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IHRA
Sunoco World Nationals FINAL - Bell wins first Sunoco Pro Stock race in nine years, Sickles, Moore and Foley headline professional winners at Norwalk
(10-9-2004) - An old champion never forgets how to win and thus is the case with former Sunoco Pro Stock World Champion Mike Bell. Bell was joined in the winner’s circle by professional winners Jim Sickles (Funny Car), Pat Moore (Pro Modified) and Doug Foley (Top Fuel). Sometimes the road to the back to the winner’s circle is full of obstacles. For Bell, he was able to overcome all of them to take home his first win in nine years. Bell defeated Ron Miller in the final round of the Sunoco World Nationals with a 6.52/212.59 run. Miller launched hard, but was out of the run bye the 100-foot mark. “We have been fighting some clutch problems, and coming into today, I was confident that we had overcome them,” Bell said. “I built this car by myself and it means even more to have won with it.”
Bell worked his way into the final round by taking out some of the heaviest hitters in the class. Back in August, Bell was one of the fortunate few who completed his first round of competition. He took out Frank Gugliotta in an upset holeshot win. Bell ran a 6.642/210.83 to Gugliotta’s 6.610/211.96 pass. In round two, which was completed today, he defeated two-time and reigning champion Brian Gahm. Gahm was forced to shut off early, while Bell soared to a 6.558/212.86 win. Bell took advantage of his second holeshot win in the semis when he shocked Steve Spiess with a .003 light. Bell took the win with a 6.520/213.37 run to Spiess’s better 6.482/214.42 run. “This is the first time that my crew and partner/engine builder, Larry Overby, has won a race, and it was fun just to do it for them,” Bell added. “The win was a great relief for me, and it has been a long time coming.” Sickles defended his World Nationals Funny Car title by defeating Fred Tigges on a holeshot in the final round of action. Tigges put up a fight by posting a 5.88/240.21 run to Sickles’ 5.92/239.50
“It is great that we are here again,” Sickles said. “We are getting the car from A to B, and going rounds. I have a good team that knows how to get this car to the finish line, and that is what it takes to win.” Sickles found good fortune on his way to finals, beginning in August with his first round win over no-show, Larry Dobbs. In the second round, Sickles made a strong case for himself by posting a 5.871/240.21 run to Scott Wildgust’s 6.046/228.58 pass. A little luck came in his direction in the semis, when reigning World Champion, Rob Atchison aborted the run early. Sickles entered into the final round on a 5.989/237.34 lap. “Our goal was to try to not beat ourselves,” Sickles added. “We are putting the pressure on the competition here, and it helps. Last year we had no luck, and this year we are getting a little more.”
Emotions were running high in the finals of Pro Modified. Quain Stott had a lot on his mind and his thoughts were most likely with his father, who was rushed to the hospital after falling from the team golf cart in the semi-finals. The Ohioan – Moore was in the position of a lifetime, as he drove Ed Steffey’s ride into the finals for the first time since 1996. In a tight final round, it was Moore who would come out on top with a 6.310.219.86 over Stott’s 6.35/338.27 run “This has always been a competitive car,” Moore explained. “We just haven’t had any luck in eliminations. Until today, this car had only gone as far as second round. We’ve always had a good final round record, and I felt confident going into the last run.” En route to the final round, Moore used a little good fortune over Mike Lockwood in round one. Lockwood went red, sending more to the second round with a 6.367/220.30 run. The “Iceman” felt the cooling effect in round two when Moore outran him with a 6.288/222.18 run. Jenkins headed back to the trailer with a 6.345/207.43 pass. Mike Janis had just been crowned as the 2004 Pro Modified World Champion, when he was paired with Moore in the semi-finals. Moore kept his cool and left the line first with a .052 light to Janis’ .083 bulb. Janis got into trouble early and was forced to lift. Moore cleared the finish line with a 6.476/213.16 for the win. “We had some lucky breaks today, and since Norwalk is our home track, and it couldn’t have been a better place to win,” Moore said. “We had a lot of friends and family here to celebrate with.” Luck had a little to do with Foley’s latest win in Top Fuel. Off the starting line, Foley instantly smoked the tires and thought that his day was done. After all, he was paired with the now four time World Champion, Clay Millican. However, shortly after, Millican too went up in smoke. Foley drove his way out of the pedal-fest and on to his third win of the season. “I was out of run when I heard Clay smoke his tires,” Foley commented. “I eased the throttle just enough to get down through there and it was what we needed to take the win. I’m not pleased with our performance, but the win clinched us a third place finish.” For a rookie team, Foley has been wreaking havoc among the field. His day began with a win over Louie Allison. Foley’s 5.614/178.19 was no match for Allison’s coasting 11.285/81.69 run. In a stroke of luck, Foley received a bye run in the semis, when Andrew Cowin failed to make the call. Foley coasted down track to advanced into the final round. “IHRA is a tough win,” Foley explained. “In our first year it was unreasonable to think that we would win three races. We hoped that we would win at least one, but three is over our expectations.” SPORTSMAN RESULTS
Final round-by-round results from the 27th annual Sunoco World
Nationals TOP FUEL: ROUND ONE -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.751, 310.05 def. Bruce Litton, 4.782, 332.84; Andrew Cowin, 4.753, 313.51 def. Rick Cooper, 9.019, 79.99; Doug Foley, 5.614, 178.19 def. Louie Allison, 11.285, 81.69; Clay Millican, 4.917, 283.37 def. John Sipple, 4.988, 253.33; SEMIFINALS -- Foley, 26.852, 59.63 def. Cowin, broke; Millican,
4.671, 316.15 def. Lagana Jr., 6.612, 136.55;
ROUND ONE -- Rick DiStefano, Chevy Corvette, 6.193, 230.29
def. David Roemer, Chevy Camaro, 6.460, 219.12; Pat Moore, Chevy Bel
Air, 6.367, 220.30 def. Mike Lockwood, Corvette, foul; Carl Spiering,
Corvette, 6.279, 218.37 def. Fred Hahn, Corvette, 9.146, 90.79; Quain
Stott, Corvette, 6.274,
ROUND ONE -- Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 5.881, 236.55 def. Mark
Poyser, Chevy Camaro, 6.207, 226.47; Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 5.934,
237.96 def. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 6.151, 228.58; Fred Tigges, Camaro,
5.999, 237.17 def. Joe Comella, Firebird, 6.125, 233.16; Jim Sickles,
Avenger, 6.026, 236.84 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, broke; Neal
Parker, Camaro, 6.078, 226.58 def. John Sullivan, Pontiac Firehawk,
6.247, 223.28; Scott Wildgust, Firebird, 6.261, 226.77 def. Trevor Lebsack,
Ford Mustang, 6.096, 227.23; Chris Foster, Avenger, 6.008, 231.95 def.
