94 Chevy Caprice vs 06 Nissan 350z

The first episode of PIPES was a heckuva ride. After a year of planning, we had our first two teams in the garage. We had been to the drag strip and taped the baseline races. The Blues Brothers had a baseline time of 12.14. Motorsports Authority's time was 12.57 so it was a pretty close match up. It rained (of course) that day. Lesson #1 - drying the drag strip takes a long time.

Lesson #2 - installing rear gears takes a long time. Danny "Radar" Rader had that task. The Blues Brothers came to the garage with their great hats and a good attitude, but I swear I think Radar laid under the rear end for two hours. But they "got 'er done."

The Blues Brothers are regulars at the track. Radar holds a few track records Both Kevin Gray and Randy Staggs race on most weekends. I love that they wore their "Blues Brothers" hats.

Motorsports Authority came with game. The team leader, Bryan Lin, runs a performance shop. The lead tech guy was Wilson Brewer who works for Nissan. Mike "Batman" Provost was the driver (and the Z is his baby). They were a bit more bositerous in the garage, but they got the job done.


When we went back to the drag strip for the elimination race, I was amazed at the difference in the atmosphere. Everyone was tense, and I swear I think the cars were louder. When those cars jumped off the line, it really did send a jolt through your body. Batman had a little problem with water on his drag radials that gave him a bad start on one race, but like Matt Hartford said....."That's drag racing, baby."

The 350z won. The Motorsports Authority guys REALLY celebrated. Gotta love it.

What did YOU think.....

Hook up with the teams on Squidoo.

PIPES Behind the Scenes

There are new videos up in the clips section of PIPEStv.com.

If you dig cars, you should dig "Love of Cars."

And "Caprice vs the Z" is an interesting look at guys who love muscle and guys who love sport compacts.

The clip on Matt Hartford reminds me of what a good job he is doing on the show.

Watch the videos when you can. And let us know what you think.