Tyler Hilton knew from the moment he climbed behind the wheel of the Hilton/Lee Family Great Expectations Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster that fire was very much a possibility.
At the NHRA Holley Hot Rod Reunion hosted by Beech Bend drag strip in Bowling Green, Ohio, Hilton experienced one of the worst efires any driver in racing seen in a front motored Top Fuel car in decades.
During the opening round alongside of Adam Sorokin, Hilton engine suffered a catastrophic failure. There was a decomposition of internal parts which ended up compromising the valley of the manifold so the whole lifter valley of the engine was exposed so when the oil, fuel, air and spark ensued, resulting in a massive conflagration.
“That is where most of the intense fire in my face came from” explained Hilton. The fire began at about 1000 feet and continued to burn ferociously deep down into the shutdown area.
Many of the veteran spectators and competitors who were in attendance stated that the fire that Hilton had suffered was eerily like that fire that John “The Zookeeper” Mulligan suffered at Indy in 1969. Mulligan succumbed to his burns and injuries 17 days later.
According to Hilton the fire started out bad and seemly got worse. He was grateful for all safety gear he wears.
“I always wear Nomex underwear, and have always worn the Kevlar under gloves, and the fresh air system these items saved me” Hilton said. “Had I not used this stuff I would have been badly hurt, I know it” he later opined.
Hilton added that the safety team at Beech Bend was extraordinary and did their job wonderfully.
“We are making some changes in the safety department,” Hilton explained. “And make some changes to the cockpit.” “I am going to have Dennis (Taylor Motorsports) make some adjustments to my new fire suit. I am going to have them add layers to the top of the suit, as that is where most of the fire and heat did the damage to the old suit.”
The team is also looking to do something with the windshield to help push air/fire up over the cockpit.
The team is in the process of rebuilding the car, they are bound and determined to make it to Boise for the next round of the Heritage Series Race, in Idaho in August.
