Ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations, NASCAR and NASA have teamed up for something truly epic. The VA 250 Project car was at NASA’s Space Coast Testing Site to attempt a 250mph top speed run, thus referencing the country’s 250th Independence Day.

According to reports, the run was successful, with the VA 250 reaching a claimed 253mph. While Kyle Petty was initially said to be driving the car, the former racer had actually withdrawn from the event not too long ago, with no reason given yet.

The VA 250 is built on an original Gen 4 Cup Series chassis, with its bodywork based on the 1969 Dodge Daytona Charger. Under the hood lies a naturally aspirated V8, which is said to produce 1000 hp at 9500 rpm.

The car is the result of a joint effort by Joey Arrington and engineers from the University of Virginia. Arrington also built the engine that set the record at the Bonneville Salt Flats back in 2007 in a similar top-speed run, where he hit 244.9mph.

For the VA 250 project, he approached Tommy Hurley to get behind the wheel. Hurley is known for his expertise on drag strips. Reports say there will be a video of the top speed run coming out soon.

The Arrington Connection To NASCAR

Joey Arrington's father, Buddy Arrington, was a former NASCAR driver and team owner with whom he founded Arrington Engines. The company built engines for Dodge truck teams Bobby Hamilton Racing and Ultra Motorsport, who won the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Bobby Hamilton and Ted Musgrave, respectively.

NASCAR and NHRA teams were their main clients. It's interesting to note that the Penske, Petty, and Ganassi teams have been the most well-known and demanding.

Joey himself had a short-lived career as a racer, making his debut in the Cup Series in 1974. While he never won or found himself in the Top 10, his racing career lasted for six years, with his final race taking place in 1980.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi