While it is true that these unlimited category racers are based on WWII fighters, there is most likely very little left in them that is original. They are heavily modified and designed for nothing but pure speed.
I think almost all of these unlimited aircraft snip the wings for speed, and the Galloping Ghost even went so far as to eliminate the cooling scoop under the fuselage:
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Power and reliability would come from Shanholtzer’s hot-rodded V-12 Merlin. In a big move, the drag reduction part of the equation came from removing the Mustang’s iconic belly scoop. The function of the radiator and oil cooler would be combined in a heat exchanger, and that would be placed in a tank of water/methanol. As hot coolant and engine oil flowed through the exchanger, heat would transfer to the water/meth where it would boil and vent overboard. The whole idea was to have zero cooling drag on the airplane. In fact, the only air coming into the airplane is fed to the engine. Since the late 1940s, The Galloping Ghost is only the fourth racing P-51 to undergo this surgery. If done right, it has some big benefits to offer.
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There are a lot of people involved in modifying and flying these planes too:
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To those unfamiliar with the Air Races, each plane has a large pit crew of engineers and mechanics, who in many cases completely rebuild parts, including the engines, between each race. I guess anywhere between 6 to 25 guys and gals, all highly trained.
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