About
The definition of a stock muscle car is pretty subjective. Add in the competitive nature of a serious racer and things get interesting, pretty quickly. In 2001, Year One invited a select group of racers to the Bristol Bash to see who was the quickest racer on a stock size tire. Racers looking to go faster than the rules allowed in Factory Stock and Pure Stock drag racing took the hobby by storm. The fans and the magazines took notice, and the Factory Appearing Stock Tire (FAST) racing series was born.
Today, FAST is the home to the fastest factory appearing muscle cars in America.
FAST racing features muscle cars built in United States and Canadian assembly plants. No matter how you look at them, FAST cars appear showroom stock, including the body, interior, engine and all its external components and manifolds, even the wheels and original 1960's style skinny bias ply tires. In fact, FAST cars place well at shows for "restored" cars. FAST cars may look and sound stock, but internal engine modifications are not restricted. Indeed, engines under the hoods of most FAST racers contain the latest technology usually reserved for NHRA class record holders.
FAST has a unique format for tight race action. The fastest eight qualifiers place into a heads up, pro-style ladder to determine the top eliminator. All racers who qualify #9 and below are placed into a best of three shoot-out against their closest qualifying competitor.
Racers compete in three classes – FAST class, Factory Stock, and Modern Muscle – and cover the quarter-mile in the 9-13 second range. Only a handful of racers have achieved the coveted nine-second mark. The fastest cars post trap speeds more than 140 MPH.
FAST Class is our feature series. This class is for 1955 to 1979 muscle cars built in United States and Canadian assembly plants with a minimum warranty of 12 months and 12,000 miles. The cars look like concourse restorations and run unbelievable track times on factory-size bias ply tires. Cars must have been originally equipped with a minimum of four-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, and other factory installed equipment that promotes high-performance.
Factory Stock is just as competitive as the FAST class, but with a stricter rule book. This class is also for 1955 to 1979 muscle cars built in United States and Canadian assembly plants with a minimum warranty of 12 months and 12,000 miles. Cars must be factory equipped with a minimum of four-barrel carburetion, dual exhaust, and other factory-installed equipment that promotes a high-performance intent and image. Cars are paired up based on time trial and compete in a best-of-three heads-up shootout.
Modern Muscle is open to any vehicle built after 1979 and adheres to FAST rules. Whether you are a first-time racer or serious about the sport, Modern Muscle class is an opportunity for drivers of all skill-sets to run on the track with the classics. Modern Muscle vehicles compete on track only during the FAST Spring Nationals.
The current FAST record holder is Terry Pennington of Mishawaka, Indiana. He piloted his Chevrolet Corvette L88-spec car to a record-setting 9.77 at 139 MPH during a FAST race held at the US 1-31 Motorsports Park in 2018. Pennington broke the old record that stood for about eight years, edging Lane Carey of Maryland, who piloted his 1971 Mustang Mach 1 with 429 Super Cobra Jet specs to 9.84 at 139 MPH in 2010.
FAST co-founder David Dudek of St. Clair Shores, Mich., is the all-time FAST race leader. He has compiled more than 40 race wins since the series start. Dudek’s fastest time is 9.90 @ 140 MPH achieved in his 1969 Plymouth Road Runner during the 2017 FAST Fall Nationals at the Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville.
Whether you race or are a fan, if muscle cars, drag racing, and good old-fashioned brand rivalries between GM, Ford and Mopar are of interest, we strongly encourage you to sign up for information or check out one of our races.
FAST races are fun events that build lasting relationships and comradery. It’s like a mini classic car show for the race track. Racers and spectators mingle through the pits, share stories, talk strategy, and enjoy the classic American muscle cars of yesterday.
For more information about FAST, join our mailing list today!
