“ONBUMPR” - Keith Rizner’s 1970 Ford Mustang
One of the most breathtaking spectacles in drag racing is the gravity-defying wheelstand. The exhibition of thousands of pounds of metal launching into the air as the ground rumbles in sync with the thunderous roar of the engine is nothing short of exceptional. Typically, the most profound wheelstand displays come from lightweight drag cars and those with robust power adders. However, Keith Rizner, of Peyton, Colorado, dazzles spectators with the most incredible wheelstands in his naturally-aspirated, show-quality 1970 Ford Mustang, justly nicknamed “ONBUMPR”.
In 1992, Rizner’s son, Eric, purchased the Mustang from his cousin in Iowa who had joined the U.S. Air Force and was no longer able to devote the time needed to restore this classic beauty. When Eric first acquired the car, it was powered by a Ford 302ci with a C4 transmission. After using the Mustang as his daily driver during high school, he eventually sold the car. In 2013, Eric’s father, Keith, tracked the car down and brought it back into the family. At the time, the Mustang had a blown 514ci engine. This is when Rizner began his quest to transform this 1970 Mustang into a beautifully restored and ferociously powered sensation.
Rizner’s journey to create “ONBUMPR” was one of incremental power and performance upgrades. The blown 514ci engine was swapped for a 557ci before settling on the current 598ci motor. In addition, the stock C4 transmission was first upgraded to a C6. Once the C6 broke, Rizner opted for a Powerglide before settling on it’s current Turbo 400.
The current big block Ford 385 series engine amped to 598ci, which propels “ONBUMPR” down the track on just two wheels, was built by Rizner himself. Jon Kaase Racing Engines SR71 cylinder heads, Racetec pistons with a 16:1 compression ratio and a 4.600” bore, and Scat Crankshafts rods and 4.50” stroke crank were incorporated into the build. Rizner also equipped the motor with a Cam Research camshaft along with a Trick Flow Specialties intake manifold, a Pro Systems 1250 Dominator carburetor, and a set of Hooker headers. For wiring and ignition, he opted for FuelTech wiring with a 7AL-3 MSD ignition. The Mustang was also fitted with a Meziere Enterprises water pump and a GZ Motorsports vacuum pump. A GM Turbo 400 transmission, built by Rizner, with a TCI Automotive Pro Tree valve body and a transmission brake were paired with a Hughes Performance torque converter and a Mark Williams Enterprises rear axle to complete the drivetrain upgrades.
After battling with the stock front suspension shock towers, which are notoriously susceptible to cracks from bending and twisting with front suspension movement, Rizner selected a Fab Quest Mustang II front end with double adjustable coilovers. In the rear, the Mustang was fitted with a 4-link suspension kit. “ONBUMPR” also has Viking Performance shocks and Aerospace Components front brakes with Strange Engineering brakes in the rear. Rizner also fabricated a custom 2” by 3” frame to provide added stability and strength to the chassis.
Photo Credit: Full Auto Photography
While many would be content hitting the track in “ONBUMPR” after it’s high-end performance upgrades, Rizner aspired for something more. He desired a drag car that was as magnificent in appearance as it was in performance. As such, he employed Mike Bailey for professional grade body work and a sharp new coat of Inferno Red paint on the steel body and fiberglass hood. Rizner also polished up the exterior with a set of Weld ProStar wheels wrapped in Hoosier Racing Tires 33/15-15 tires. While the classy exterior gives the illusion of an elegantly restored Sunday cruiser, the hood scoop, slicks, Simpson Race Products parachute, and “ONBUMPR” license plate make it abundantly clear that this Mustang isn’t just a showstopper at a car cruise, but at the strip as well.
The interior of “ONBUMPR” is undeniably all race car. Enshrouded by an 8.50 certified DOM roll cage, the interior features a Kirkey Racing seat, Grant steering wheel, FuelTech 450 gauges, a Precision Performance Kwik-Shift shifter and a Pyrotect racing seatbelt.
Once Rizner completed this ground-up restoration project, he took “ONBUMPR” to the track and has been wowing crowds since. Participating in numerous classes of racing including Pro ET, Super Pro, King Street, Open Comp, Mustang Madness and Super Gas, Rizner has pushed this show quality ride to an impressive 9.01s quarter mile time at 148MPH with a 5.70s eighth at 114MPH with a 1.26s sixty foot time. While Rizner’s local race track, Bandimere Speedway, sadly closed after the 2023 season, his racing thrills will continue at neighboring dragways. His current plans include races such as the NMRA/NMCA race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois and events at the new Flying H Drag Strip in Odessa, Missouri.
Rizner is beyond grateful for the loving support of his wife, Kim and son, Eric who have championed his success with the build and his racing adventures. He’s also thankful for the support of his friends, who are too numerous to list, that have been instrumental in his accomplishments with “ONBUMPR”. Rizner’s future plans for the car are to strengthen it’s reliability and to make it faster, all while grappling with the challenge of keeping it’s show-quality appearance as it faces the unforgiving abuses endured while drag racing.