Photo Gallery : Automotive

The Rat Trap, as we know it today, is the latest version of the original built in 1968 at the shop of chassis builder Dennis Watson.It is the latest in a series of Rat Trap Fuel Altereds. The previous two Rat Trap Fuel Altereds ran from 1965 through 1968 and were conventional in design.

The 1969 creation however was revolutionary. It was designed with independent front suspension, a nitro burning Chrysler Hemi engine and a unique paint scheme. The name Rat Trap was the product of the "engine wars" of the 60's when Chevrolet powered altereds (big block Chevrolet engines called "rat motors") challenged the Chrysler powered altereds.

The Rat Trap was one of four cars which made up the legendary Fuel Altered Tours of 1970, '71 and '72. Other cars on that tour were Willie Borsch with the Winged Express, Pure Heaven II and the Magnificent 7.

Five Fuel Altereds, led by the Rat Trap, were featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and at the 50th Anniversary of the NHRA U.S. Nationals. Four of these very special cars also participate in match-races across the U.S., Canada and Great Britain. During the autumn of 2005 the tour traveled to Hawaii and Australia to delight fans.

Owned by Ron Hope, this dragster lead off all European and Formula 1 races in 2007, after which it was retired to the Dragster Hall of Fame.

Courtesy Rat Trap Racing.