According to Coleman, "All of my LS drag race friends call the car a 'freak.' The Z28 consistently runs mid 9s and walks around most other big-cube or power-adder cars with what I describe as a modern day Comp Eliminatorstyle motor build. Winning an NHRA Championship or maximizing a car's potential is all about experimenting to find the last inch of power and taking care of the details. Having made associations with some of the most successful builders in the country and allowing Thunder Racing/Madman & Co. to set up the chassis has made this a truly enjoyable experience. Launching the Z28 to the horizon and holding on as it shrieks to yet another 9-second pass is fun-especially when there's no pressure involved. Sure it was fun to rub elbows with Don Garlits and Bob Glidden and get a peck on the cheek by the Winston girls, but it wasn't the lifestyle for me. I would like to continue having fun with the car and have already had Madman fabricate and install a funny car rollcage to support future power upgrades."
With an LSX block purchased and being worked on at Nicken's Racing, the 427 should be complete by early '08 and take Coleman deep into the 8s. If nothing else, it will be awe-inspiring to hear yet another example of Comp Eliminator chicanery rev to the moon and launch to the stars.
Next time you head out to the Gulf Coast, drop on out to Evadale and watch Coleman relax in his Z28. On the off-chance that you don't see him there, stop into R&R Auto Sales or wander over to the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur and check out the Coleman Roddy display in the Sports Legends exhibit area besides other Texas legends like Bum Phillips and Jimmy Johnson.
Time Machine
After winning the '83 NHRA E/Gas Competition Eliminator World Championship with a '65 Vette, Coleman shocked the racing community and switched classes with an unproven car. After purchasing a brand new '84 Firebird it was promptly converted into a D/MP Comp Eliminator racecar and debuted at the opening national event. Right out of the gate the Firebird set class records and rolled through the competition to claim an unprecedented 2nd consecutive Comp Eliminator Championship for Coleman, plus the coveted Quaker State Cup as the Top Sportsman racer. Don't believe for a second that the accolades went to his head. Sure, he has a permanent display in the Sports Legends exhibit at the Museum of the Gulf Coast-but it was only through investigative research that this tidbit was uncovered. Coleman would rather launch high and hard than sing his own praises.