Competition Plus.com - Drag Racing's Internet Magazine

SAME DAY COVERAGE
2nd Annual Jeg's.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals
Belle Rose, La.
By Matthew Brammer and Brian Wood; Photos by Roger Richards and Brian Wood

Sportsman Photo Gallery

Pro Mod Photo Gallery

SUNDAY - ASHLEY, COUGHLIN LEAD WINNERS FOR JEG’S.COM CAJUN SPORTSNATIONALS

(4-24-2005) - A pair of Mike’s headlined the winners for the Second Annual JEG’S.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals at No Problem Raceway. Mike Ashley grabbed the win in the AMS/TLR Pro Mod Challenge while Mike Coughlin joined him in the winner’s circle with his JEG’S Mail Order Super Comp Dragster.

Defending AMS/TLR World Champion Ashley knocked off Frankie Taylor for his second win in as many weeks with a 6.177-second lap at 230.41 mph. Taylor, running 6.204 seconds, was right on Ashley’s tail, tripping the clocks at 228.89 mph. The win vaulted Ashley into the points lead as previous leader Jay Payne went out in round one in a wild ride that took him from one side of the track to the other after getting out of the grove early in the run.

“What a great event,” remarked Ashley during winner’s circle celebrations. “This facility is amazing, the weather was perfect and the fans were incredible. I want to race here every week.”

Coughlin, of Delaware, Ohio, left the starting line first and held off Bryan Robinson with a run of 8.929 seconds at 158.73 mph to Robinson’s 8.933, 164.51. The Coughlin family had four cars competing this weekend between Mike and his brothers John and Troy. John pulled double duty driving in both Super Stock and Super Comp while Troy ran his ’67 Mustang in Pro Mod.

Comp driver Michael Johnson and Top Sportsman driver Keith Raftery took home the honors in their classes with Johnson ousting Brian Browell with a pass of 8.959 seconds at 125.37 mph. Raftery clocked in at 7.045 seconds at 189.98 mph taking out Roger McCombs of Pensacola, Fla., with a 7.240 at 196.42.

The battle of champions came in Super Gas when Scotty Richardson took on Tom Stalba with Richardson taking the win with a 9.908 second run at 142.42 mph to Stalba’s 9.910 at 149.40. Richardson has picked up five NHRA National Championships in his career while Stalba has five division championships to his name.

Local racer Johnathan Blades of Baker, La., worked his way through the Super Street field and into the final before falling to Sid Norwood of Brandon, Ms. Norwood ran a 10.856 second pass at 148.12 to Blades 10.893, at 128.13 in his ’68 Camaro.

Alabama racers took home the wins in Super Stock and Stock Eliminator with Hugh Meeks III beating number one qualifier Bobby Dennis in Super Stock and Jeff Strickland winning over Lee Bannister in Stock. Meeks ran 9.577 seconds at 138.29 to Dennis’ 10.667, 117.91 and Stricklands’s 10.965 at 101.96 was enough to hold off Bannister.

The NHRA South Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, April 29 – May 1.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series JEG’S.com Cajun SPORTSnationals event at No Problem Raceway:

Pro Modified - Mike Ashley, Melville, N.Y., '67 Mustang, 6.177, 230.41 def. Frankie Taylor, Dickinson, Texas, '68 Camaro, 6.204, 228.89.

Comp Eliminator - Michael Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.959, 125.37 def. Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, broke.

SUPER STOCK - Hugh Meeks III, Wetumpka, Ala., '93 Achieva, GT/AA, 9.577, 138.29 def. Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR - Jeff Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.965, 101.96 def. Lee Bannister, LaVernia, Texas, '72 Formula, E/SA, foul.

SUPER COMP - Mike Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, dragster, 8.929, 158.73 def. Bryan Robinson, Iuka, Miss., dragster, 8.933, 164.51.

SUPER GAS - Scotty Richardson, Springfield, Tenn., '63 Corvette, 9.908, 142.42 def. Tom Stalba Jr, Williamstown, N.J., '63 Corvette, 9.910, 149.40.

SUPER STREET - Sid Norwood, Brandon, Miss., '80 Corvette, 10.856, 148.12 def. Johnathan Blades, Baker, La., '68 Camaro, 10.893, 128.13.

TOP SPORTSMAN - Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '03 Grand Am, 7.045, 189.98 def. Roger McCombs, Pensacola, Fla., '02 Grand Am, 7.240, 196.42.

