SOUL MATES - Chuck and Sandra Beal - 1963 Corvette Top Sportsman Race Car

Ronda Certo ph

Will McDougal photo

oto

story and photos by

W

Chris Biro

e’d be lying if we didn’t admit that the love of fast cars is a male dominated thing, and often misunderstood by our better halves. Finding a female who doesn’t think we’re nuts for ogling over the sheetmetal of a well-restored muscle car, breaking out into a cold sweat every time we have an opportunity to head to the dragstrip, or missing damn near anything

SOUL MATES AT THE HIT Sandra gets a good hold of the starting line at TMP on her way to a mid 7-second quarter mile hit!

DragNden photo

!!!

56

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

GRAPHIC IMPACT Chuck and Sandra called on Clearshot Customs to polish and maintain the Vette’s paint. In addition to the sleek graphics along the car’s flanks and scoop, more subtle touches like airbrushed emblems and ghost flames on the hood really set the Chevy apart.

for the chance to wrench on a serious engine is slim to none—let alone meeting a girl who wants to actually drive one.

Enter Chuck Beal and his wife Sandra Carter-Beal: Chuck being the owner and Sandra being the pilot of a sweet, low-seven second naturally-aspirated carbon bodied ’63 Vette. Yep, you heard us right— Sandra drives it!

The duo, hailing from Port Dover, Ontario, Canada seem to make the perfect

team, but there’s no silver spoon in this story. In fact, this low-slung, heavy hittin’ Top Sportsman drag car is the product of a lot of knuckle busting late nights and a learning curve that spans more than a few years.

“We didn’t just start here,” Chuck explained firmly.

“A lot of people look at owners of a car at this level and make a lot of assumptions.

We’ve come from 11-seconds, to 8s, to this and did

SUPERIOR HEAT PROTECTION FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE MUFFLER SHIELD KIT

Greatly reduce radiant heat from mufflers and helps keep interiors cool and comfortable.

(800) 264-9472 DesignEngineering.com

INCLUDES FREE LOCKING TIE TOOL!

ONYX PIPE SHIELD

With advanced textiles and a reliable standoff bracket design, out performs other heat shields. Comes in a NOW AVAILABLE AT rich black finish.

SERIES

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016 wrap

shield

57

LIGHT WEIGHT HEAVY HITTER The carbon fJCFr body that sits on the S&W chassis is unmistakably a split window coupe rather than an overly stretched/modified piFDF like many today. The lines of the split window just never get old. so on our own dime, and with a lot of hard work. Some think that we’re unapproachable, but we are exactly the opposite,” added the longtime heavy truck mechanic turned ace outside parts man for Metro Truck. “We make it a point to welcome everybody over to visit us while we’re at the track or a show.

We want to help get as many people interested in these cars as we can.”

THE NATURAL

Chuck grew up in the automotive industry and can con-

58

fidently say, that if it has an engine chances are he’s worked on it.

From street machines to bikes, sleds (that’s Canadian for snowmobiles, or as they say in Alaska “snow machines”) heavy trucks, and eventually drag cars.

“Chuck grew up working hard to modify and drive his favorite cars and even belonged to the Corvette Club,” told Sandra.

“Anything automotive or mechanically-related he is naturally talented with. He can make anything happen that he sets his mind

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

SOUL MATES

ASPIRATION AU NATURALE The Keith Black block is topped by EPD heads and fabricated intake with twin Holley 1350 cfm Dominators. Even though the big block is set low in the chassis, the massive heads and length of intake runners place the peak well above the fenders and cowl.

Chassis Engineering’s Outlaw “TRIPLE” Adjustable Ladder Bars The ultimate ladder bar for heavy, high horsepower race cars. 360 degree housing brackets w/integrated shock mounts. Chromoly construction for strength and lightweight. Includes all rod ends, hardware and brackets.

