The Rat Trap Fuel Altered will be at the MCMJ event. Ron Hope will be firing up this famous dragster throughout the night and no doubt thrilling the large crowd expected at the event. We were looking for a unique music act for the parking lot area and now we’ve found it!!

About the Rat Trap

The Rat Trap Fuel Altered celebrates 40 years of excitement. Since its initial construction in late 1968 and initial debut in early 1969, no other Fuel Altered has been as highly publicized as the Rat Trap. Its unique construction and design were an innovation unmatched by the other Fuel Altereds of it’s time. Independent front suspension was first criticized and laughed at by its competitors, but later earned the respect of those who taunted it.
The bantam body and Dennis Watson chassis were complimented by the high horse power, nitro burning Chrysler built and tuned by Don Green. The list of drivers for this radical creation reads like a who’s who of drag racing at the time. Such names as Gary Gabclich, George Hutchison, Dan Collins, Frank Harris, Dan Guyger, along with numerous others all took turns at guiding this Fuel Altered down the quarter mile.

The original car competed from 1969 through 1973, when it was sold to a racer in Alaska. The original car still exists today, although several modifications have been made over the years. The present car, which is an exact recreation of the original, was built in 1995-1996 and began active competition in 1997. As with the original car, Dennis Watson did the chassis layout. The body and paint scheme mirrored the original car and Don Green, once again, provided tuning expertise for the nitro burning Chrysler.

In the summer of 2004, the Rat Trap with 4 other fuel Altereds (Nanook, Pure Heaven, Pure Hell and Bradford’s Fiat) traveled to England as the guest of Lord March. All five cars thrilled fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This car has been on the match race circuit each year since its reconstruction, with Ron Hope at the controls. Brian Hope assumed the duties as Crew Chief in 2004 and continues in that capacity. Sadly, Don Green passed away in September of 2007.

The Rat Trap continues during 2008, celebrating 40 years of bringing fans to their feet and providing unmatched excitement. During the 2008 season, this 40th anniversary will be celebrated with special T-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia. Be sure to watch the website for information as these items become available. We look forward to seeing all of our fans this coming season as they join us in this 40th anniversary. Check our schedule for dates and locations where are match races will occur.