After all the extensive coverage of major events like the Street Car Takeover at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida or the exhilarating action at 2024’s TX2K event at Texas Motorplex, the ImportRace channel on YouTube returns to its usual spot – Island Dragway – for another Test & Tune Day filled with local excitement.
Following the myriad spectacles witnessed at BRP and the Texas Motorplex, ranging from crashes to record-breaking runs, sleepers to stick shift marvels, exotics to six-second beasts, and everything in between, it may be time to shift focus. However, when dealing with a quarter-mile dragstrip, even one slightly smaller like Island Dragway, settling down is not in the cards.
Though not a relic of yesteryears, it becomes evident as the Road Runner’s massive Hoosier rear tires screech into action that this example is no ordinary contemporary ride. The video pits the Plymouth against two formidable opponents – a C5 Chevrolet Corvette and a Buick Regal, representing their respective eras. However, these challengers underestimated the prowess of the classic muscle car.
In the first encounter, the fast Mopar charges off the line to a remarkable 10.4-second victory, leaving its competitors trailing behind with a 12.53-second finish. A subsequent battle against the Buick Regal further solidifies the Road Runner’s dominance, clocking in at an impressive 9.97 seconds compared to its opponent’s 11.93 seconds.
While the occasional nine-second pass is a rarity, a solo run following the showdowns showcases the Road Runner’s consistent performance, recording a roaring 10.45-second elapsed time. Indeed, witnessing such feats from a car hailing from the 1970s is nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the blend of classic charm and modern engineering prowess showcased by the Plymouth Road Runner.