MOPAR HEMI SHOOTOUT

Charlie Westcott Jr., Parma, Mich., '68 Barracuda, 8.661, 151.48 def. Jim Pancake, Delaware, Ohio, '68 Barracuda, 8.684, 151.60.

PRO MOD round by round

Round 1:

Shelly Payne, Ontario CA, '05 Stratus, 6.205 231.64 def. Joey Martin, Milton FL, '41 Willys, 6.359 222.66
Chip King, Semora NC, '01 Avenger, 14.227 59.46 def. Joshua Hernandez, Conroe TX, '57 Bel Air, NT-Left Before Tree
Perry Herring, Gondo AL, '63 Corvette, 6.923 202.70 def. Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda CA, '01 Viper, 17.693 43.41
Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '67 Mustang, 6.266 225.18 def. Glen Kerunsky, Priddis AB, '57 Bel Air, 6.381 226.09
Frankie Taylor, Dickinson TX, '68 Camaro, 6.173 228.69 def. Troy Critchley, Wylie TX, '41 Willys, 6.960 161.83
Doug Palmer, Prairieville LA, '63 Corvette, 6.476 218.30 def. Jay Payne, Ontario CA, '05 Stratus, DQ-Centerline
Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '67 Mustang, 6.486 229.59 def. Bill Hill, St Louis MO, '53 Corvette, 15.488 57.72
Thomas Patterson, Houston TX, '41 Willys, 6.188 218.51 def. Brandon Pesz, The Woodlands TX, '53 Corvette, 6.316 223.88

Round 2:

P Herring, 6.759 213.84 def. D Palmer, 6.893 206.51
F Taylor, 6.260 226.09 def. T Coughlin, 6.243 225.41
M Ashley, 6.142 230.65 def. C King, 7.866 123.11
S Payne, 9.431 138.34 def. T Patterson, NT-Broke Before Staging

Round 3:

F Taylor, 6.212 227.61 def. S Payne, 6.362 219.08
M Ashley, 6.192 229.31 def. P Herring, 6.299 227.23

Round 4:

M Ashley, 6.177 230.41 def. F Taylor, 6.204 228.89

Sportsman Notes - Sunday

Super Comp

With his family company as title sponsor of the event, Mike Coughlin was hoping to perform well at the race which bore the family name, but winning the event in Super Comp was more than he had prepared for. “It’s obviously something we were shooting for, but it’s not something we’ve ever done. I’m not quite sure how to act,” Coughlin said.

“We’ve never title-righted a race before and now we get to win it, so, I’m not sure, but it feels good so far,” he said as his 4-year-old son Jack whispered in his ear “Good job dad.”

In the 8.90-indexed class, Coughlin defeated Bryan Robinson 8.929 to 8.933 in the final to win the Wally for the family.

Super Gas

With 36 Wally’s to his name, Scotty Richardson has been in the finals many times before today – but that didn’t keep him from getting nervous about the race.

Richardson said, “I kind of slacked off in the final because I was a little nervous. I was running one of the top guys in the country, and he might have been a little nervous too and went a little late, but I got lucky and went 9.90 and he went 9.91.”

In the final round, Scotty Richardson defeated Tom Stalba 9.908 to 9.910.

Super Street

Sid Norwood was giving lessons in reaction time on Sunday, posting two almost perfect .001 second lights en route to the final round where his “worst light,” a blazing .040 second shot didn’t matter because runner-up Jonathan Blades jumped the tree by .007 to hand Norwood the win. Blades was trying to repeat the perfect .000 light he cut in the quarter-final round, but came up short.

Norwood commented about the impressive competition at the Cajun Sportsnationals, “Any time you come to South Louisiana and get and racers from Texas and Florida, the racing is tough.”

Competition Eliminator

According to Comp Eliminator champion Michael Johnson, “This is probably the best field of Comp cars I’ve seen in five or six years.”Johnson defeated Brian Browell (broke) to earn the win this weekend.

“I’ve been racing forever, but I’ve been driving for 19 years,” he said. “Last year we did really good and won three races, and it rolled over into this year.”

Super Stock

Number one qualifier Bobby Dennis marched all the way to the final round in Super Stock, but cam up short when he went red by .007 and handed the win to Hugh Meeks. “This is a thrill,” said Meeks. “The who’s who of Super Stock was here this weekend, but I was lucky.”

