When his first NHRA car was built, he was tactfully told during tech that the NHRA didn't like anything that held a connotation for street racing, so the company name was changed to Paralax Race Cars. The name "parallax" is a scientific term that relates to the apparent trajectory of moving objects in relation to the viewer's perspective. (Ever noticed how when watching a drag race that the closest car appears to be ahead, until both cars pass you?) That's the parallax view. The name was changed to make it fit on the 7-digit California license plates.

Grant campaigned a Venom Toyota Tundra in 2001 and 2002, and his accomplishments include being the second in the Sport Compact Series to join the Summit 200mph Club, the first import into the 6-second class, and last but not least, the 2002 Sport Compact Pro Champion.

Grant was a short-term funny car crew member for Rhonda Hartman, Mert Littlefield and Gary Densham until a race at Sonoma where he was "loaned" to Del Worsham. Grant and Del hit it off immediately, and Grant spent the next 18 months being a fly-in crewmember for the Checker Schucks Kragen team. Grant then decided to drive his own funny car. First he had to get a Nitro Funny Car license. His first seat time came at Phoenix in 2001, with further licensing attempts at Las Vegas. His best time was 5:11 at 292 mph, and he only had one more full pass to achieve his license. The only obstacle that prevented complete licensing was a burnt piston and slightly (!) warped crankshaft. Grant completed his licensing at Bakersfield in June 2001.

Grant closed Paralax in 2003 to concentrate on his professional driving career, which has included the US Nationals in Indianapolis, the World Finals in Pomona, Las Vegas and the Winternationals in Pomona. He continues to work full time for Del Worsham Racing as the chassis builder, also doing tin work and body-mounts for the multi-car team.

The Silver Fern Racing team is owned by Grant and Lynne Downing, with Grant being the driver and Lynne the team manager. Del Worsham is the tuner of the car. Ashley McKean is the crew chief. Ashley has over nine years experience working with Randy Anderson, Jim Dunn Racing, and David Baca Motorsports. The remaining team members are James Williamson (Cylinder Head), Justin Adams (Cylinder Head) and Robin Silk (Bottom End).

More information is available on Grant's website at: www.silverfernracing.com

Click on the image below to view the Windows Media Movie of Grant's NitroHead Funny Car