It's not an uncommon occurrence for WA drag racers in the Super Street category to line up against a Police Officer and race down the Perth Motorplex quarter-mile. After a long and productive service the recent WA Drag Racing Grand Finals, was the last championship event for Tango 1, a car that has been in competition since 2003 spreading it's message "Racing for Road Safety" and encouraging those who want to race to stay off the streets and head to the controlled environment of a race track.
The Beat the Heat (WA) program was designed to build alliances between young drivers and the Police.
By using the common interest of motorsport, Beat the Heat provided opportunities to educate young drivers. Its main purpose was to create some interaction that ultimately would bring about changes in attitudes that will encourage responsible driver behaviour and acceptance of the road rules in the community.
The main objective of the Beat the Heat (WA) program is to reduce the incidents of illegal street racing and encourage participation in the sport of drag racing in a safe and controlled environment.
Recently we received an email from Sergeant Mike Pearson letting us know that it was time to say goodbye to Tango 1.
“As we all get a little older, we reminisce about the things we have achieved in the past. For some, the transition to retirement is a daunting one, but one we will all be faced with at some point in the future.
“The recent WA Drag Racing Grand Finale at Perth Motorplex saw Tango 1 compete at her last official National Drag Racing Event,” said Sergeant Pearson
Tango 1 was commissioned in 2003 when the original Tango 1, a VQ Holden Statesman was decommissioned.
Since that time, Tango 1 has had four different livery packages and has recently been repainted and a new police livery package fitted.
Since inception, Tango 1 has had three different engine combinations, has destroyed one engine, four transmissions and five differentials.
She has competed in racing events and static displays around the state, including the Perth Motorplex, Barbagallo Raceway, Newman, Carnarvon, Wongan Hills, Trayning, Merredin, Katanning, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Brookton and has even ventured to Darwin.
Tango 1 has been estimated to have done in excess of 2000 quarter mile passes.
Vehicle Specs
Vehicle:
1997 Holden Commodore HSV Manta Sedan donated by GM Holden Ltd.
Engine:
L98 6.0 litre Chevrolet V8 tuned by Rob @ House of Power, Kardinya
Heads:
Standard GM Fitted with H/P valve springs
Cam Shaft:
Custom grind by House of Power
Induction:
Victor Junior inlet manifold with 1375 CFM throttle body
Exhaust:
1 7/8th inch 4 into 1 Pacemaker Extractors fitted with 3” dump pipes
Gearbox:
Turbo 350 fitted with manual valve body and reverse shift pattern
Torque Converter:
Allfast 5200 rpm Hi-Stall
Differential:
Standard Borg Warner IRS (Mini Spool) fitted with 4.11 gears
Current Engine Output:
408 Horsepower or 304 Kilowatts @ rear wheels
Best E.T.: 10.79 seconds
Best 60”: 1.525 seconds
Top speed: 122.95 Mph or 197.86 Kmh.
Tango 1 will not be decommissioned and will remain in full race trim as she transitions into “semi” retirement at the Motor Museum of WA at Whiteman Park.
Sergeant Pearson closed off with a grin and said, “Who knows she may come out to play at the odd event in the distant future.”
For further information on Beat the Heat (WA) Inc