3606 3606A

$499.95 (pr) 36” Outlaw Adj. Ladder Bar Weld-up Kit $474.95 pr

The chassis prof30esyesioarnas ls for over

Toll Free Ordering: 800-327-9402 Info & Tech: 561-863-2188

chassisengineering.com

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016

59

SOUL MATES

TOTAL DOMINATION 2,700 cfm of Holley Dominator sits atop the 706 Rat. to. Wiring schematics, welding, fabrication, you name it.”

A perfectionist, Beal keeps everything he lends his hands to in top-shelf working order and Sandra says he’s just as meticulous when it comes to their race cars.

“He goes over the engine after every pass. We have developed a system we adhere to always and it has worked very well for us. When we return to the pits from a run, before anything else happens, he goes over the car with a

60

fine toothed comb and then sets it up for the next pass. He is in tune with trouble shooting and proactive in everything, and loves finding ways to make power- even our golf cart was modified

by Chuck. Everything has HIS personalized touch,” she added.

DESTINY

Sandra grew up in her dad’s shadow when it came to cars, learning at an early age how to perform general engine maintenance like replacing gaskets, changing

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

spark plugs, batteries, tires and oil—you know, the things you always associate with a teenage girl. Being around cars became pretty comfortable for Sandra, but she’s admittedly a little rusty with a wrench since meeting Chuck who spoils her with his mechanical talent.

“I began babysitting for Benny and Brenda Grevers at a young age and eventually was invited to a track day with them.”

Grevers, a well-known drag racer, could be found at the dragstrip

most any weekend and was unknowingly creating his biggest fan and soon-to-be drag racer.

“From the very second we neared the track I knew this was where I wanted to be,” said Sandra with a smile. “Benny let me hang around the pits bugging to help and asking a lot of questions. He gave me some small tasks (that I think no one else wanted to do), like hooking up the fan to cool the motor, jumping in the driver seat to follow firing

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016

61

SOUL MATES 1963 CORVETTE TOP SPORTSMAN RACE CAR

DragNden photo

Owner: Chuck Beal Driver: Sandra Carter-Beal Chassis Type & Mods: Complete S&W Race Cars chassis certified for 6.00 elapsed times in the quarter mile.

Suspension & Brakes: FRONT: S&W suspension with Strange struts.

REEAR: S&W 4-link and Koni coilover. Strange dual caliper per wheel brake system.

Body & Paint: Carbon fiber body. Paint polishing and maintenance work

by Clearshot Customs.

Engine: Jan-Cen Racing Engines built and tuned 706 ci big block Chevy.

Keith Black block with Brodix EPD 650 heads.

Induction: Sheet metal EPD intake with twin Holley Dominator 1350 carbs.

Electronics & Ignition: MSD Digital 7 ignition, Speedwire wiring.

Transmission & Converter: Two-speed Powerglide. Converter built by Carl at Competition Transmissions.

Rear Di˜ erential: Fab 9 from Mark Williams.

Performance: 7.40 at 189 mph.

Thanks: Bruce Todd who has been a reliable crew member and friend over the last five years. The first to help us get setup, tear down, and everything in between. He has been a huge support and willing to go that extra mile for the team without question. He has learned a lot from Chuck including the mechanics of race cars– he has come a long way.

Aaron Brooks was new to us in the latter part of last season helping with PR and doing a great job with it. Special thanks to Mike Yedgarian & Sharon Somerville for constant support and help with the car. Thanks to Metro Truck Group, Hips Cycle, Kreative Khaos, Matco Tools (James Bottling), Jan-Cen Racing Engines, Ontario Street Car Association, Toronto Motorsports Park, VP Race Fuels, Eddie Timal, Nick, Chris, Rick and Christine, John & Carol, Randy and Nicole, Les, Benny, Fred, Joe & Valerie, Yvonne Jim and Kim. Thanks to all the photographers and track staff everywhere who work SO HARD to capture memories and provide the safest environment possible.

instructions, checking tire pressure, the battery hook up, even riding around on the passenger floor while he was warming up the car. I always recall him stepping on the gas to throw me back, which he thought was hilarious! I’d help get to the staging lanes and eventually started to drive the car to the lanes myself and Ben would get me to watch his pass and report back on how it looked.” After graduating high school, Sandra went on to

college and graduated from Medical Administration which is the field in which she works today.