Stock Eliminator

The runner-up in Stock, Lee banister may have redlit, but champion Jeff Strickland knows the competition in the class is top-notch.

“They just keep getting harder, and everyone is getting better. Everyone is driving the same stuff these days. You’ve gotta have a lot of luck, and you’ve got to earn the rounds that you need,” Strickland said.

Top Sportsman

From No. 1 qualifier all the way to the winner’s circle, Top Sportsman champion Keith Raftery ran consistently in front of his home-state fans all day to earn the trip to the winner’s circle. Raftery defeated Roger McCombs in the final round, 7.045 seconds to 7.240 seconds.

“I was a little bit nervous out there – because I saw some cameras, and as I was staging I got a little shaken up, but the hard work paid off,” Raftery said. “I think we’re on track now.”

SATURDAY - Westcott Successfully Defends Hemi Challenge Title

(4-23-2005) - For the second straight year, Charlie Westcott Jr. has claimed the Mopar Performance SS/AA Hemi Challenge at the JEG’S.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals. Westcott, of Parma, Mich., who won last year’s event with a holeshot victory over Harry Holton in the final, ran his win streak to eight rounds at No Problem Raceway Park with a final round victory over Jim Pancake, who fouled.

“I didn’t realize I’d won until I hit the finish line,” said Westcott. “We got to half track and he was ahead of me and I thought, ‘Oh no, this isn’t good.’ But everything worked out in the end.”

Westcott outlasted a field of 16 of the country’s top Super Stock Hemi cars including last year’s runner-up Holton, who was the top qualifier with an 8.59 in his West Coast Hemis Barracuda. The 73-year old Holton, regarded by many as the country’s top Super Stock Hemi engine builder, reached the second round of the Mopar Performance SS/AA Challenge before spinning the tires against Pancake.

“All of us got a break when Harry got beat,” said Westcott. “He was quite a bit quicker than the rest of us but we still found a way to win. We just steadily worked on our car until we were satisfied with it. I did a pretty big wheelstand in the final and that probably cost me a hundredth or two but otherwise, it was a decent run. We’ve got a couple more of these [Hemi Challenge] races coming up this year so this was a good way to get started.”

Westcott ran consistent 8.6s during eliminations including an 8.66 in the final to take home the $5000 winner’s purse.
Pancake would have made it close with an 8.68 in the final had he not red-lighted by two thousandths of a second.

In final qualifying Richard Freeman held onto the top spot in Comp Eliminator while Keith Raftery jumped into the No. 1 position in Top Sportsman. Freeman bettered Friday’s qualifying run with an 8.377 second lap, 0.773 under the index. Freeman is followed by Louisiana racer Del Segura of Harvey, La., with a 7.996 second pass, 0.744 under.
Raftery of Lake Charles, La., ran a 6.714 second pass at 205.32 mph and is followed by Jim Harrington and Bert Prejean in the second and third spots respectively.

Harrington went on to beat Raftery in the Top Sportsman Quick 8 which pitted the top eight qualifiers in a special race with in this weekend’s event.

Bobby Dennis leads the Super Stock class in his ’95 Achieva running 11.44 seconds with the ’68 Barracuda of Harry Holton in second just four thousandths of a second behind. James Wahl of Deltona, Fla., leads the 123 car Stock Eliminator field in his ’91 Dodge, running 14.028 seconds, 1.422 under.

The following are Saturday’s final qualifying results at No Problem Raceway Park and the JEG’S.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals:

Comp Eliminator Top Ten

1) Richard Freeman, Pauls Valley, Okla., '04 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.377 seconds, -0.773 (under index)
2) Del Segura, Harvey, La., dragster, F/D, 7.996, -0.744
3) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '05 Chevy, F/SMA, 8.705, -0.735
4) Michael Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.813, -0.727
5) Raymond Martin, Mt Belvieu, Texas, '32 Bantam, K/AA, 7.724, -0.726
6) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '04 Cavalier, H/SMA, 9.061, -0.719
7) Charlie Stewart, Arlington, Texas, '63 Corvette, F/EA, 8.291, -0.719
8) Thomas Cashio, Ventress, La., '02 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.824, -0.716
9) Jeff Taylor, Lumberton, N.C., '02 Grand Am, G/SMA, 8.828, -0.712
10) Colt Mikel, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.281, -0.679

