March 2007 Gen 1 TOTM – Congratulations Ralph "Lightning Ralph" Voorhees! (NLOC #330)

madramper · 02-28-2007, 10:47 PM

...March 2007 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Ralph (Lightning Ralph) Voorhees! (NLOC #330)

The only thing I can say about Ralph's truck is WOW! His 1993 Red Lightning is currently the fastest Lightning in the country. Ralph is not content staying where he is though. He continually pushes himself and his truck to be better. He has shown a tremendous amount of persistence and determination and his Pro Lightning truck shows that!

1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

I remember going to a Ford dealer back in 1993 and seeing a red Lightning on the showroom floor for the first time. The truck had everything you'd ever want in a pickup truck. It had looks, performance, comfort, it could tow, and it was very practical. I knew that someday I would own one.

2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?

I had a new 1992 F150 Flairside 4x4 pickup with a 351 engine. I was in college at the time and all my buddies had 6 cylinder Firebirds and Camaros and 4 cylinder Mustangs. They all thought their cars were fast and I told them my F150 would beat them, so we decided to go to the track on Friday night. My F150 Flairside beat those cars pretty bad. They all ran low 18's and I was running 17.2's. This was the first truck racing I ever did back in late '92.

3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?

I raced my truck when it was 100% bone stock. It ran 15.70 @ 87 mph in 100 degree summer heat. I have so many mods on this truck that the list of original equipment would be easier to tell. The tailgate, cab, bed, dashboard, & stock frame rails under the cab are the only original parts that remain. The truck has been to three chassis shops for chassis work. Dave Pickrel is the master mind behind the Turbo system. I have since run a Best of 8.25 @ 161.59 mph at the JDM Engineering Lightning and Mustang Day event in November of '06.

4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?

A few years back in late 2004 I was finally ready to take my race truck to the track. I was still very nervous to make an all out pass back then because I didn't have very much seat time in a fast truck. The fastest I ever went in the 1/4 mile was 11.86 at the time. I went to the JDM Engineering Lightning Day event to give it a run. I only made 2 passes that day. The truck ran 11.80 @ 103 mph on the 1st pass. I would floor it & lift when it got to scary. I did this on and off about 8 times going down the race track. I went back in the pits and let everything cool down. I had many guys asking me why didn't you stay in it? I said you guys don't know how crazy the power is! So Ol' Dennis Macho says in front of about 12 guys, "Those Big Tires are Killing You! You don't need all that tire! This truck isn't making that kind a power to need a tire like that!"
A few Gen 2 Guys agreed and now I'm pissed because they think I'm full of it about how fast it is!!
So about a hour later I went back out for a 2nd pass and I decided to once again leave from a dead idle but if it stays straight I'm going to stay in it! I do a monster burnout and stage the truck. I leave at 700 rpms and about 150 ft. out the truck comes to life like Gang Busters and I stick the truck in 2nd Gear. At this point I see the shift light come on again almost instantly as I stick it into 3rd. I see the finish line stripe as I'm barreling down the 1320 like a scud missile wanting to lift or scream but more determained to run my first 9 second pass. I go through the traps and I see in my peripheral the scoreboard reads 9.5. The timeslip read 9.52 @ 151.27 mph. All those boys were shocked and I finally did It! Those Guys said the truck left slow (1.82 60') then all of a sudden it was gone. They all told me with a harder launch it will run 8's easily. This was a huge step in the right direction for me that day.

5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.

My only hobbies are racing, going to cruise nights, classic Fords, boating, and spending quality time with my family. I am 34 years old and I have a wonderful wife Karen and 2 Boys. Ryan is 14 years old and Matthew is almost 4 years old. These boys love racing and fast pickup trucks!! I work for Central Jersey Auto Sales in Central New Jersey. I have been in the car industry since 1992. I work for a family owned business and I sell pre-owned vehicles, all makes and models.

6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC?

I have been a user of the nloc.net from the begining. I believe a became a member in 2000.

7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?

The website is fine the way it is!

8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?

It's simple. My name is Ralph & I love Lightnings. It's easy to remember.

9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?

