The Stick Shift Record Continues to Be Re-Written – Sean Madden Set New Eighth-Mile Mark with a 4.21 at 174 MPH in ‘Django’ Corvette at US60 Dragway!
Unlike a lot of the classes and categories we witness on hundreds of tracks around the world, the Stick Shift contingent is usually governed by one rule: a manual transmission in the transmission tunnel.
In some cases, including the popular Outlaw Stick Shift ranks, the stick shift is regulated to a clutch activated H-pattern design shifter, a 10.5-inch width rear tire, no full tube chassis, and no big block engine platforms. No fuel regulations, no weight limits. Just see who can shift their way to the finish line first.
Just a week ago, Joel Grannas broke the H-pattern Stick Shift record that has stood for two years, wheeling his 2JZ-powered Mustang to a 6.490 at 222 mph pass. One week later, Sean Madden added his name to the Stick Shift record book in Kentucky.
The Stick Shift World Record Is Reset After Two Years – Joel Grannas Clocks 6.49 Pass in New 2JZ-Powered Fox Mustang Build During Test Session at Bradenton Motorsports Park!
The increasingly hot topic in racing the past few years has been stick shift cars, and although there are several classes with strict rules, the one that has gotten the majority of the attention is the Outlaw Stick Shift contingent.
With minimal rules based around the use of a H-pattern manual transmission, and in most cases, a foot-activated clutch, 28-inch tall x 10.5-inch width tires, the elapsed times started falling a few years back, where 6-second runs started to become a little more commonplace.
One of the veterans of the Outlaw Stick Shift wars is Joel Grannas, who got his Mark IV Supra down to a 6.63 at 212 mph pass during The Reunion event at Bradenton Motorsports Park (BMP) in early 2025. Recently, Grannas returned to BMP with a new ride, and made a big statement in the stick shift world.
Could a New Transmission from Liberty’s Gears Change the Future of Stick Shift Classes?
Many will admit what keeps a Shift Shift class interesting and balanced, regardless of drag and drive ‘average’ results, or heads-up racing action, is requiring a clutch-activated manual transmission, and for some, an ‘H-pattern’ shifter and linkage.
Today marks the first day for what many consider a serious change in transmissions, as the first Liberty’s Gears Extreme Billet manual transmission with a clutch-assisted set-up and a H-pattern shifter was shipped to a customer.
Sick On The Green Adds Stick Shift Class to Line-Up, and Tremec Transmissions as Class Sponsor
There is a growing number of enthusiasts that prefer a manual transmission for their ride, and the racing community, as well as several events on the drag and drive calendar, have embraced this with a specific class.
Sick On The Green will join that list, as the 3-day event in Bowling Green, Kentucky will feature a Stick Shift class sponsored by Tremec Transmissions.
Tremec will also be onsite with their display trailer and several transmissions, as well as team members to discuss their products. “We are looking forward to being a part of Sick On The Green,” said Mike Kidd of Tremec. “Beech Bend Raceway Park is a great track, and I’m sure the competition will be exciting!”