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| General History |
The California Independent Funny Car Association (CIFCA) is a west coast drag racing
association that specializes in affordable funny car shows. The membership currently
consists of over 3 dozen funny car teams in 7 western states. There is also a general
membership program for fans and race enthusiasts. The majority of the funny cars are
powered by supercharged. alcohol engines. The variety in body styles makes them vary
popular with a large array of fans. Heavy emphasis is placed on side-by-side burnouts,
reliability and showmanship.
The members compete for points, cash and contingencies. They also take great pride in their
operations, which is evident by their participation in the numerous car shows, trade
conventions and promotions.
A funny car designed to compete on the CIFCA circuit requires only moderate maintenance
once at the racetrack. Engines will usually last a complete season between teardowns.
Approximately 1200 horsepower is necessary for a 2000-pound funny car to able to run mid
seven-second elapsed times in the quarter mile. Consistency is the name of the game
association that specializes in affordable funny car shows. The membership currently
consists of over 3 dozen funny car teams in 7 western states. There is also a general
membership program for fans and race enthusiasts. The majority of the funny cars are
powered by supercharged. alcohol engines. The variety in body styles makes them vary
popular with a large array of fans. Heavy emphasis is placed on side-by-side burnouts,
reliability and showmanship.
The members compete for points, cash and contingencies. They also take great pride in their
operations, which is evident by their participation in the numerous car shows, trade
conventions and promotions.
A funny car designed to compete on the CIFCA circuit requires only moderate maintenance
once at the racetrack. Engines will usually last a complete season between teardowns.
Approximately 1200 horsepower is necessary for a 2000-pound funny car to able to run mid
seven-second elapsed times in the quarter mile. Consistency is the name of the game
| The 1980's |
CIFCA was originated in 1984 as the California Injected Funny Car Association. It consisted of
several econo funnies that would compete in 2-6 car match races at Los Angeles County
Raceway and Firebird International Raceway. Among the originals were Jim McClure’s
"Mirage" Mustang, Gene Addison’s Vega, and Virgil Hartman’s "Running Wild" Corvette.
Virgil Hartman was elected president in 1985 & 1986. His son Richard won the championship
both years. The association competed on a 7.90 index and the membership grew to 16
teams. The foundation was set.
David Rankin was elected president in 1987 and 1988. He also was the championship during
his both of his terms.
Superchargers were voted in during 1988. Tony Rishton was the first to run a blower though
Rankin enjoyed numerous successes in his blown BBC Arrow. The membership increased to
18 teams.
In 1989, Jim Maher was elected president and still holds that position today. Highlights of
1989 include: Origination of Injection Connection, a quarterly race tabloid published on behalf
of the CIFCA; the association’s name was changed from "Injected" to "Independent"; Robert
Joy won the championship over Pete Mark.
Click here to continue with History
several econo funnies that would compete in 2-6 car match races at Los Angeles County
Raceway and Firebird International Raceway. Among the originals were Jim McClure’s
"Mirage" Mustang, Gene Addison’s Vega, and Virgil Hartman’s "Running Wild" Corvette.
Virgil Hartman was elected president in 1985 & 1986. His son Richard won the championship
both years. The association competed on a 7.90 index and the membership grew to 16
teams. The foundation was set.
David Rankin was elected president in 1987 and 1988. He also was the championship during
his both of his terms.
Superchargers were voted in during 1988. Tony Rishton was the first to run a blower though
Rankin enjoyed numerous successes in his blown BBC Arrow. The membership increased to
18 teams.
In 1989, Jim Maher was elected president and still holds that position today. Highlights of
1989 include: Origination of Injection Connection, a quarterly race tabloid published on behalf
of the CIFCA; the association’s name was changed from "Injected" to "Independent"; Robert
Joy won the championship over Pete Mark.
Click here to continue with History
| CIFCA 8305 Boron Way Sacramento, CA 95828 phone 209-992-8007: fax: 916-681-8036 jamie@cifcaracing.com |
| History |
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