Since the advent of drag racing, one of the most effective ways to gauge condition of the quarter-mile drag strip has always been the seat of the foot – not always the seat of the pants! Crew chiefs and team members regularly walk the quarter-mile before their sessions to gauge the surface traction and to determine their clutch and overall set ups.

About four years ago, Bill Miller Engineering team member and clutch expert Eddie Litke, together with Larry Wolyniec of Competition Motorsports in Bolingbrook, IL, developed a traction meter to help them get hard data on changing track conditions. They began using it during their frequent appearances on the NHRA POWERade drag racing circuit and Litke discovered he instantly acquire new “friends” at the dragstrip.

Apparently, other crew chiefs were interested in the tool, and continued harassing Litke to get one of their own. Production began in the spring of 2008 and more than 10 units were in use by the top fuel, funny car, pro stock and some Pro Mod Sportsman teams towards the close of the 2008 season.

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