Tony Bogolo, Oldsmobile Achieva, 6.135, 229.35; Terry Munroe, Firebird,
6.038, 232.79 def. Dan Roman, Firebird, 6.779, 166.54;
ROUND ONE -- Mike Bell, Ford ZX2, 6.642, 210.83 def. Frank Gugliotta,
Ford Escort, 6.610, 211.96; Steve Spiess, Chevy Cavalier, 6.578, 211.93
def. Carl Baker, Mercury Cougar, broke; Pete Berner, Ford Mustang, 6.600,
210.93 def. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.631, 210.54; John Nobile, ZX2,
6.598,
SATURDAY NOTES - Mansfield is the man, A wearied Janis and Lagana the super man...(10-9-2004) - Welcome to the A-list - How does it feel to go from unknown to notoriety? Rob Mansfield has gone from near obscurity to being the most chased man in IHRA Pro Stock. With three no. 1 qualifiers, a world record, semi-final and final round appearances in a very short amount of time, Mansfield is on his way to a prosperous career in pro racing. The former Quick 8 and Outlaw racer has made the most of his short time on the circuit, but the pressure that comes with not only being the new kid on the block, but the new kid that happens to be kicking everyone else’s butt, hasn’t phased him in the least. “I’ve always wanted to race in pro stock, and I’m lucky that this team is working so well together so quickly,” Mansfield said. For Mansfield, three wasn’t a charm, but perhaps four will have a special meaning. Although the rookie will have to wait until Rockingham for his next chance to win his first race, he stands solid that he won’t be relying on any good luck charms to guide him down the track. “I haven’t been doing this long enough to have those yet!” Note to the rest of the Pro Stock field: Beware of Mansfield in 2005.
By simply showing up for the event, Millican closed the book on 2004. What is next for the newly re-crowned king? “Five of course!” Millican added.
After racing on Friday just outside of Philadelphia, Lagana drove all night to make it to the Ohio event. A little sleep deprived, Lagana resorted to drinking his first-ever cup of coffee to stay awake for the overnight trip. It might just be well worth it if he happens to take a win back to Norwalk. To add to the heroism, when racing concludes this evening, Lagana and crew will pack up and head back to Maple Grove for eliminations tomorrow.
Set to take home his second IHRA Pro Modified World Championship, Janis, as many of the Pro Modified drivers have been doing, is doubling up by competing in the NHRA version of the class. As the season winds down to a dull roar, Janis is leaning towards the IHRA side of the fence for 2005. A second round victory over Harold Martin ensured his second career championship.
Heading into the first round of eliminations, Montecalvo was leading the point chase. After exiting first round, and having Nobile win first round, the points were tied. Despite their friendship, Montecalvo was on the starting line for second round; except that he was not there to cheer on his friend. With a red-light for Nobile in round two, Montecalvo was the one who leaped 10-feet into the air. “John (Nobile) and I are the greatest friends, but that doesn’t mean I want to see him win” Montecalvo said. Heading into Rockingham tied for points – the friends will surely
turn into foes…at least until the race is over.
SUNDAY - Event postponed until October 9(8-29-2004) - Racing is over for this weekend at the 27th annual IHRA Sunoco World Nationals. The rest of the event has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 9th, with a test-and-tune session Friday, October 8th. All Friday and Saturday tickets from this weekend will be honored when the event resumes. Racers and others with full-event wristbands will have to present those wristbands for admission in October. The Top Fuel and Pro Modified fields have not yet started eliminations, so those fields will be reset when the race resumes - qualified racers who do not return will be removed from the field and will not receive any points for the event. Those who move into the field because of no-shows will receive both points and prize money. Top Stock, Funny Car, and Pro Stock, along with all the Sportsman categories, have already started eliminations and those fields and ladders are frozen. No points will be awarded until the event is completed in October.
SATURDAY - Lightning strikes twice, Jenkins raises the roof and Cory Mac sweats it out…
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.
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.
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| 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
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| 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...
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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!"
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| 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.
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| 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.”
© Competitionplus 2004