 |
    |
 |
|
|
IHRA Sunoco World Nationals, Norwalk, Ohio
|
 |
|
The latest results from the ninth stop on the 2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series |
By Bobby Bennett Photos by Roger Richards, Bryan Epps, James Drew, Mark Westfall |
|
 |
| Thunderstorms invaded Norwalk Raceway Park just as eliminations got underway. |
Tenacity – That’s the term that Funny Car runner Trevor Lebsack uses to describe his efforts. Lebsack purchased his current ride from the late Herb Rodgers, the former Canadian Funny Car legend. He actually purchased the car on the same day that Rodgers passed away. On yesterday, Lebsack’s entry lived up to its former name of "The Flying Glass" as the side panel delaminated and was ripped from the car. The car has been in the sand and encountered other calamities yet the team never quits. In fact, they were having a problem on Saturday morning working on the car. The generator had stopped on their trailer. The problem was solved when they put gas in the tank.
You guys lost? - A couple of NHRA regulars were taking in the action this weekend in Norwalk. Pro Stock fixtures Scott Woodruff, publicity director for Jeg's, and Larry Morgan (a guest of Mr. Gasket's Ollie Volpe) were on hand Saturday. Woodruff spent much of the day hanging out in Bill Bader's suite, while Morgan spent a great deal of time in the pits. Morgan's most notable quote was, "When are the Pro Modifieds running? I want to watch those guys run."
Déjà vu – During Saturday’s final qualifying session, Lebsack had the same panel that blew off on Friday take flight again. Fortunately, he made into the field as the fourth qualifier.
Bad Timing – After rain had halted Saturday’s action, the song playing as fans filed out of Norwalk Raceway Park was “I love NASCAR.”
No Two Timers – When Pete Berner stopped Frank Gugliotta in the final round of the Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout, he eliminated the only driver that could lay claim to back-to-back shootout titles. No driver has won this event twice, much less back-to-back. The only two-time winner is CompetitionPlus.com’s Bobby Bennett, who has successfully bet Sunoco’s Bill Corwin as to who the winner would be for two year’s straight.
 |
| Sunoco Pro Stock racer Pete Berner pocketed $20,000 for just under 20 seconds worth of work on Saturday. |
Serious Plunge – Just one week after winning his second NHRA Pro Modified national event victory in Memphis, Tenn., Mike Castellana failed to make the cut in Pro Modified. Not to disappoint, teammate Shannon Jenkins recorded the only run in the 6.2-second range as he shocked the troops with a 6.249, 226.92.
He’s got a point – Following the 6.24 by Jenkins, one supercharged racer was quick to point out, “Damn, they need to check his overdrive.”
You again? – After beating Elijah Morton in the first round of the Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout, eventual winner Pete Berner faced the same opponent in the first round of eliminations. The end result was the same as Berner advanced to the second round of eliminations at the expense of Morton.
Sweating Bullets – Heading into the final session, Top Fuel veteran Cory McClenathan was unqualified. The conditions were less than admirable with an 85-degree temperature and the track was 115. The air had soared to over 3,700 feet. That didn’t deter McClenathan as he had the car backed down extensively and still made it in with a 4.894, 297.48.
The only iffy thing is how long the team will be in town with the rain delay. Team officials have noted the transporter has to be in Indianapolis on Monday.
The Kid is back in town – Richie Stevens and Roy Hill have a storied history when it comes to racing at Norwalk Raceway Park. However, their history is in running mountain motor Pro Stocks. Hill won the event back to back in 1986 and 1987. Stevens, a Hill protégé, won it in 1997.
The two were in new territory as Stevens made his debut behind
the wheel of a Valspar-sponsored Pro Modified.
 |
Forget the shoes...I'm barefooting it.
(8-28-2004) - Imagine your crew guy runs out to back you up and finds out first hand how good the traction is. That's one driver encountered as his back-up man encountered a few problems. After losing a shoe, the crewman intially turned around to retrieve it only to lose his other one. After realizing he was fighting a losing battle, he abandoned the socks and finally says, "Screw it." He did it barefoot. We're just glad he didn't do a faceplant. It might have been heck trying to get his beard unstuck.
