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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
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. Speed Trap, and do it with the same street legal bug you drive every day.

The 36 HP Top Dog: In September of 2011, Tom Bruch broke the all time LSR 36hp Volkswagen sedan record at Bonneville driving Gaylen Andersons 66 sedan fitted with Toms’s small 1378cc turbocharged single engine with a speed of 126.236 miles per hour. Tom made three passes over 121 MPH at 6000 RPM’s with 12-14 lbs boost and held the 6000 plus RPM’s for the remainder of the whole mile confirming the 36hp engine design strength. His total investment in parts was just $400.00, with the rest of the used parts coming from a lifelong collection of old VW components.
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 of Drag Racing while subjecting your VW to less abuse. 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 never be forgotten

The Challenge features, in addition to the STONE STOCK 36hp class, modified safety requirements developed specifically (and Only for) for the 36hp class Volkswagens running at the USFRA's World of Speed. Two point lap seat 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)on 36hp cars running below 99.999 miles per hour. 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 36hp engine Stock bodied or Cal-Look bugs, Type 2’s, Karmann Ghias and USFRA specifically pre-approved vehicles with 36hp based engines, which meet basic safety requirements, qualify to run in the 36hp Challenge! Go to www.burlyb.com for specifics.

BODY/VEHICLE RULES- Any year stock Volkswagen Beetle,, Super Beetle or Cal-Look bug, any Karmann Ghia or pre 1967 Type 2 Bug, Kombi, or Single or Double Cab pick up. Herrod’s Helper (or replicas) rear wings are allowed on Bugs exceeding 100 miles per hour.
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.

Five 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 except the venturi and jets. Must be equipped with a stock VW style exhaust system and tips, air cleaner, stock Bosch distributor and coil(Pertronix Ignitor is O.K.!). 12 volt electrical system, full flow oil system, engine balancing and three angle valve cuts are O.K.!
Stone Stock class limited to stock displacement of 1192cc

SSS36 (Super Stock Single)-Modified 36hp engine with a single 28PCI carburetor (modification are HIGHLY recommended!) and 36hp single port VW cylinder heads(modifications are highly recommended!). Any displacement however engine must retain STOCK cylinder head stud locations (8mm studs are O.K.!). Requires any Bosch distributor and coil (Pertronix Ignitor is O.K.!). No displacement, camshaft or header limitations. Intake manifold can be modified or handcrafted.

DSS (Dual Super Stock)-Pre 1965 Dual or non Stock single barrel carburetor system. (Weber 48 IDA carburetors are pre 1965!) fitted to modified stock VW 36hp cylinder heads or period aftermarket heads (replicas like Wolfsburg West Okrasa heads are O.K.!). Handcrafted intake manifolds are O.K.! Engine must retain stock cylinder head stud locations (8mm studs are O.K.!). Requires any Bosch
distributor and coil. No camshaft or header limitations. Deck lid standoffs are NOT legal!

K36 (Supercharged/Kompressor--Mechanical Fuel Injection)-Any pre-1970 mechanically driven supercharger (or reproduction Pepco/Judson/Shorrock/Godfrey)or pre 1965 mechanical fuel injection.. Requires any Bosch distributor and coil. No displacement (engine must retain stock cylinder head stud locations (8mm studs are O.K.!). Dual period correct superchargers are acceptable. Hilborn, Enderle, Rons style mechanically driven fuel injection systems are O.K.! No camshaft or header limitations. Turbochargers and electronic fuel injections systems are not allowed. Deck lid standoffs are not allowed!

NA36 (NEW AGE)-Any turbocharged or post 1971 supercharger post 1966 carburetors or fuel injection(electrical F.I. is O.K.!) or non-traditional external engine modifications. No displacement limit but maintain stock cylinder head stud locations(8mm studs are O.K.!). Must use 36hp style cylinder heads (aftermarket heads are allowed-Porsche heads are NOT allowed!). Must use 36hp “style” valve covers and gaskets! Dual turbochargers or superchargers are acceptable. Intake and exhaust components can protrude through the deck lid but scoops are NOT allowed. Deck lid standoffs are NOT legal!

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 (6) runs will be allowed per entry fee paid. You may Purchase an additional 6 run entry.
• 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 2005 (or later) approved, full-face helmet with full face shield, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and long pants. DOT helmet not sadequate, SNELL 2005 or later Required.
• Open cars (All convertibles and sliding cloth sunroof bodies) require added safety equipment- i.e.minimum 4 point Roll Bar.
• Minimum 2 point seat belts (in Excelllent condition) permitted under 100 MPH.(Original Equipment or better in excellent condition) Factoy 3 point or better driver restraints required over 100 MPH.
• Only gasoline, race gasoline, may be used - No E-85, NO nitrous, alcohol or nitro-fueled vehicles will be allowed.
• Cars must have an adequate metal 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. Tubeless S rated tires require Metal Valve Stems
  AND Metal Valve Caps!(S rated tires with inner tubes running under 100 miles per hour do not require Metal Valve Stems!).
  Hub caps and trim rings must be removed. Moon disc style hubcaps can be run if installed using 6 securing screws or 3 Dzus fasteners per hubcap.
  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.
• 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.

Dick Beith, the worlds FIRST Volkswagen land speed record holder in 1960.
His DSS36 top speed was 80.874 miles per hour with a record two way average speed of 77.107 MPH.

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