On Saturday September 13, the LentiGO made its first passes on the track since it has been a part of Team Truck Melanoma. It was an exciting and also nerve-racking time as it was also MY first time ever drag racing. 
Drag racing is not originally the type of racing that the LentiGO was going to do, but as our organization has grown and we have worked to build out the truck there has been a lot of mission creep as to what we want the vehicle to be able to do. Since the v8 swap, it has opened up a lot of different possibilities for ways that we can help spread the message of melanoma awareness, and one of those ways is through participating in drag race events at out local racetrack. 
We are very lucky to have the Portland International Raceway essentially in our back yard, so t it makes it very easy to go over there. 
I can tell you the drag racing is a completely different experience, and one that you should try out if you have not tried it...However, prepare yourself for videos that don't look nearly as cool as it feels when you're actually inside the vehicle racing.... The video evidence is where I discovered that from a perspective up in the grand stands that the LentiGO actually appears to be the LentiSLOW. 
I know one of the main issues is that the LentiGO had an open rear differential, which if you don't know what that means, it means that all of the power that is being transferred from the engine to the wheels is only going to go to the tire with the LEAST amount of traction. As the LentiGO does have a pretty powerful engine, it makes it very easy to just spin the tires...or one TIRE in the case of an open differential. Even at 97 MPH, on video, the truck look completely underwhelming... SO, we are making some changes! 
A limited slip differential has been installed in the rear end. A new diff cover with a girdle to help protect the bearings has also been installed. We also now have a line lock on the front brakes to help with those pre-run burn outs to warm up the tires. We have also got a full drag pack of wheels and tires. Fat slicks in the rear, skinnies up front all in a combination that will save nearly 100 lbs of the street radials and wheels. I think we should be able to get some decent runs and numbers now! 
Why this matters is it helps open us up to more aspects of the Motorsports and automotive enthusiast community where we can reach more people with our message of early detection and prevention. 
We are super excited for this new chapter! 
Keep your eyes pealed to see us on the track soon! Next planned racing to be done 10/03/2025!!! The last grudge match drags of the year at PIR. 

We will see you there! Bring your vehicle and your helmet and race against the LentiGO!