Super Stock Top Ten

1) Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.444 seconds, -1.306 (under index)
2) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.598, -1.302
3) Jerry Silveus, Van Buren, Ohio, '88 Oldsmobile, SS/NA, 11.159, -1.291
4) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.685, -1.265
5) Charlie Wescott Jr, Parma, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.651, -1.249
6) Jim Pancake, Delaware, Ohio, '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.665, -1.235
7) Blair Patrick, New Hope, Tenn., '68 Mustang, SS/FA, 9.542, -1.208
8) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.692, -1.208
9) Mike Smith, Mineral Wells, W.V., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.020, -1.180
10) David Barton, Robesonia, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.722, -1.178

Stock Eliminator Top Ten

1) Jim Wahl, Deltona, Fla., '91 Spirit, CF/S, 14.028 seconds, -1.422 (under index)
2) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '80 Capri, U/SA, 13.813, -1.337
3) Amy Faulk, Collierville, Tenn., '01 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.790, -1.210
4) Daran Summerton, Panama City, Fla., '89 Pontiac Wgn, U/SA, 13.955, -1.195
5) Floyd Russo Jr., Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.506, -1.194
6) Jerry Newsome, Mayfield, Ky., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.375, -1.175
7) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, E/SA, 10.868, -1.132
8) Dave Casey, Hampden, Mass., '86 Camaro, G/S, 11.069, -1.131
9) Dean Oliver, Stuttgart, Ark., '79 Malibu, K/SA, 11.826, -1.124
10) Mike Welfel, Nashville, Tenn., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.337, -1.113

Top Sportsman Top Ten

1) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '03 Grand Am, 6.714 seconds, 205.32 mph
2) Jim Harrington, Navarre, Fla., '99 Olds, 6.760, 209.30
3) Scott Hintz, Odessa, Texas, '03 Mustang, 6.974, 197.74
4) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 6.976, 198.03
5) Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, 6.989, 198.47
6) T J Tracy, Bartlett, Tenn., '66 Nova, 6.994, 193.05
7) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.009, 197.71
8) J. Lee Didier, Fort Smith, Ark., '04 Cavalier, 7.120, 193.79
9) Kyle Cannon, W. Helena, Ark., '03 Cavalier, 7.144, 192.19
10) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 7.160, 193.82

Sportsman Notes - Saturday

It isn’t just for breakfast - Jim Pancake served Charlie Wescott a win in Mopar Performance SS/AA Hemi Challenge. Wescott earned the win when Pancake left early and turned the red light on.

Quick on the draw - Jim Herrington earned the honors in the Top Sportsman Quick Eight Shootout. Qualified No. 2 for the shootout, Herrington beat Ken Raferty, 6.672/211.33 to 9.106/110.80 when Raferty’s car shook and he lifted to give Herrington the win.

First Timer - In the Stock and Super Stock classes, winners were crowned for every class. In I/FI, Phillip Bush took the honors with his new 1988 thunderbird. Bush said, “This is a brand new car, and this is the first event I’ve been to with it, so I’m really pleased.”

Awesome Sportsnationals - Montgomery Alabama resident, Mike Cruchfield took the SS/BS Wally. Chutchfield said, “I believe these Sportsnationals events are the wave of the future for the sportsman racer. I think this is what we need – we’re the whole show, and that’s going to go a long to get the competitors here. In the future I think you might see one in each division.”

He won in a borrowed car - SS/NA driver Jerry Silveus won his class in a borrowed car. He also qualified third in the whole Super Stock field. “This is actually my daughter’s car - I sold my car last fall and she saw that I was getting nervous, so she sent me south with her car,” Silveus said.

“If my new car is done, I’ll head to the next one in Columbus, otherwise, I don’t imagine I’ll take hers. She’ll be racing in it,” he said.

Just me and the dog - Super Stock driver Jim Wahl won the CF/S class and also took No. 1 qualifying honors. “This weekend it’s just me and my dog,” Wahl said.

“I think this event is great. We came here last year and loved it. We’re number one qualifier this year, so obviously we’re having a great time.You couldn’t ask for a better race,” he said.

Vacation at the track - SS/HA driver Larry Stewart took his class honors in front of friends and family who came all the way from Clinton Mississippi.

“Most of my family is here – this is a mini vacation for us,” Stewart said.

“ We got lucky last year and ended up winning the world championship – with the right people around us. This has been a blast so far, He said.

