Alex Laughlin And Blackbird Break New Ground in Factory X NHRA Challenger!

Alex Laughlin, known for his prowess behind the wheel in multiple racing formats, has once again proven why he’s a force to be reckoned with. This time, Laughlin shattered the NHRA Factory X record while driving Blackbird Performance’s Challenger, clocking an astonishing 6.865 seconds at 196 mph. This incredible feat adds yet another accolade to Laughlin’s growing list of achievements.

A Multifaceted Driver: Laughlin’s Versatility in Motorsports

Alex Laughlin is no stranger to success across a variety of racing platforms. He has made waves in NHRA competitions, ranging from Top Fuel to Pro Stock, and even Funny Car categories. Most recently, he’s gained attention for his performance on No Prep Kings / No Prep Elite, where he’s been piloting a C7 Corvette. Laughlin’s versatility behind the wheel is impressive, allowing him to dominate in everything from the drag strip to no-prep street racing.

Laughlin also plays a pivotal role at Speed Society, helping drive their team to greater heights. But it’s his recent work with Blackbird Performance that’s making waves in the NHRA world. His success in their NHRA Factory X Challenger is turning heads, and the latest world record shows just how capable this machine really is.

Breaking Records in the NHRA Factory X Class

The NHRA Factory X class is highly competitive, and Alex Laughlin’s recent run set a new benchmark in this category. The 6.865-second pass at 196 mph in Factory X trim represents the fastest legal run in this category, showcasing both Laughlin’s driving skills and the engineering expertise of Blackbird Performance. The Factory X class demands precision, with strict regulations that keep the competition tight. Laughlin’s record-breaking run not only highlights his talent but also showcases the dedication and innovation of the Blackbird Performance team.

Blackbird Performance: Where Racing Expertise Meets Performance Innovation

Blackbird Performance is not just another name in the racing world—they are a powerhouse when it comes to building high-performance drag racing machines. While their expertise lies in the Drag Pak platform within NHRA Factory Stock and Factory X classes, they also offer a wide array of services for street cars. From transitioning a street car to a full race car to race engine programs, wiring, and tuning, Blackbird Performance is a one-stop shop for any performance enthusiast.

In fact, Blackbird Performance’s recent success wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of a dedicated team.

Owner Geoff Turk praised the efforts of the crew, acknowledging the hard work of team members like Jena Turk, Keaton Vester, and Keith West, alongside Laughlin’s exceptional driving.

Reflecting on the Journey: Geoff Turk’s Take on the Record

Geoff Turk, owner of Blackbird Performance, took a moment to reflect on the achievement. Turk highlighted the team’s goal for the event: to put on a show for the Hemi faithful, make 6-second passes, and approach or exceed 200 mph without pushing the car too far. The Blackbird team certainly accomplished that goal, making six successful passes, with five of them in the 6-second range, and one run nearly hitting 200 mph.

Turk’s journey with Blackbird Performance goes back decades, with his roots in drag racing starting over 25 years ago. His first IHRA National event at the Maryland Mopar Hemipalooza, where the Blackbird Performance Challenger set the new world record, was a full-circle moment for Turk. He reminisced about racing a Plymouth Road Runner at that event 25 years ago and compared that experience to the level of competition and performance they have now achieved with the Challenger.

Turk also gave a nod to several contributors who helped the team reach this new milestone, including BES Racing Engines, RAM Clutches, Liberty’s Gears Racing, and Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, all of whom played pivotal roles in making this run possible.

What’s Next for Blackbird Performance?

While the recent record-breaking run is impressive, Geoff Turk believes the team is still just scratching the surface of what’s possible with the Blackbird Performance Challenger. Due to recent NHRA rule changes, the Challenger was actually running 40 pounds heavy and with less blower drive pulley than is currently allowed. Turk believes that under the updated Factory X rules, the car could be even faster, shaving another tenth of a second or more off its time.

Blackbird Performance continues to push the envelope, always striving to learn and improve. The team is excited to return to the track with new insights and refinements, aiming to set even more records in the Factory X class.