It's hard to say what kind of numbers I'll be putting down. Steph would have run a 7 already if he had a transmission that worked consistently. But as the rest of us would say, we've had nothing but transmission problems. If things work the way we want them to, we should be able to run a low 8 at about 185 to 189-ish mph. As long as I can hit a 7-second pass, to see that number would be great. We'll try to run as consistent as possible and run low 8s. Right now, without getting down the track, it's too early to tell. All we can do is try our best and stay consistent. Consistency wins races, not just one or two good runs.
As far as rivalry amongst my peers is concerned, there really isn't any. We all help each other out. I've helped out these guys when they've needed it. It's not me versus Christian or Christian versus Steph. Rather it's Honda versus Dodge, GM, or Toyota. We have to be more business-like about it. When we're on the track, we're there to promote our sponsors, and they want us to win no matter what. Things have to be kept secret. I know as things progress, it's going to become more professional. Helping everyone won't be as common as it used to be. Like I said before, it's not just a hobby anymore, it's a profession.
Fast FactsOwner Shaun Carlson/Nuformz RacingHometown Corona, CaliforniaRide '03 Dodge Neon SRT-4Daily Grind Owner of Nuformz Racing
Under The Hood JE pistons, ported and polished cylinder head by Darrel Cox Racing, Ferrea titanium valves, Crane titanium retainers and adjustable cam sprockets, custom MLS Cometric/Darrel Cox Racing head gasket, GRP aluminum connecting rods, Barnes Systems four-stage dry sump system, K&N oil filter, MSD HVC-2 coil, Turbostart 16v battery, Fluidyne radiator, Meziere water pump with Nuformz water pump block-off system, Waterman mechanical fuel pump, MoTeC M48 Pro engine management system by Sakata Motorsports, RC Engineering 720cc injectors (x8), JAZ SFI pro-stock fuel cell, custom Nuformz 321-stainless exhaust manifold, GReddy T88-34D turbocharger with 22cm turbine housing, custom Fortin four-speed transmission, Tilton carbon three-disc clutch and high-torque starter, custom ProLite 7075 T6 aluminum flywheel, ProDrive gun-drilled axles
Stiff Stuff Double-adjustable Lamb struts, titanium rear control arms, custom Nuformz chrome-moly with 934 CV hubs, 65-inch custom Nuformz chrome-moly and carbon-fiber traction bars
Rollers 15x8 (front) and 15x4 (rear) Weld Aluma Star wheels; 30x9x15 (front) and 25x4x15 (rear) Goodyear slicks
Outside Carbon-fiber, vacuum-bagged honeycomb-modified SRT-4 body by Big Josh Composites, carbon-fiber front end, custom Lexan windows by 5-Star, carbon-fiber vacuum-bagged doors and wing, Deist parachute, paint by California Custom Paint
Inside MoTeC ADL dash logger, Sparco carbon Touring seat and steering wheel, Fire Safe fire system
Props B.J. Birtwell and everyone at Mopar/Daimler Chrysler; Robert Miller, my crew chief; Brian Sakata and everyone at Sakata Motorsports; Warren Myers and John Wheelis of ProLite Engineering; Pauly Rivera of Movement Race Cars for all of his brilliant design and fabrication; Jesse Nevarez from California Customs; Dave Fisher of ProDrive; Harold Hanneman of Hanneman Fiberglass; Josh Solis of Big Josh Composites; Darrel Cox; Robert Wilson of Modern Image; everyone at Mag Masters; Carl Robinson of Weld Wheels; Dan Mariscal at Inland Powder Coating; Kirby at G&J Aircraft; Abe Rodriguez; my parents, Jerry and Sharon Carlson for believing in me; and last, but not least, my girlfriend, Apollonia , for sticking by my side through tough times. To all of my fans who came out and supported me when I needed it the most-thank you! I would have never made it without any of you!