TZ: Well the Urban Legend is finally ready to go for the 2005 season (or close to it) – care to elaborate on where the name came from?
Art: For the past two years I was building the car, I never showed anyone pictures of it. So people were starting to wonder if I really had a car, or it was just a myth I made up. I named it the Urban Legend because people would talk about it without ever seeing it. Giving the car a name was a marketing tool and I think it has worked out pretty good. I now see people calling their car an Urban Legend which I think is pretty cool. Like they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery.
TZ: For those that aren’t familiar with you at all, can you give us a little insight on your previous drag racing endeavors and how your project came to be?
Art: I’ve always been the “behind the scenes” guy. I worked with the JL Audio team in 2002 before leaving mid-season. I was really burned out and didn’t want to help anyone until Earl Laskey of Laskey Racing asked me to join them. I wasn’t sure after my last experience, but after talking it over I did—and Mike Laskey became one of my best friends, almost like a brother. After Laskey Racing finished 3rd in NDRA in 2003 but lost backing for 2004, they sat most of that season out to build a new car. That’s when I decided to build my own car. Now here we are in 2005, and my team and I are ready to go!
TZ: Why the Integra chassis? It’s rare in this class.
Art: I love the Integra. I’ve owned this car since new—with only 33 miles on it—and wanted to do something different. We’ve cut weight everywhere: aluminum parts, a 4-lb carbon intake, a 10-lb stainless manifold… I even weighed every piece that came off and back on. It should end up around 2,400 lbs if my math is right.
TZ: What are your 2005 plans? Which events?
Art: It’s still up in the air, but I’ll be at the NDRA opener in Arizona. Since neither NDRA nor NHRA returned to Texas, I’ll be “On the Road Again.” It depends on early points and travel budgets—so sponsors, please call!
TZ: Can you describe the car’s specs?
Art:
- Engine: B18C1 block, Endyn Roller Wave pistons, Crower rods, Endyn head & valve train
- Turbo setup: Precision T4 GT35R turbo, InlinePRO T4 manifold, Endyn/Air carbon fiber intake, Precision intercooler, Tony Palo piping, Wiggins clamps, TiAl wastegate & BOV
- Suspension: Omni-Power coilovers, SPC front & rear camber kit
- Electronics: Autronic SM2 ECU with custom Raychem DR-25 harness
- Fabrication: Tony Palo
TZ: Your take on the Turbo 4 / Sport FWD class this year? Key competitors?
Art: I love this class because we’re all friends—Jason Hunt and Brian Ballard have been front-runners for years. Watch Brian Ballard in the Saturn, John Ferguson’s lighter chassis, and Fernando Chuna—he can drive. Jason Hunt turning pro opened a spot, so expect surprises.
TZ: Why Honda-Tech?
Art: Honda-Tech is home—it’s great for more than just tech. I mod here, and many “big dogs” lurk on the forums—even corporate drivers from non-Honda brands.
TZ: We’ve heard you do charitable work—tell us more.
Art: I’ve volunteered since high school—feeding the homeless, hosting kids’ hospital parties. Recently I grew 12″ of hair to donate via Locks of Love for kids with medical hair loss. My uncle is battling cancer now, and he’s a hero to me.
TZ: Who’s inspired you in racing? Thoughts on other motorsports?
Art: My parents are my heroes. Outside drag, I enjoy IRL at Texas Motorspeedway. I’ve never been to a drift event but would love to. And JGTC is on my calendar for next year.
TZ: Who do you want to thank?
Art: Jesus Christ; my family (Ortiz & Zambrano); Larry Widmer & Josh Farris at Endyn; Chris Stein, my crew chief; Ben Strader at EFI101; Paul at SPC; fast-turbo.com; Precision Turbo; Adam Weeks at lighterfaster.com; Tony Palo; Pat Lierley; Jason Herrera & Shami; Mike & Earl Laskey; Scott & Tina Miller; Geoff at full-race.com; Jason Hunt; Leslie Durst; Marty Ladwig; C Squared Motorsports; Mike Ho; Chris Graf; Brian Gatlin; JokerLuv; RR; Tommy & Naz; Ryan Birgelaitis; Job Estrada; Ross Baird; Johnny Cash; Dustin Moltree; Erik Ramon; Mark Coons—and anyone I forgot. Thank you all.
TZ: Thanks for the first look at the Urban Legend. We can’t wait to see it tear up tracks in 2005.
Art: Thanks for the opportunity. Let’s support each other and grow the sport. Race on…
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