It's a safe bet to assume he won't be wearing loafers next time.
 |
SATURDAY - Rain halts Saturday action in first round
(8-28-2004) - Persistent rain showers brought a halt to Saturday's final eliminations during the 27th annual IHRA Sunoco World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.
A severe thunderstorm hit three pairs into the first round of Sunoco Pro Stock eliminations. Funny Car was the only professional category to get in a complete opening round.
Friday's action was also halted prematurely when rain showers and thunderstorms invaded the area.
The action is expected to resume at 10 AM, with sportsman eliminations. Professional competition will pick up where it left out at 11. Forecasters are calling for a 40% chance of rain on Sunday.
SATURDAY - Berner scores $20,000 Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout crown
 |
| Pete Berner defeated Frank Gugliotta in the final round of the Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout. |
(8-28-2004) – Pete Berner had a year to think about what it felt like to lose $20,000 on a single drag race. That’s why the Crete, Ill.-based mechanical contractor blocked everything from his mind when it came time for the final round of the prestigious Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout. Berner pocketed the largest bounty of any Sunoco Pro Stock event as he defeated defending champion Frank Gugliotta in the final round of the special race-within-a-race. Just one year ago, he finished runner-up.
Berner entered the event as the second seeded driver in the program that compiles points based on qualifying position for a calendar year.
“That was a good one,” explained Berner. “We knew we had to stay focused on winning. Getting the opportunity to race Frank again and for it to be as close as was made the experience tremendous. This was no doubt this was the best race of my career.”
Gugliotta was fourth ranked driver.
The first round of eliminations opened with Gugliotta making a positive step to successfully defend his title as he took out Nobile. Gugliotta led Nobile slightly out of the gate by .007 and gradually pulled away for the victory with a 6.567, 211.96. Nobile’s bid for the big prize ended with a 6.589, 210.87.
The next pair brought about an interesting scenario as Gahm left before the tree was activated handing the automatic victory to Jones, who produced low elapsed of the round with a 6.554, 212.46.
Berner pulled off an impressive victory that left Morton wondering what had happened. The starting line is where the confusion began as Berner pulled a .083 holeshot and extended that lead to a 6.596, 209.72 to 6.603, 208.39 decision.
The final pair represented the largest upset as Spiess pulled a .032 holeshot and led Montecalvo to the wire with a 6.574, 210.11. Montecalvo’s bid for a second Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout ended with a 6.579, 210.83.
Just one hour later, the Sunoco Pro Stocks returned to the lanes for a semi-final round that also served as the final qualifying session. Gugliotta won on both counts as he nailed Spiess on the starting line with a .003 holeshot and led all the way to the finish line with a 6.577, 213.13. Spiess lost despite a quicker 6.570, 211.39. Gugliotta also moved up in the qualifying ladder as well.
Berner followed the lead of Gugliotta in setting up a rematch of last year’s final round. Out of the gate, Berner put .03 of a starting line advantage in his pocket against Jones and never lifted en route to winning with a 6.562, 211.66. Jones’ consolation in the losing effort is that his 6.561 was combined with a 213.16 top speed.
In the final round, Berner, much maligned for suspect reaction times throughout the season, effectively shook the monkey from his back in scoring his third consecutive holeshot win as he reeled off a quicker reaction time and sped to a winning 6.608, 210.97. Gugliotta absorbed the runner-up with a 6.609, 212.39.
“I have been working hard on them every week,” explained Berner. “That was something we tried to improve on and my team was very supportive. I have a great team that made this very much possible.”
FRIDAY - Clay Millican Leads IHRA Top Fuel Qualifying at Sunoco World Nationals
 |
| Rick DiStefano paced the Pro Modified field on Friday. |
(8-27-2004) - Clay Millican holds the No. 1 Top
Fuel qualifying position at the 27th Annual Sunoco World Nationals
presented by PPG Automotive Refinish at Norwalk Raceway
Park. Millican, of Drummonds, Tenn., covered the quarter-mile in
4.656 seconds at 310.84 mph.