My future plans are to become the All Time Fastest Lightning which means I have to beat my long time friend Jason Brown from Boynton Beach, Florida. Jason's 7.88 @ 179 mph pass has stood strong for 7 years. Jason Brown is a legend amongst Lightning owners. Regardless, if I beat his time or not, Jason Brown will always be #1 in my book!

10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.

I would like to thank God, my wife Karen, Ryan, Matthew, and my entire family. I would also like to thank (fabricator) Dave Pickrel,(mechanic) Donny Butkiewicz,(tuner) Bill Hunsberger, (engine builder) Bob & Dave Jack, (painter) Millstone Mickey and (chassis guy) Nicky Casertano on doing great work on my truck. I would also like to give a huge thanks to the DelValLO and a few others for always helping me out and all their support. Thanks to Steve Stock, Jody Wilk, Keith "Captain" Coleman, Mark Morales, Greg Jones, Josh Verdieck, John Panchalk, Larry Weiler, Justin DiPalma, Rich DeCandia, Jim Ienner, John Hawryluk, Bruce Meier, JJ, Chip Clark, Rob 93AZL, & Keith (Johnnynumber5), Johnny Lightning, Rich Penno, Vinnie Telesco, and Charlie Stanley.

A Special thanks goes out to my pit crew Dennis Macho, Dave London, Jamie VanAcker, and Fred Decker for helping me achieve my goals. Also thanks to Willy Trimble "cultfreak69" for the banner!

Favorite Websites

http://www.racingconverters.com/
http://godragracing.com/
http://www.turboneticsinc.com/
http://www.rosslertrans.com/
http://dragtruk.com/

My Websites

http://theautolog.com/profile.php?me...3&vehicle=1715
http://dragtrucks.com/voorhees.htm

Blue Oval Forever · 02-28-2007, 11:15 PM

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SVT150TIM · 03-01-2007, 12:09 AM

Congrats Ralph, well well deserved. My hat is definitely off to you...you know your becoming quite the legend yourself

KCBOLT · 03-01-2007, 08:13 AM

Wow is right. Congrats!

383svt · 03-01-2007, 08:59 AM

Congrats Ralph. Your truck is amazing! keep pushing the limits!!!!!

five0drw · 03-01-2007, 09:36 AM

that truck rock's oh yea it's a gen 1

huffentuff95 · 03-01-2007, 01:54 PM

Dude, I will admit I was a little hard on you at your first attempts of racing BIG RED. That kind of power and controlling it is hard to comprehend. I have a new found respect for racers who have trucks that compete in the pro class. Ralph Congrats you deserve the notoriety.

93AZ-L · 03-01-2007, 03:16 PM

Congrats Ralph!

lightningDan · 03-01-2007, 04:28 PM

very well deserved!!!

Ralph number 4 was an awesome story! awesome reads man!!!

Way to go!

this summer I WILL see your truck in action no matter what

Danny

cultfreak69 · 03-01-2007, 04:35 PM

Congrats Ralph1 You are a swell guy with an AWESOME truck. anyone who has not seen it run in person needs too!!

NewbRand · 03-01-2007, 04:36 PM

WOW !!! First MM&FF and now TOtM .... Congrats, Ralph !!!

Randy

Vern · 03-01-2007, 05:49 PM

Big Congrats Ralph!! Looking forward to seeing you run at WFC again!!

REDSVT150 · 03-01-2007, 06:09 PM

Props on making TOTM.

RhinoRacing · 03-01-2007, 09:39 PM

Congrats Ralph! Kick Azz Ride!

Dave London · 03-01-2007, 09:44 PM

A BIG Congrats Ralph !!

Your truck is all business, awesome to watch every single pass !! Good luck with your goals -sevens -in-07 !!

