If you have a question, send it to Ask Larry . Larry Pritchett will answer your question as soon as his schedule will allow. His response will be posted to this page.

Q - How do I get an autographed picture of Larry Pritchett.?
A - Send your request, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Pritchett Racing Engines
6003 South York Highway
Clarkrange , TN 38553
Or call (931) 863-3199

Make sure the envelope will hold an 8" X 10" photo without folding.

Q - How big is the engine that you run in Competition Eliminator?
A - 373 cubic inches, depending on my class.

Q - What kind of transmissions do you use?
A - Although there are several different brands of transmissions, we use a five-speed transmission. We use an air-shifted Jerico.

Q - Why do you do burnouts?
A - Doing a water burnout heats up the rubber on the tires and allows more traction on the starting line.

Q - How much horsepower does your engine have?
A - Anywhere from 770-780 horsepower, depending on the engine.

Q - Why do you have paint on the tires?
A - This gives us a reference point when we video tape the car. We can tell if the tires are spinning too much when the car leaves the starting line. We can also tell if the tires are distorting which may indicate a chassis change.

Q - Why do you paint the wheelie bars?
A - This is for reference while filming the car. The marks left by the wheelie bars indicate how the chassis is working. Wheelie bars can actually drive the race car left or right when leaving the starting line. If the wheelie bars are adjusted incorrectly, they can cause the car to go left or right, as well as stand up hard on the wheelie bars, unload the rear of the car and spin the tires.

Q - How much does your car weigh?
A - The car has to weigh 2510 pounds, depending on class, with the driver in the car. It can weigh more, but not less. The key is to go across the scales, after the run, at 2510-2515 pounds.

Q - How do I become a driver? Do you have any tips?
A - The first thing you need to do is get a license. Roy Hill and Frank Hawley have great driving schools. If you get your license and like the sport enough to be dedicated to it, start slow and build up to the speeds necessary to be competitive. The drivers that drive over their head usually get into trouble. It's better to lift and drive another race than to drive with your ego and crash. Good luck with your endeavors!

Q - How does a person go about getting a job on a race team?
A - The best way to get a job on a race team is to submit your resume to the various teams. The most important requirement of most of the teams is a clean CDL. All of our crew members have CDL's and drive the rigs to and from the races. The more mechanical experience you have, the better. Although, it is not necessarily a requirement depending on what job you may be hired to do. A lot of positions offer on the job training. The crew person must be able to travel for long periods of time, stay in a room with other crew members and be able to adhere to flexible scheduling. A positive, cheerful attitude is a must!

Q - How much fuel does your car use on a run?
A - About 1 gallon.

Q - My son wants to become a race engine builder. What suggestions do you have for his training and education?
A - The best place to find training as an engine builder is probably at Roy Hill's Drag Racing School since he once had engine training as part of his school. He has a web site at www.royhillracing.com.