Drag Racing Tips for a '55 Chevy

The '55 Chevy is an American-made automobile, iconic for its extensive use in 1950s cinema and popular advertisements. Drag racing became popular a youth phenomenon in America during the 1950s, and the 1955 Chevy became closely associated with the activity. Collectors and hobbyists continue to maintain and restore '55 Chevys for drag racing, using modified engines and parts.

  1. Safety Tips

    • Drag racing is a high-speed sport, and drivers must take proper precautions in order to minimize injury risk. A helmet that guards the top of the head and wraps around the face is a necessity for protecting drivers from head and brain injuries in case of a crash. The '55 Chevy does not come with proper seat belts, air bags or modern safety equipment. Certain accessories, such as racing seats and full seat belts can be installed to prevent certain impact-related injuries.

      Prior to a race, the vehicle must undergo a thorough inspection at the drag strip. Sanctioned racing officials will go through safety checks and engine examinations to determine whether or not the '55 Chevy is race-ready.

    Model Selection

    • Chevy introduced two models in 1955: the Bel Air sport coupe and the Bel Air convertible. The sport coupe is the preferred model for drag racing because convertibles are aerodynamically inferior to solid-body cars. The Bel Air sport coupe comes with a 265 V-8 engine, powerful for the time of its creation, but inappropriate for modern racing competition. When selecting a 1955 Chevy sport coupe for drag racing, a driver can either purchase a pre-modified vehicle or do the engine modifications himself. Either way, choosing a high-horsepower engine capable of churning out approximately 440 horses will provide enough power for a modern race.

    Driving Tips

    • The '55 Chevy is a collector's car, desired most for its design and physical appearance. In terms of control and handling capabilities, it is not a very reliable racing vehicle and must be approached with caution. For speed and control, large tires can be purchased for the back of the vehicle, while smaller tires can be used in the front.

      When launching the vehicle for a drag race, play with the gas pedal while the car is in neutral. When you are cleared to race, thrust the car into drive and maintain a steady course. The '55 Chevy is built in the shape of a shoebox, so it can easily flip and spin out of control. Drivers should aim to keep the steering wheel as straight as possible to avoid flipping.