02-28-2007, 10:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
madramper Supporting Vendor Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alloway, NJ Posts: 11,493 NLOC member #: 937 View this user's gallery iTrader: 43 / 100%	March 2007 Gen 1 TOTM – Congratulations Ralph "Lightning Ralph" Voorhees! (NLOC #330) ...March 2007 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Ralph (Lightning Ralph) Voorhees! (NLOC #330) The only thing I can say about Ralph's truck is WOW! His 1993 Red Lightning is currently the fastest Lightning in the country. Ralph is not content staying where he is though. He continually pushes himself and his truck to be better. He has shown a tremendous amount of persistence and determination and his Pro Lightning truck shows that! *1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?* I remember going to a Ford dealer back in 1993 and seeing a red Lightning on the showroom floor for the first time. The truck had everything you'd ever want in a pickup truck. It had looks, performance, comfort, it could tow, and it was very practical. I knew that someday I would own one. *2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?* I had a new 1992 F150 Flairside 4x4 pickup with a 351 engine. I was in college at the time and all my buddies had 6 cylinder Firebirds and Camaros and 4 cylinder Mustangs. They all thought their cars were fast and I told them my F150 would beat them, so we decided to go to the track on Friday night. My F150 Flairside beat those cars pretty bad. They all ran low 18's and I was running 17.2's. This was the first truck racing I ever did back in late '92. *3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?* I raced my truck when it was 100% bone stock. It ran 15.70 @ 87 mph in 100 degree summer heat. I have so many mods on this truck that the list of original equipment would be easier to tell. The tailgate, cab, bed, dashboard, & stock frame rails under the cab are the only original parts that remain. The truck has been to three chassis shops for chassis work. Dave Pickrel is the master mind behind the Turbo system. I have since run a Best of 8.25 @ 161.59 mph at the JDM Engineering Lightning and Mustang Day event in November of '06. *4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?* A few years back in late 2004 I was finally ready to take my race truck to the track. I was still very nervous to make an all out pass back then because I didn't have very much seat time in a fast truck. The fastest I ever went in the 1/4 mile was 11.86 at the time. I went to the JDM Engineering Lightning Day event to give it a run. I only made 2 passes that day. The truck ran 11.80 @ 103 mph on the 1st pass. I would floor it & lift when it got to scary. I did this on and off about 8 times going down the race track. I went back in the pits and let everything cool down. I had many guys asking me why didn't you stay in it? I said you guys don't know how crazy the power is! So Ol' Dennis Macho says in front of about 12 guys, "Those Big Tires are Killing You! You don't need all that tire! This truck isn't making that kind a power to need a tire like that!" A few Gen 2 Guys agreed and now I'm pissed because they think I'm full of it about how fast it is!! So about a hour later I went back out for a 2nd pass and I decided to once again leave from a dead idle but if it stays straight I'm going to stay in it! I do a monster burnout and stage the truck. I leave at 700 rpms and about 150 ft. out the truck comes to life like Gang Busters and I stick the truck in 2nd Gear. At this point I see the shift light come on again almost instantly as I stick it into 3rd. I see the finish line stripe as I'm barreling down the 1320 like a scud missile wanting to lift or scream but more determained to run my first 9 second pass. I go through the traps and I see in my peripheral the scoreboard reads 9.5. The timeslip read 9.52 @ 151.27 mph. All those boys were shocked and I finally did It! Those Guys said the truck left slow (1.82 60') then all of a sudden it was gone. They all told me with a harder launch it will run 8's easily. This was a huge step in the right direction for me that day. *5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.* My only hobbies are racing, going to cruise nights, classic Fords, boating, and spending quality time with my family. I am 34 years old and I have a wonderful wife Karen and 2 Boys. Ryan is 14 years old and Matthew is almost 4 years old. These boys love racing and fast pickup trucks!! I work for Central Jersey Auto Sales in Central New Jersey. I have been in the car industry since 1992. I work for a family owned business and I sell pre-owned vehicles, all makes and models. 6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC? I have been a user of the nloc.net from the begining. I believe a became a member in 2000. *7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?* The website is fine the way it is! *8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?* It's simple. My name is Ralph & I love Lightnings. It's easy to remember. *9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?* My future plans are to become the All Time Fastest Lightning which means I have to beat my long time friend Jason Brown from Boynton Beach, Florida. Jason's 7.88 @ 179 mph pass has stood strong for 7 years. Jason Brown is a legend amongst Lightning owners. Regardless, if I beat his time or not, Jason Brown will always be #1 in my book! *10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.* I would like to thank God, my wife Karen, Ryan, Matthew, and my entire family. I would also like to thank (fabricator) Dave Pickrel,(mechanic) Donny Butkiewicz,(tuner) Bill Hunsberger, (engine builder) Bob & Dave Jack, (painter) Millstone Mickey and (chassis guy) Nicky Casertano on doing great work on my truck. I would also like to give a huge thanks to the DelValLO and a few others for always helping me out and all their support. Thanks to Steve Stock, Jody Wilk, Keith "Captain" Coleman, Mark Morales, Greg Jones, Josh Verdieck, John Panchalk, Larry Weiler, Justin DiPalma, Rich DeCandia, Jim Ienner, John Hawryluk, Bruce Meier, JJ, Chip Clark, Rob 93AZL, & Keith (Johnnynumber5), Johnny Lightning, Rich Penno, Vinnie Telesco, and Charlie Stanley. A Special thanks goes out to my pit crew Dennis Macho, Dave London, Jamie VanAcker, and Fred Decker for helping me achieve my goals. Also thanks to Willy Trimble "cultfreak69" for the banner! Favorite Websites http://www.racingconverters.com/ http://godragracing.com/ http://www.turboneticsinc.com/ http://www.rosslertrans.com/ http://dragtruk.com/ My Websites http://theautolog.com/profile.php?me...3&vehicle=1715 http://dragtrucks.com/voorhees.htm

