Take a look at this, Roots Blown Combo’s on No Prep Kings & Competitive Again?
In the adrenaline-fueled world of Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings, the quest for speed never ends. As racers and engineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and strategy, an interesting development has emerged that could shake up the competitive landscape: the potential return of Roots blower setups.
A Competitive Edge with Historical Roots
Roots blowers, once overshadowed by the more popular procharger and screw blower setups, are making waves again in discussions about NPK racing. The key to their resurgence lies in the ability to meet the challenging minimum weight requirement of 2550 lbs for Hemi engines. Achieving this could unlock a significant competitive advantage on the track.
The Challenge of Cutting Weight
The biggest hurdle for teams considering a switch to or the incorporation of Roots blowers is undoubtedly the stringent weight requirement. With the current focus primarily on procharger and screw blowers, the conversation has shifted, spotlighting the potential of the Roots blower setups to compete at a high level—if they can slim down to the magic number.
Trailblazers of the Roots Blower Comeback
Cody Baker and other racers like Adam Jennings, Brody Melton, and Tim Brown have previously showcased what Roots blowers can do in NPK races. Baker, in particular, made history by winning an NPK event with his Roots blower setup, a Mike Janis blower, demonstrating that with the right conditions and configurations, these setups are not just viable but potentially superior. Despite their departure from the NPK scene, the legacy of these racers and their innovative approaches to engine setup continue to inspire and influence the direction of racing strategies.
Feeling the Absence of Roots Veterans
The absence of experienced Roots blower racers such as Baker, Jennings, and Melton from the NPK races has been felt keenly by fans and commentators alike. Their retirement has left a void in the diversity of engine setups seen on the track, making the potential comeback of Roots blowers all the more significant for the series.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Roots blowers are not without their drawbacks. They are generally less efficient than their screw and procharger counterparts, generating more heat and achieving lower horsepower figures—typically around 3,000 hp compared to the 4,000 hp or more from the other setups. However, if a team can successfully meet the 2550 lb weight requirement, the reduced weight could offer a substantial advantage over the heavier setups, potentially offsetting the power disparity.
As Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings continues to evolve, the possible resurgence of Roots blower setups adds an exciting layer of strategic depth to the competition. Whether this old-school technology can truly compete with the modern giants of the track remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the quest for No Prep supremacy, innovation and adaptation are the names of the game.
