The bantam body and Dennis Watson chassis were complimented by the high horse
power, nitro burning Chrysler built and tuned by Don Green. The list of drivers
for this radical creation reads like a who’s who of drag racing at the time. Such
names as Gary Gabclich, George Hutchison, Dan Collins, Frank Harris, Dan Guyger,
along with numerous others all took turns at guiding this Fuel Altered down the
quarter mile.
The original car competed from 1969 through 1973, when it was sold to a racer
in Alaska. The original car still exists today, although several modifications
have been made over the years. The present car, which is an exact recreation of
the original, was built in 1995-1996 and began active competition in 1997. As
with the original car, Dennis Watson did the chassis layout. The body and paint
scheme mirrored the original car and Don Green, once again, provided tuning expertise
for the nitro burning Chrysler.
In the summer of 2004, the Rat Trap with 4 other fuel Altereds (Nanook, Pure
Heaven, Pure Hell and Bradford’s Fiat) traveled to England as the guest of Lord
March. All five cars thrilled fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This car has been on the match race circuit each year since its reconstruction,
with Ron Hope at the controls. Brian Hope assumed the duties as Crew Chief in
2004 and continues in that capacity. Sadly, Don Green passed away in September
of 2007.
