IHRA Bracket Racer Wraps Up Season with 1980 Plymouth Volare and 1974 Duster

Michael Beard is preparing for the 2009 IHRA Racing season with his 1980 Plymouth Volare and his 1974 Duster.

Plymouth Volare is powered by a Mopar 350 Magnum Crate Motor
Plymouth Volare is powered by a Mopar 350 Magnum Crate Motor
He wrapped the 2008 season with the $20,000 Footbrake Nationals at Piedmont Dragway near Greensboro, North Carolina. “I had not been in the Volare for over three weeks,” said Beard. “The whole first half of November was devoted to the celebration of my wedding.”
1980 Plymouth Volare at Piedmont Dragway near Greensboro, North Carolina
1980 Plymouth Volare at Piedmont Dragway near Greensboro, North Carolina

1974 Plymouth Duster piloted by bracket race winner Jacob Rutedge
1974 Plymouth Duster piloted by bracket race winner Jacob Rutedge

At the track, Beard had problems in the third round with his tires. “I knew they were old, but thought they would get me through the weekend of racing,” he said. “I finished with my Volare recording an unreal 1.40 60’ time even with cords showing on the tires. They were really good to the bone."

Beard’s Plymouth is powered by a Mopar 360 Magnum crate motor and weighs about 3600 pounds. Beard uses K&N products on and off the track. “I use K&N’s air intake system (57-1516) on my 2000 Dakota Quad Cab with a 4.7 liter engine,” he said. “We save gas and notice improved performance. We also use K&N air and oil filters on all our vehicles. You can’t beat K&N for reliability on and off the track.”

Beard’s friend and former $20,000 bracket race winner Jacob Rutedge piloted his Plymouth Duster at Piedmont Dragway. “Jacob made it to the third round in one entry and the fourth round in another race,” said Beard. “He did well even though it was his first time driving the Duster.”

Beard’s 1974 Duster was on loan throughout the 2008 season and in competitions at Jefferson Pageland Dragstrip in Jefferson, South Carolina, Farmington Dragway in Mocksville, North Carolina and Mooresville Dragway near Mooresville, North Carolina.

“We had a good season and had a winning quality combination with K&N,” he said. “Our K&N products are well made and easy to install. We gain a lot of power with K&N.”

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.