Rick Morris, of La Quinta, California, can now say that he owns the world’s quickest & fastest buggy. At the 2007 NSDA season opener, Rick laid down a 2.792 at 123 MPH pass backed up by a 2.812 at 124 MPH run. These runs were a whole tenth of a second faster than his prior bests. Rick’s “Heavy Metal” machine has warped over the years into one of the most exciting cars to head down the track on any given race weekend.

Rick started racing “Heavy Metal” in 1985 back at Glen Helen Raceway (San Bernadino, CA) with his current buggy. The 180” wheelbase Chittenden Motorsports built chassis sported a 454” Big Block Chevy, and was considered to be not much more than an average “dune buggy.” Today, the “Heavy Metal” ride has a 540” Chevy motor that is supercharged and burns Methanol. A filled Rodeck block is topped with Alan Johnson heads and a Whipple Supercharger. The engine is backed by a two-speed Lenco transmission. This has proven to be a very potent combination for the “Heavy Metal” team.   

The “Heavy Metal” team plans on running the full NSDA schedule in 2007. Rick would like to thank his crew; Dan Chittenden, Tom Parisi, and Clayton Blake. Also, Rick’s company, A&M Construction is a backer of his race program. Keep an eye on the Rick and the “Heavy Metal” racing team when they go into action as they certainly put on a show every time they head to the starting line.

Rick on his way to becoming the World's Quickest Buggy at the Soboba Casino in February.

Heavy Metal hanging the front tires in the air on another pass at the NSDA Season Opener.

Photos Courtesty Ken Schultz & Tom Parisi