“When I returned from college, I met Chuck through my sister Donna and we became inseparable.

We have always been active in anything with power: motorcycling, snowmobiling, and quading. Although I haven’t been able to get him into downhill skiing with me,” she laughed.

Soon, Chuck would meet Sandra’s

horsepower mentor Ben and also started to hit the dragstrip.

“The next thing I knew there was an old car in our driveway and we made plans to take it to the track,” Sandra continued.

“Since then Chuck has done all his own research and majority of repairs and builds.”

Beal went a bit further than most with his interest in drag racing and tested to be an IHRA Tech Inspector, following which he promptly assumed the role

Because Quality Matters.

9” Billiet Aluminum Center Section Starting at $4,245

Tia Elizabeth photo

For information on the new 9’ Billet Aluminum center section and much more, visit us at Strangeeng.net or call us at 847-663-1701

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016

63

SOUL MATES of head Tech Inspector at Toronto Motorsports Park for four years.

The QBir went through more than a few rides to get to where they are today, including a steel bodied 70 ½ Camaro that they completely rebuilt into a mid 8-second monster, and even a stint on two wheels with Sandra riding a downright sinister looking 2006 V Rod Destroyer! But the ’63 is Chuck’s dream car.

The DBr was found in Connecticut on a popular race parts classified website in fall of 2014. The DBSbon fiber bodied Vette is based on an S&W chassis and had won two IHRA National events before the seller decided to retire from racing.

“We made three trips there,” said Carter-Beal.

“The GJSst was to look the car over, the second to make the down payment and the third to bring it home with

64

us. Chuck and I made these trips down together and I will never forget how beautiful the drive was and how everyone was so friendly and hospitable.”

IT ALL STARTS WITH A GOOD FOUNDATION

The $Prvette had been kept in an under-house garage, and while it was all there and in decent shape, it was in need of some TLC. “I sat in the car to get a feel for it in the modestly lit basement garage, while Chuck looked it over, then looked it over again,” tells Sandra. “It was a diamond in the rough and it wasn’t long before both of us knew that this car was about to become our dream.”

Once home it found a spot in their two-car garage and Chuck went right to

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

THE VIEW FROM WITHIN Like we said, Chuck and Sandra are regular folks who happen to love fast cars, so while the interior may look sparse on the high-end gadgetry seen in some of today’s fast doorslammers, make no mistake, everything in here has a purpose. And as Sandra says, the car has become deadly consistent. The Corvette came apart as soon as Chuck got it home and one of the biggest items on the list was getting the interior set up for Sandra to drive it.

work. He actually spoke several times at length with Scott Weney of S&W Race Cars about this car (which was pictured in the S&W catalogue) before Scott’s passing in November 2014. “Scott was excited to talk about the car expressing that this was one of their best builds,” said Chuck. “What a pleasure to talk with him. Scott willing-

ly spent time and answered any and all of my questions without hesitation.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to make this connection and will never forget his kindness.”

Beal immediately completely stripped the car down to the frame. The DIBssis itself was still in fMBXless condition and maintained a 6.00 ET certifica-

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016

65

SOUL MATES The Qowerglide transmission was freshened and once everything was set back between the rails of the Corvette it was springtime in southern Canada and time to hit the track for some testing. After the first few runs though, the weak link was found and following two transmission failures, a new The 06-inch Keith Black-based Meziere billet Pro Mod fMFYplate big block Chevy was removed, disand torque converter by Compeassembled and sent to Mike Janis tition Transmission in New York of Jan-Cen Racing in New York were ordered up and the transmisfor a complete overhaul including sion was repaired by Mike Yedgaria new crankshaft, main and rod an of Beverly Hills Auto of North bearings and some cylinder head York Ontario. work with new valves, springs, and “Our very first 7.40 pass at retainers. The Cig block sports a set 188.9 mph at our home track of Brodix EPD 650 heads and sheet in 2015 was the first amazing metal intake with twin 1350 cfm experience with the Corvette!” carbs. As for power adder, forget exclaimed Sandra. “A very close about it! This Vette gets it done second would be our first time racing Summit in Norwalk, naturally! tion. Work included a complete re-wire with Speedwire gear and re-plumbing the fuel system from front to back. The Gront wheels were changed to Weld V Stars with new tires and set of Strange dual caliper brakes on all four corners.

