The 1970s were a golden era for Funny Car racing, and one of the most beloved aspects of the sport during that time was the practice of „dry hops.“ Dry hops were a pre-run ritual where Funny Car drivers would make practice launches after backing up from their wet burnouts. This not only helped them check for traction but also served as a way to fine-tune their clutch setups on the starting line.
Legendary Funny Car driver Don „the Snake“ Prudhomme was a master of the dry hop, and he recently expressed his fondness for this practice after watching a video of his old friend Raymond Beadle doing dry hops at Orange County International Raceway in the early 1980s. The video reignited Prudhomme’s passion for the art of dry hopping and prompted him to reach out to others who shared his enthusiasm.
Dry hops were not only a mechanical necessity but also a crowd-pleasing spectacle that added to the excitement of Funny Car racing. Drivers like Prudhomme and John Force would engage in dueling dry hops, revving their engines at each other in a display of bravado and skill. The practice evolved over time, with some drivers doing multiple dry hops to heat and soften their clutches before a run.
While some drivers, like Austin Coil, were not big fans of dry hops from a mechanical standpoint, they acknowledged the entertainment value they brought to the sport. The back-and-forth between drivers during dry hops added an element of competition and showmanship that fans loved. The practice eventually fell out of favor as clutches became more sophisticated, but its legacy lives on in the memories of fans and drivers alike.
Dry hops were a defining feature of the match-race era of Funny Car racing, where drivers‘ ability to entertain and engage with the crowd was just as important as their performance on the track. Showmen like „Jungle Jim“ Liberman and „TV Tommy“ Ivo used dry hops and other theatrics to captivate audiences and secure lucrative appearance deals. The magic of those bygone days continues to resonate with fans and drivers who remember the thrill of the dry hop era.
In conclusion, dry hops were more than just a mechanical exercise; they were a vital part of the spectacle and excitement of Funny Car racing in the 1970s. Drivers like Don Prudhomme and others used dry hops to fine-tune their clutches, engage with their competitors, and thrill the crowds. While the practice may have faded with time, its legacy lives on as a testament to the showmanship and skill of the drivers who made the sport what it is today.