Ever wondered what it would be like to take a pass down the strip disguised as a fireball of fury? This insane video will allow just that, from a safe distance. From a multitude of different camera angles, ride along with driver Simon Travaglini, as he pilots his Ford Falcon down the strip masquerading as a blazing inferno.
The Australian, Simon “Gonzo” Travaglini, is the team owner and driver of Team Ford Falcon Racing. The car, a blown alcohol Falcon, donned the name “BA Baracus”, is known as the world‘s quickest steel bodied car. If this nickname sounds familiar, think back to the days of the popular television show, The A-Team and the mohawk daunting brute, Mr. T. Rough, tough, and bad ass, the name is pretty fitting.
The pass at Kwinana Motorplex in Western Australia began somewhat uneventful. Lined up against Anthony Begley, Simon was quick off the tree with a .004 reaction time and a quick 60 foot to start, at a 1.01. At 330 feet, the racing was still exciting but nothing out of the norm. About 700 feet out, BA Baracus drops a valve and at roughly 1,000 feet: a spew of oil envelop most of the car. Travaglinis’ car engulfs in flame as he continues to careen down the drag strip. Completing the run and getting the car to a stop, Simons’ whoops and hollers are very understandable as the remaining flames are extinguished on the home-built Baracus. Thankfully, Travaglini was uninjured.
Watch this video, courtesy of Simon Travaglini as he and BA Baracus turn race car gone ablaze. And watch close, because in case you didn’t notice, Travaglini takes the win over Begley: call it crazy or determined, he stays in it and crosses the line aflame, clicking off a 6.11 at 220+ mph.