Back to USFRA home page

USFRA Hosts the 36 HorsePower LandSpeed Challenge

Bonneville Competition for Old School VW Classics!

Once again the ROAR of Pure Volkswagon Power echos across the famous Bonneville Salt Flats.


Current 36 HP Challenge Class Speed Records

The USFRA is proud to host the 36 HP Challange annually at World of Speed.

Links to some 36 HP Challange folks
Irish VW racers!! Local Utah Racers Harig Bug Build

The Challenge: Find out how fast your 36hp Volkswagen bug can go at the mecca for all land speed racers, the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah. Drive your bug from a standing start and accelerate at full throttle over a full mile until it’s ultimate top speed is reached in a precision 132 ft. Sped Trap, and do it with the same street legal bug you drive every day. The owner of the 36hp based bug that achieves the highest speed at one of the sanctioned events will be awarded a genuine early 60’s Volkswagen trophy commemorating his/her record.

The 36 HP Top Dog:On Sep 17,2008, Tom Bruch broke the all time LSR 36 HP sedan record of Dick Beith at Bonneville with Gaylen Anderson's 66 sedan and Tom Bruch's small 1378 cc single port 36 HP turbo motor at 103.497 MPH. Tom made three passes over the old record at 6,000 RPM with 12 to 14 lb. boost. The second run turned 86.4 MPH in the 1/4 mile and 103.056 at the 1/2 mile mark and held 6,000 RPM for the rest of the mile. The motor lived through all three runs which is a testament to the strength of the 36 HP motors. The 1956 engine is entirely vintage parts including the 50 year old ISKY 2-J cam that can still set records.
Could your bug be the next Bonneville Record Holder?

The USFRA's specially prepared 130 MPH Club Course and precision timing system allows you to see how fast your VW bug really is, without building an actual out and out race car. Accelerating over a standing start one mile track, then thru the 132 Ft. Precision Speed Trap, provides four times the seat time while subjecting your VW to less abuse than you get drag racing. Stock transmissions work fine and roll bars are not required (in closed body cars) for the speeds achieved. There is no finer way to participate in the rich traditions of LandSpeed Racing. The 36 HP Challenge provides enthusiasts with a Bonneville experience that will not be forgotten

The Challenge features, in addition to the new STONE STOCK 36hp class, modified safety requirements developed specifically (and Only) for the 36hp class Volkswagens running at the USFRA's World of Speed. Two point lap belts will be permitted (instead of mandatory 3 point harnesses), as will “S” speedrated tires(these tires are commonly used and readily available for Volkswagens). These rules specifically for the 36 HP Challenge, have been approved to reduce the need for interior modifications to your restored interiors and eliminate the need to purchase expensive high speed tires for vehicles whose speeds will not exceed 100 miles per hour.
Note: "H" Speed rated tires (or higher) with metal valve stems and caps and 3 point seat belt system (or better) are required for any vehicle that exhibits speed in excess of 100 mph.

Only Stock or Cal Look bugs with 36hp based motors, which meet basic safety requirements, qualify to run in the 36HP LANDSPEED CHALLENGE.

BODY/VEHICLE RULES- Any year Type 111/113 stock Volkswagen Beetle or Cal Look sedan body.
All convertibles and sliding cloth sunroof bodies require added safety equipment- i.e. 4 point roll bar- (see the 130 MPH Club Rules).
All metal body panels and fenders including all lights and VW bumpers must be mounted in the stock manner and fully functional.
All loose items must be removed from the passenger compartment and trunk.
A Coast Guard Approved Fire Extinguisher must be securely mounted in the cockpit.

Four engine categories allow every 36hp bug owner to qualify for the 36 HP Challenge.
Engine Categories:
SS (Stone Stock)-Stock 36HP engine with single 28 PCI carburetor with no modifications. Must be equipped with a stock VW style exhaust system and tips, air cleaner, stock Bosch distributor and coil(Pertronix Ignitor is O.K.!).
Stone Stock class limited to stock displacement of 1192cc

DSS (Dual Super Stock)-Dual or non 28 PCI single carburetor system. Requires any Bosch
distributor and coil. No displacement limit or camshaft limitations, exhaust headers are allowed.

K36 (Supercharged/Kompressor)-Any pre-1980 mechanically driven supercharger. Requires any Bosch distributor and coil. No displacement limit or camshaft limitations, exhaust headers are allowed.

NA36 (NEW AGE)-Any turbocharged or post 1981 supercharger or non-traditional external engine modifications. No displacement limit or camshaft limitations, exhaust headers are allowed. However, engine must retain stock cylinder head stud locations (8mm studs are O.K.) and use 36HP style cylinder heads (aftermarket heads are allowed) and 36HP style valve covers!

Safety Requirements and Class Rules

NO Nitrous Oxide, No Nitromethane, No Hydrazine, No Methanol, No Ethanol allowed in ANY 36 HP Challenge Classes.

MINIMUM SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS for the 36 Hp Challenge
ONLY at the USFRA's World of Speed

• All drivers must be members of USFRA, be a licensed driver, and sign a loss damage waiver to participate.
  (Entry fees are the same as 130 MPH Club entry fees)
• A maximum of five (5) runs will be allowed per entry fee paid.
• An initial "licensing" pass at no more than 100 mph will be required to calibrate on board speed gauge equipment. i.e.; tachometer, speedometer, etc.
• Maximum speed will be 139.999 mph - any vehicle exceeding 139.999 mph mayl be disqualified from making anymore passes and will not receive a timing slip.
• The driver must wear a Snell 2000 (or later) approved, full-face helmet with full face shield, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and long pants.
• Open cars (All convertibles and sliding cloth sunroof bodies) require added safety equipment- i.e.minimum 4 point Roll Bar.
• Minimum 2 point seat belt permitted under 100 MPH.(Original Equipment or better in excellent condition) 3 point or better driver restraints required over 100 MPH.
• Only gasoline, diesel or electric fuels may be used - NO nitrous, alcohol or nitro-fueled vehicles will be allowed.
• Cars must have an adequate battery tie down.
• Dual throttle return springs are recommended. Proper throttle return will be verified during Tech Inspection.
• Vehicles must have excellent condition “S” speed rated tires (Manufacturer rated 112 mph) inflated to manufacturers maximum sidewall specfication.
  Hub caps and trim rings must be removed.
  Note: "H" Speed rated tires (or higher) with metal valve stems and caps and 3 point seat belt system (or better) are required for any vehicle that exhibits speed in excess of 100 mph.
• Tires & wheels for all vehicles will have metal valve caps (metal valve stems highly recommended) & crack-free valve stems.
• All cars will have a small fire extinguisher securely mounted inside the vehicle.
• A ground cover must be used under the vehicle in the pit area. Waste fluids will not be "dumped" they will be taken off the salt for disposal. Pit areas and general Salt will be kept neat and clean at all times
• INSPECTION:
• -All vehicles must be currently licensed and street legal in their respective state.
• -Fees will not be charged for an inspection.
• -Inspection will verify the acceptable condition of the engine, drive train, wheels, tires, fuel, steering, braking, and safety systems to an approved checklist.
• -Decisions of the inspector are final in the areas of safety assessment and requirements.

?? Questions?? email 36 HP Challenge Info.

Back to USFRA home page