Drag racer Tim Slavens is dubbed "The Wolverine" by his peers for his ferocity on the strip. And his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is dubbed “The Outlaw" for its intimidating presence on the track and wanting to follow its own rulebook. But at a recent event at Georgia Motorsports Park, which was released Wednesday on YouTube channel FloRacing, it turns out that going aerodynamic might also be part of the muscle car's agenda.
This Camaro Hit The Air After Popping A Wheelie
It all started during a practice run at the Diamond Pistons Lights Out 12 drag event, with Slavens starting in the right-hand lane. The moment the tree lit green, Slavens gunned down the quarter-mile strip. Almost immediately after, his Camaro started popping a wheelie and things went hairy from that point on.
The front end quickly came down, but the wheels bouncing back onto the asphalt caused it to aim skyward once more. Only this time, the entire Camaro became airborne, covering more than half the distance of the track several feet off the ground. And just when it looked like the Camaro was about to flip, the drag chute that Slaven prematurely opened slowed the vehicle down to land on the median before he was able to stabilize the car in his lane.
A 3500-Horsepower Engine Helped Put The Camaro Aloft
Credit Slavens' quick thinking for avoiding what could have been a tragic finish. But the incident served as a sobering reminder about the power of a car with a twin-turbo V8 that's capable of delivering 3,500 horsepower to its rear wheels.
Admittedly, the acrobatics launched Slavens several car lengths ahead of his left-lane competitor, but in the end, officials declared the incident as a crash. Slavens appeared unhurt after the mishap, while the video didn't indicate any visible damage to the Camaro.
This '69 Camaro Can Really Fly
There is no shortage of things that gearheads can do to a late-'60s Camaro, a fave for tinkering. Outfitting one with a 750-horsepower Mercury engine is one option. Adding a massive blower to the engine is another. Or if you're really creative, restomodding with accessories from rear spoilers to gravel-grazing bumpers is another outrageous way to make that Camaro look even tougher.
But flying a Camaro? Only if nobody gets hurt.