"If they have any type of knowledge they're willing to share with you, take it." "If somebody's willing to help you, take it," she said. Mattie Graves meanwhile has soaked up lessons both from her father and a variety of other racers. As a result, he believes their success comes from not being overly aggressive. While he is naturally competitive, he has worked hard to find the balance between pushing Mattie to the limit of both her and the car's abilities and not forcing too much at once. He also points to patience as something he's learned from his daughter throughout her career. Before Mattie began driving a dragster, he had her attend the esteemed Frank Hawley Drag Racing School and took the class alongside her to ensure they were on the same page. However, he is not just the team leader, he is also a doting father. "I think they're just more interested that somebody else is out there running a different power adder than they are."Ī team of family and friends attends each race, with Mike Graves serving as crew chief. "They know that we need a minute when we get up there so they're cool," Mattie Graves said. They note there was some trepidation amongst competitors when they first moved outside the diesel world, but they have worked hard to earn respect from all racers. Still, the MoTec computer system is helping Mike and Mattie Graves make gains. Plus, some of her gasoline-powered competitors can run significantly more advanced engine setups. On the flip side, the diesel is heavier than the gasoline-powered machines Graves competes against in PDRA, and the nature of diesel technology means the staging process takes a little longer. We come back to the pit, we cool down and then we're ready to go."Īn example of that simple maintenance comes in the fact the oil pan hasn't been off of the engine in three years. If you have a gasser you're taking the heads off, you're checking the valves, you're replacing the spark plugs. "We change the oil every other race, or if we're making a lot of laps probably at the end of the race or a test session. "Maintenance is minimal," Mattie Graves said. While the Graves run a diesel dragster in some ways to be different and take on a unique challenge, there is also a benefit to the engine known for its distinct exhaust smoke and scent. At the PRI show, the dragster was in the S&S Diesel Motorsport booth, and its staff is often at the track to help tune the car. S&S Diesel also handles the electronics with a control package that includes a variety of MoTec components, including the ECU. The power plant is mated to a Coan Turbo 400 lock-up transmission utilizing a ProTorque Pro EV1 lock-up torque converter.įuel is delivered via an S&S Diesel Motorsport Common Rail Diesel Fuel System. Twin stainless 5Blade Mafia 468/83 turbos provide boost and a Nitrous Express three-stage system works to help spool the turbos and cool the engine. In addition to the LML block, the engine's stout components include Wagler billet LBZ cylinder heads and aluminum rods, Ross Pistons, a Weinberg crank, Alternate Fire cam and an HSP/Limitless Diesel billet intake. The Graves' 6.6L Duramax engine was built by Matt Hatfield of Danville Performance. "I've been with GM my whole life and we started racing with the Duramax. Mike Graves explained that they chose the LML for its strong webbing and casting, along with familiarity with the brand. "It's a goal that every one of us chases after, setting that record," Mike Graves said.Įven more special was the fact they did it with a stock General Motors LML block. At the strip in Mechanicsville, she turned in a blast of 3.963 seconds at 187 mph. In addition, the Graves team has recently been competing in the Top Dragster class at some Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) events.īut perhaps Mattie Graves' most impressive feat was setting both the Duramax and overall diesel-powered world record in the eighth-mile at her home track of Maryland International Raceway in the fall. Ultimately, she finished second in the final point standings. The first came at Tennessee's Crossville Dragway during her rookie year, and she scored her second triumph at Wagler Motorsports Park in Lyons, Indiana, during the 2022 campaign. Since then she's won two events in her twin-turbo, 6.6L Duramax-powered rail. Mattie Graves rose through the racing ranks quickly, going from racing locally in 2019 to joining the Pro Dragster class of the Outlaw Diesel Super Series for the 2021 season.
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