Meyer Owns $7.2 Million Dragstrip

While it would be ludicrous to suggest that Billy Meyer built his $7.2 million Texas Motorplex simply as a test facility, having the world’s fastest dragstrip right in his own backyard is bound to benefit the 32-year-old Texan in his 1987 Winston World Championship bid.

Third in last year’s Funny Car driver standings, Meyer is hoping to reap the first ancillary benefits of racetrack ownership this weekend in the 27th annual Chief Auto Parts Winternationals at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds.

Coming off a week of extensive testing at a Motorplex track that last year yielded world records in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories, Meyer hopes to end a National Hot Rod Assn. victory drought dating back to July, 1984.

Of course, a test facility only is beneficial when one has something to test. In Meyer’s case, there never has been a shortage of concepts although they haven’t always developed as anticipated.

In fact, one of the most successful, the creation of an engine which effectively used nitrous oxide, was deep-sixed by NHRA technical officials spooked by the alleged volatility of what commonly is known as “laughing gas.”

Now Meyer is embarked on another program being closely scrutinized by the sport’s primary governing body.

His swoopy new Chief Auto Parts entry boasts the most sophisticated electronics in the sport. The system, developed by former U.S. National champion Dave Settles, is capable of monitoring more than 50 functions. In Meyer’s words, “it has more sensors than Saturday Night Live.”

The difference between Settles Flow Dynamics system and most of the other “on-board” units is that it is not siply a data recorder. Instead, it is a true computer capable of performing a variety of special functions.

It is that ability which has attracted the attention of NHRA’s own censors ostensibly intent upon “protecting the integrity of the sport.”

NHRA fears that computers will take over to the extent that they will assume responsibility for very human things like shifting gears and operating the throttle control.

From Meyer’s standpoint, they needn’t worry.

“That’s the part I enjoy,” said the 10-time NHRA tour winner. “I pride myself on being able to leave (the starting line) on time and of being able to ‘backpedal’ (the art of feathering the throttle just enough to regain traction).

“But I can appreciate their concern. We’re all going to need to sit down sometime soon and review the current guidelines but, in the meantime, we woudl be foolish not to develop the system to its full potential. One thing about drag racing is that you can’t stand still. It’s a sport of constant change.”

The youngest driver ever licensed to drive a pro Funny Car at the age of 16, Meyer has been one of the most successful in adapting to that climate of change. He won his first major race in 1972 and, since deciding in 1977 to make racing his career, has rarely been otu of World Championship contention.

Six times in the last 10 seasons, he finished third or higher in the NHRA World Championship standings. And in no one year has he failed to reach the finals at least one time. Last year, he got to the money round three times--and lost.