern NHRA divisional and national events this summer.

(Bruce Biegler Photo)