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02-28-2007, 11:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Blue Oval Forever Gen 1 Salvage Yard Owner Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Gretna,Louisiana U.S. Posts: 12,304 NLOC member #: 500 View this user's gallery iTrader: 50 / 100%	Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

03-01-2007, 12:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
SVT150TIM Team Procharger Paid Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Riverside, CA USA Posts: 995 NLOC member #: 124 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Congrats Ralph, well well deserved. My hat is definitely off to you...you know your becoming quite the legend yourself

03-01-2007, 08:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
KCBOLT 405/489 @ 12.76 1/4 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Shawnee, Ks Posts: 2,771 View this user's gallery iTrader: 12 / 100%	Wow is right. Congrats!

03-01-2007, 08:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
383svt BDS Blown 438ci Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CT Posts: 3,418 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ralph. Your truck is amazing! keep pushing the limits!!!!!

03-01-2007, 09:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
five0drw Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,410 NLOC member #: 354 View this user's gallery iTrader: 3 / 100%	that truck rock's oh yea it's a gen 1

03-01-2007, 01:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
huffentuff95 S. STOCK Tuned by Tweecer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Rosenhayn N.J. Posts: 6,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	Dude, I will admit I was a little hard on you at your first attempts of racing BIG RED. That kind of power and controlling it is hard to comprehend. I have a new found respect for racers who have trucks that compete in the pro class. Ralph Congrats you deserve the notoriety.

03-01-2007, 03:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
93AZ-L Stroked and Blown! Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 1,522 NLOC member #: 2411 View this user's gallery iTrader: 3 / 100%	Congrats Ralph!

03-01-2007, 04:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
lightningDan Namasté Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fairhaven, Ma Posts: 4,414 NLOC member #: 1935 View this user's gallery iTrader: 8 / 100%	very well deserved!!! Ralph number 4 was an awesome story! awesome reads man!!! Way to go! this summer I WILL see your truck in action no matter what Danny

03-01-2007, 04:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
cultfreak69 wrecking Ed's garage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 5,780 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ralph1 You are a swell guy with an AWESOME truck. anyone who has not seen it run in person needs too!!

03-01-2007, 04:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
NewbRand Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: East Windsor, CT Posts: 749 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	WOW !!! First MM&FF and now TOtM .... Congrats, Ralph !!! Randy

03-01-2007, 05:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
Vern Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 2,954 NLOC member #: 0072 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	Big Congrats Ralph!! Looking forward to seeing you run at WFC again!!

03-01-2007, 06:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
REDSVT150 MADMAN Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5,865 NLOC member #: 1291 View this user's gallery iTrader: 42 / 100%	Props on making TOTM.

03-01-2007, 09:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
RhinoRacing Team Vortech Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 2,588 NLOC member #: 387 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ralph! Kick Azz Ride!

03-01-2007, 09:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dave London Team JLP Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Browns Mills N.J. Posts: 702 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	A BIG Congrats Ralph !! Your truck is all business, awesome to watch every single pass !! Good luck with your goals -sevens -in-07 !!