Global InformationMiller Wedge information
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sammy Miller |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Top Fuel |
| Body style | Rear-engined streamliner dragster |
| Related | None |
The "Miller Wedge" is a pioneering streamliner dragster.[1]
Designed by dragster and funny car builder Sammy Miller in 1974, the car was allegedly a product of Miller's dislike of repeated funny car fires. It featured bicycle front wheels, a low-mounted, front-sloping rear wing, and a mid-mounted engine (placed further ahead of the rear axle than most similar dragsters).[2] The body was a pronounced wedge shape, and covered the front of the slicks[3] (unlike Wynns Stormer, which had a more conventional body and broad wedge fairings over the engine and exhaust, ahead of the rear tires). The exhaust pipes were also enclosed.[4]
In theory, the wedge body offered an aerodynamic advantage, decreasing turbulent airflow over the rear wheels, as well as increasing downforce;[5] in practise, the extra weight exceeded any advantage.
Miller ran the car for the 1974 season, but had "mixed results";[6] the car had no obvious edge over more conventional rear-engined dragsters.
- ^ Taylor, Thom. "Slam'n Sammy Miller Wedge", in "Beauty Beyond the Twilight Zone", p.38.
- ^ Taylor, p.38.
- ^ Taylor, p.38 photo.
- ^ Taylor, p.38 photo
- ^ Taylor, p.37, "Leland Kolb 'Polish Wedge'".
- ^ Taylor, p.38.