Cool and calculated is the mindset behind a major Canadian racing comeback this season…..
Manitoba’s Clif Bakx has now released details for his much anticipated return to the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – TAD circuit — for 2022.
After enduring some major misfortune during a testing incident in Western Canada last summer — 2022 will see the return of “The Bull” (V 4.0).
Towards the tail end of 2021, Clif negotiated and completed a deal with Quebec’s Daniel Mercier, acquiring the potent (and Canadian record holder) injected nitro car chassis — which Daniel did run so successfully over the last few seasons. Clif then spent the majority of the past off season going through that (a 2017 Dan Page chassis) while adding in his reputed touch and also including numerous new components and upgrades.
An exclusive first look at the newest version of “The Bull” — now poised to rampage out of Manitoba and into Las Vegas – beginning next weekend!
Clif and his returning designated driver Todd Bruce (from North Dakota) – will get back at it early – including entry to next week’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas.
“Finally got it (almost) done,” Clif winked. “Just waiting on some small stuff – but by Tuesday we are heading to Vegas and we’ve filed entry for the 4-Wide Nationals. Then we plan testing the following Monday & Thursday after that race. We will also stick around for the NHRA Lucas Oil Regional race – which is the following weekend (April 8-9).”
Clif Bakx
“We’re regarding the whole 10 days in Vegas really as test session for us,” he added. “I have not had this chassis down the track yet – and what the heck, Las Vegas is way warmer than in Manitoba right now (LOL!).”
Clif plans to run the latest version of his tried and true engine configuration which he has been self-evolving over a good portion of his career. But, in addition to that, this car includes some extra focus.
“I’m comfortable with it being a proven car because Dan ran so well with it,” he added. “We did make some minor modifications to the chassis back-half. I’ve loaded up my complete & freshened up drivetrain and fuel system, including all the RacePak/Electrimotion electronics.”
“But additionally — due in part to watching my last car go through a horrific accident last summer — I paid extra attention to safety systems & components. We now have an emergency shut-off mounted to the steering wheel – so the driver is not letting go searching for it. Also we’ve added factory crimped fuel & oil lines and fire sleeves/titanium shielding. All of that is designed to ensure the best opportunity for a safe trip down the track.”
Todd Bruce, who has been a long time friend and crewman for Clif Bakx did drive a previous version of “The Bull” (V 2.0) and in fact was in the cockpit for the team’s memorable win during the 2017 edition NHRA AAA Texas Fall Nationals. In 2022 the duo plan to compete at some additional NHRA national event races as well pursue the NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central regional points title.
“The Bull” was a memorable NHRA national event winner back in 2017 at AAA Texas Fall Nationals near Dallas.
The team has secured some new sponsorship support for 2022 (bovine humour intended) – including: COWSMOPOLITAN, Oil Of Old Hay, Revloin, & Estee Fodder. Meanwhile negotiations with Cowlick Hair Style products remain ongoing.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
DragRaceCanada File Photos
