Video: 392 HEMI-Powered '52 DeSoto Takes on Spectre 341 Challenge

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Before you snicker at another "Old Guys Rule" T-shirt, think twice. That shirt just might be a fair warning. Vegas native Dean Smith might be a rookie to the Spectre 341 Challenge, now kicking off its second year, but he's no greenhorn when it comes to road racing. Showing up in a rather demure-looking 1952 DeSoto, the light blue business coupe actually packs quite a punch.


Images: Spectre Performance

Riding on a '73 Camaro sub frame, the DeSoto touts a throaty '57 Chrysler 392ci HEMI (y'know, the same HEMI that propelled the C-300 to a land speed record in 1957) and backed by a three-speed TorqueFlite 727 automatic. While the DeSoto has yet to participate in any south-of-the-border races, it has made the dash up Pike's Peak in Colorado. Having driven in the La Carrera Panamericana six times in a '61 Chrysler, Dean is quite the veteran and is expected to do just fine at this year's Spectre 341 Challenge.



Interested in knowing more about the Spectre 341 Challenge? Check out the original announcement here:

Spectre Performance is heading back to Virginia City for the second running of the Spectre 341 Challenge on one of the most technical and thrilling mountain roads in the United States. After a stellar turnout at the inaugural event in 2010 that included world-famous drivers and high-profile media coverage, the 2011 event promises to be even better with a variety of exotic cars and new activities. The race, set for June 17-19, 2011, will pit supercars, muscle cars and imports against the clock in a full-throttle blast up the mountain road, which will be closed to the public for the event.

The Speed by Spectre 341 Challenge is a rare opportunity to drive flat-out on one of the most technical and aggressive stretch of mountain road in the country, without the worry of oncoming traffic or law enforcement. The paved course is 5.2 miles long with 22+ turns, a 1,216-foot rise in elevation, steep drop offs and no guardrails! Vehicles must be street-legal and registered. Tires must be DOT legal. Event highlights will include a track talk, warm up laps, class qualifying, a car show and parade through the iconic old-west style mining town, two days of racing and a banquet for all participants. The road will be closed for racing in coordination with local agencies, and once again competitors will have a chance to be inducted into the exclusive “3:41 Club” if they can crack the three-minute, forty-one second barrier.

“This is one of the only events in the world where a driver can show up with a street car and truly test the vehicle and themselves in a real-world environment,” says Spectre Performance founder Amir Rosenbaum. “We are in the speed business – we engineer and sell cold air intakes for muscle cars and late model vehicles. This is more than a race – it’s about having fun. We work with FM3 Marketing to present a professional, well-organized, fun weekend at a cool old-west town where the entire family can show up, hang out with other car nuts and have a great time. The 2011 Spectre 341 Challenge will feature even more racing and family activities.”




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