The 7ette was also treated to fresh Lexan by Chuck and a host of other items including getting Sandra fit properly into her new ride.

WITH GREAT POWER COMES…GREAT FUN!

66

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

GOOD START MADE EVEN BETTER The S&W chassis is in like-new condition. Up front Chuck added Strange struts and dual caliper brakes, while a pair of Weld V-stars roll on Hoosier ET Front tires. The car was completely rewired using Speedwire parts, and an MSD Digital 7 ignition box was also installed.

Ronda Certa photo

SLICK(ED) UNDERPINNINGS A monster and virtually indestructible fabricated 9-inch rearend is controlled by an S&W rear 4-link and Koni coilover shocks.

BACKUP GUY Chuck guides Sandra into the starting line beams at Toronto Motorsports Park in 2015.

DragNden photo

Ronda Certa photo Continued on page 76

NORTHERN RACING UNLIMITED PRESENTS

CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NO PREP RACE

JULY 9, 2016 GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX

MAXIMUM PAYOUTS · BIG TIRE OUTLAW $10,000* · SMALL TIRE $5,000* · TRUE STREET $2,000* FEATURING: BOOSTED GT & FLACO FROM "STREET OUTLAWS" TICKETS & DRIVER SIGNUP

W W W.RACETHENORTH.COM *Certain qualifications apply

www.rpm-mag.com | june 2016

67

SOUL MATES Ohio. We weren’t even close to qualifying in the record-breaking 65-car count for Top Sportsman, but that’s ok, we made it to Norwalk, had the best pit neighbors, and lived the dream—to be among some of the world’s top Top Sportsman competitors was worth everything! I did my first ever 330-foot burnout with tires burning straight down Broadway! I felt like I was on top of the moon and Chuck, he saw dollar signs while I had my moment burning the hides but was worried that I wouldn’t get it backed up fast enough or straight enough after the burnout—but I did it like a pro for my hubby! The entire experience at Norwalk was tops in the memory books!

Third has to be taking class win and receiving the Jimmy Shine/Billy Gibbons award at the 2016

76

Motorama show. In just over a year, this car has put our spirits at heights we never thought possible.”

“We are so happy, grateful and respectful for all we have been afforded, the people we have met along this journey and the happiness the experience has brought us, even if it has been years of buying and selling to get where we wanted to be. My husband is my crew chief, my soul mate—yes I believe they exist because I have one— my best friend, and he sets the bar, never cutting corners, researching to learn, and simply NEVER giving up. We have put on more miles during excursions to look at motorhomes, cars, parts, or trailers than I can count and I would not change a single minute of the experiences we have had.”

june 2016 | RPM Magazine

“Special Ronda Certa photo thanks to our parents for making us into who we are today,” Sandra added. “And to the fans of drag racing who have allowed themselves to feel at home with us in our pits on race day and supported us every step of the way, we truly GOOD TIMES AT SMP appreciate you all. Thanks to our sponsors Clearshot (L to R): Bruce Todd, Sandra, and Chuck soak up every Customs, Hips Cycle, bit of fun at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk last VP Racing Fuels, Metro summer. They didn’t qualify in the record 65-car field, Truck Group and Kreative but still had the time of their lives, enough that it ranks Khaos.” And Sandra sends #2 on the “Life With The New Corvette Fun Meter.” the biggest shout out to someone special, her husband Chuck. “We simply wouldn’t be where we are without him and his hard work and tireless efforts.

He has given me a life that has been nothing short of amazing.”