Other No. 1 qualifiers include Rick DiStefano, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada, (Pro Modified); Mark
Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, (Funny Car); and John Montecalvo, Center
Moriches, N.Y., (Sunoco Race Fuels Pro Stock).
The defending Top Fuel world champion Millican is followed by Louie
Allison with a 4.814,
307.09. Bobby Lagana, Jr. is third, Bruce Litton fourth and making
his return to competition is
Andrew Cowin in fifth. Cory McClenathan, making his IHRA debut,
ran 6.395, 137.89, and is
currently not in the field.
In Pro Modified, DiStefano is currently first, Al Billes second
and Harold Martin third. Dennis
Radford sits on the bump spot with a 6.463.
Former Funny Car world champion and current points leader Thomas holds the No. 1 position with a 5.894, 240.29. Fred Tigges is second, defending world champion Rob Atchison third and Trevor Lebsack fourth.
Current Pro Stock points leader Montecalvo, qualified No. 1 with
a track record-setting 6.603.
Frank Gugliotta qualified second, followed by Rick Jones and former
event winner Robert Patrick. John Konigshofer sits on the bump spot
with a 6.700.
Professional qualifying resumes Saturday with the final round of
qualifying at 1 p.m.
Professional eliminations begin Saturday evening at 4 p.m., with
the final round at 10 p.m.
Results Friday after qualifying for the 27th annual Sunoco
World Nationals
presented by PPG Auto Refinish at Norwalk Raceway Park, ninth of
12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series. Qualifying
will continue Saturday for Saturday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 4.656 seconds,
310.84 mph; 2. Louie Allison, 4.814,
307.09; 3. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.874, 298.21; 4. Bruce Litton, 4.917,
295.53; 5. Andrew Cowin,
4.961, 265.33; 6. Todd Paton, 5.065, 287.84; 7. John Sipple, 5.099,
248.16; 8. Doug Foley,
5.125, 282.95.
Pro Modified -- 1. Rick DiStefano, Chevy Corvette,
6.269, 227.46; 2. Al Billes,
Corvette, 6.279, 226.70; 3. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.282,
227.15; 4. Shannon Jenkins, Chevy Camaro, 6.324, 224.92; 5. Fred
Hahn, Corvette, 6.329, 228.15; 6. Tommy Gray, Corvette, 6.331, 226.81;
7. Mike Janis, Corvette, 6.336, 225.15; 8. Mike Lockwood, Corvette,
6.340, 223.39; 9. Richie Stevens, Ford Mustang, 6.343, 225.86; 10.
Pat Moore, Chevy Bel Air, 6.346, 222.44; 11. Steve Vick, Camaro,
6.349, 222.22; 12. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.358, 222.03; 13. Roy
Wasko, Camaro, 6.373, 220.12; 14. Eddie Ware, Willys, 6.428, 219.44;
15. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.457, 223.73; 16. Dennis Radford, Dodge
Viper, 6.463, 223.28.
Funny Car -- 1. Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 5.894, 240.29; 2. Fred Tigges, Chevy Camaro, 5.911, 240.17; 3. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 5.921, 237.00; 4. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 5.951, 234.29; 5. Terry McMillen, Avenger, 5.972, 237.05; 6. Jim Sickles, Avenger, 5.974, 237.96; 7. Dan Roman, Firebird, 5.976, 237.84; 8. Chris Foster, Avenger, 5.976, 234.49; 9. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 6.145, 228.92; 10. Mark Poyser, Camaro, 6.163, 229.16; 11. Neal Parker, Camaro, 6.194, 227.15; 12. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 6.261, 221.42; 13. Joshua Hernandez, Avenger, 6.262, 223.76; 14. Tony Bogolo, Oldsmobile Achieva, 6.263, 226.73; 15. Terry Munroe, Firebird, 6.327, 231.04; 16. Brian Harvanek, Firebird, 6.393, 219.69.
Pro Stock -- 1. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cavalier,
6.603, 211.79; 2. Frank Gugliotta, Ford
Escort, 6.604, 212.13; 3. Rick Jones, Dodge Stratus, 6.610, 211.76;
4. Robert Patrick, Ford
Mustang, 6.628, 210.83; 5. John Nobile, Ford ZX2, 6.630, 211.89;
6. Robert Mansfield, Pontiac
Grand Am, 6.636, 211.93; 7. Pete Berner, Mustang, 6.641, 210.93;
8. Richard Penland, Mustang, 6.653, 209.95; 9. Carl Baker, Mercury
Cougar, 6.658, 210.41; 10. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.669, 207.56; 11.
Mike Bell, ZX2, 6.675, 210.64; 12. Dwayne Rice, Cavalier, 6.681,
209.30; 13. Ron Miller, Cavalier, 6.686, 208.26; 14. Ed Machacek,
Cavalier, 6.688, 209.01; 15. Chuck DeMory, Escort, 6.690, 210.28;
16. John Konigshofer, Cougar, 6.700, 209.65.
FRIDAY NOTES - The Robert Patrick triple crown, Lehman's paved pit and subtle sponsor suggestion...
 |
| Rain sure spoils a good race day. |
(8-27-2004) - Patrick’s Success – Some drivers certainly have good fortunes at certain tracks. For Sunoco Pro Stock racer Robert Patrick, his track is certainly Norwalk Raceway Park. Three times in his career, Patrick has tasted victory. His first came in 1993 and he followed it up with back-to-back victories in 1995 and 1996.
When asked what makes this race special, he responded, “That’s a no-brainer, this is the one race you want to win if you race IHRA. Everyone gets geared up for it. I know I do.
Seamon Returns – While roaming the pits,
we ran into 1998 Sunoco Pro Stock World Champion Dan Seamon. Seamon
admitted that he’d hope to drive a second car for John Montecalvo,
but that deal had fallen through. However, he did allude to his
2005 plans which include a reunion with Charlie Taylor.
One way to get paved pits – Tired of getting mired in the grassy pit area that sometimes turns to mud, one way to ensure that you’ll never get bogged down is to hire a concrete company to pave your pit area for you. That’s exactly what Peter Lehman and the Team Werner operation has done.
Werner crewchief Mike Kloeber explained, “We figured that in the long run this would be cheaper than buying plywood every year. When we considered things, we didn’t figure they would be paving the pits any time soon.”
 |
| One of the investments the Lehman Racing made for the Norwalk race was in paving their pit area. |
The only problem is that the team has to maintain the top points position to keep their paved pit area.
Lots of water in the air – When the first professional
qualifying session began at 2 PM, the temperature had climbed to
85 degrees with a relative humidity of 68%. The adjusted altitude
was over 3,000 feet. While the track temperature was 113 when the
professional qualifying began, it made a drastic drop to 97 degrees
by the session’s end. The clouds had encompassed Norwalk Raceway
Park and rain began to fall at just after 4 PM.
Here’s a thought – While standing on the starting
line watching the first qualifying session, Sunoco Race Fuels Bill
Corwin, responsible for the sponsorship of the IHRA’s mountain
motor Pro Stock division, made a comment that might also serve as
a helpful hint.
“You would think, if someone is spending as much money as we are to sponsor their class, they would at least run our decal. You can print that.”
 |
| Billy Wagner is working this weekend with his father-in-law Bob Gillig. |
Billy Wagner – Almost a half-decade ago, one of the more contested rivalries in IHRA competition was not one among drivers, but one among crewchiefs. Billy Wagner, former crewchief for point leader John Montecalvo, used to go head-to-head with Butch Peterson, formerly of Chris Holbrook, in the battle for bragging rights within the Sunoco Pro Stock division.
That was the case until a half-decade ago when Wagner left to pursue opportunities with 500-inch Pro Stock racing.
“It feels really good to come out here and work with a team that has the power to contend,” explained Wagner. “I had a free weekend and I thought I would come out and help with the car. It’s still just as fun as it used to be.”
Wagner is not sure when he will get to do this again. His first commitment is working with 500-inch Pro Stock racer Bob Benza. But, on this weekend, it was a treat to work the weekend with his father-in-law Bob Gillig – Berner’s crewchief.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Clay Millican
had one of his lifelong dreams fulfilled the day before the event
began when he flew in an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft with the
United States Air Force Thunderbirds at the Toledo Express Airport.
"Everything about this flight was more than I expected," said Millican. "It was the experience of a lifetime. The equipment itself was like space-age technology. I couldn't believe how quiet and smooth the ride was, even when we accelerated to 14,000 feet going straight up. I was literally on my back going straight up in the air!"
 |
| Clay Millican had the time of his life on Thursday afternoon. |
Prior to take-off, Millican went through a series of pre-flight procedures. First, he was fitted for his G suit, followed by a lesson with the flight surgeon on what the G forces would do to his body. They went over procedures that Millican would need to do in order to remain conscious and keep from getting sick.
"The surgeon told me to act like I was Hans and Franz from the old Saturday Night Live shows and squeeze my stomach muscles as hard as I could to make sure I didn't pass out," explained Millican.
The final step in Millican's pre-flight process was to spend an hour with the pilot, Major Randy Redell, second in command with the squadron. Major Redell taught Millican how to operate the ejection seats and went over the maneuvers that they would do during the flight. Millican also had the opportunity to tell Major Redell a little bit more about drag racing, and gave him a 1/16th scale die-cast of the team's Elvis-themed dragster that they recently raced at the NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, and will race at the upcoming NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on September 1-6. Major Redell said that they plan to put the die-cast on display at their home base, the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
Once the flight took off, Millican, a 38-year-old three-time IHRA Top Fuel Champion and winningest professional driver in IHRA history, reached a G force level far beyond the 4 to 5 G's he normally reaches when driving a Top Fuel dragster. In the F-16, Millican pulled 9 G's, which is equivalent to nine times the force of gravity. Millican described the experience as "completely unbelievable." The G force levels experienced in an F-16 exceed the capabilities of other current fighter aircrafts.
"I heard that (NHRA Funny Car driver) Ron Capps had flown with the Thunderbirds and pulled 9 G's, so I told the pilot that I wanted to do that too. He told me it might make me pass out, but I was willing to give it a try. I stayed conscious the whole time and it was really the ride of my life," said Millican. "The pressure at 9 G's is unbelievable. It feels like someone is trying to push you out of the airplane."
At one point, Millican actually got to fly the plane under the watchful eye of Major Redell.
"He let me fly the plane and I did a backwards loop," said Millican. "It was the coolest thing I've ever done."
Athey licensing – Pro Modified racer turned Top Fuel
licensee is attempting to complete his license for the nitro burners.
He had made some runs prior to the event at nearby Quaker City Raceway
and succeeded in performing several launches. Athey pointed out
the facility isn’t used to Top Fuel cars as evidenced by his
burnout that pulled rubber up from the track.
Athey’s early pass on Friday resulted in mid-track smoke and a no-pass on his license.
 |
| Trevor Lebsack found himself in a predicament when the side panel of his flopper peeled off during the first qualifying session. |
First time for everything – Cory McClenathan’s first impression of the IHRA is that he likes the hospitality afforded him already. The veteran driver for the Carrier Boyz team says it reminds him of the days before he took the leap from sportsman racing to professional.
“This reminds me of the days when we ran an alcohol dragster,” explained McClenathan. “Everyone knows everyone out here, they barbeque and hang out. That’s important for our sport. This event is a throwback to the old days of drag racing.
“I remember seeing the pictures of the 1970s of this place and the things the Bader family has done to improve this place is phenomenal.”
Team owner Mark Carrier, whose father Larry Carrier founded the IHRA, admits their team is here to have a good time.
“We really enjoy running this race. We tested in Indy and we felt we had a good handle on things, but we wanted to come out here and have some fun. Bill Bader has always been a good close friend of our family, so we wanted to come out here and support him.”