Lucky Seven - Larry Cummings took the honors in SS/AS, among other qualifying positions in several classes.

“I’ve been racing for 39 years,” Cummings said. “My two sons out and I brought seven cars out here to race. We’re racing super stock, super comp, super gas, and stock.”
The Cummings clan is sponsored by Moser Engineering. “They are very sportsman oriented and really help us out a lot,” he said.

Pro Modified - Saturday

Patterson Leads Qualifying Heading into Race Day

(4-23-2005) - Defending AMS/TLR Pro Modified World Champion Mike Ashley, of Long Island, New York, led the battle for the top spot in the field for this weekend’s event, but after earning and then holding the position through three sessions over two days, he relinquished the berth to Houston’s Thomas Patterson. Heading into the elimination rounds, Patterson leads the way by virtue of his 6.163-second pass at 227.92 mph. Ashley is second with a 6.185 at 229.78 mph and points leader Jay Payne is third at 6.215, 231.78.

Patterson will face Brandon Pesz in the first round on Sunday, Ashley will meet Bill Hill and Payne has Doug Palmer. In other first round match-ups, it will be Joey Martin vs. Shelly payne, Frankie Taylor vs. Troy Critchley, Troy Coughlin vs. Glen Herunsky, Joshua Hernandez vs. Chip King and Kirk Kuhns vs. Perry Herring.

Pro Modified Final Qualifying Order

1) Thomas Patterson, Houston, Texas, '41 Willys, 6.163 seconds, 227.92 mph
2) Mike Ashley, Melville, N.Y., '67 Mustang, 6.185, 229.78
3) Jay Payne, Ontario, Calif., '05 Stratus, 6.215, 231.52
4) Frankie Taylor, Dickinson, Texas, '68 Camaro, 6.221, 227.23
5) Troy Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '67 Mustang, 6.225, 225.94
6) Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda, Calif., '01 Viper, 6.228, 229.94
7) Joshua Hernandez, Conroe, Texas, '57 Bel Air, 6.241, 226.43
8) Joey Martin, Milton, Fla., '41 Willys, 6.243, 221.67
9) Shelly Payne, Ontario, Calif., '05 Stratus, 6.263, 228.61
10) Chip King, Semora, N.C., '01 Avenger, 6.277, 226.92
11) Perry Herring, Gondo, Ala., ’63 Corvette, 6.280, 226.85
12) Glen Kerunsky, Priddis, Alberta, ’57 Chevrolet, 6.294, 225.97
13) Troy Ctitchley, Wylie, Texas, ’41 Willys, 6.332, 224.77
14) Doug Palmer, Prairieville, La., ’63 Corvette, 6.378, 220.98
15) Bill Hill, St. Louis, Mo. ’53 Corvette, 6.403, 210.47
16) Brandon Pesz, The Woodlands, Texas, ’53 Corvette, 6.590, 202.70
DNQ – Ron Muenks, Springfield, Mo., ’59 Corvette, 6.926, 201.01

PRO MOD NOTES - SATURDAY

Close call - It was a situation that could have turned real nasty for local Pro Mod favorite Doug Palmer. On Friday night his ’63 Corvette "VooDoo" appeared to blow an engine halfway through his second attempt to qualify for the field. Back in the pits, his crew discovered that a bolt holding the fuel pump to the engine had failed, causing the pump to move and send fuel spraying over the hot engine. The engine then went lean, burned a bunch of pistons and blew out the bottom of the oil pan. It’s pretty obvious that it could have been a whole lot worse for the resident of nearby Prairieville, Louisiana. Palmer and his crew worked all night to make repairs, and he ended up qualified in the No. 14 spot heading into eliminations.

Long Distance Award – With the AMS/TLR Pro Mod contingent participating in the third of four consecutive races here in Louisiana this weekend, many of the teams are experiencing varying degrees of road fatigue. There are three racers in attendance from California, but perhaps no one has more reason to long for a visit home and a chance to sleep in a familiar bed than Glen Kerunsky, who hails from Alberta, Canada. Kerunsky and his crew have committed to running the entire 14-race Ams/TLR schedule this season, so trips back to friends and family will be few and far between. That’s wantin’ to race!

Outlaw spirit – Perry Herring is an Outlaw Pro Mod racer who is used to having his way down South, where he regularly terrorizes the competition in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. Louisiana appeared to be throwing him a curve, however, as he was ranked No. 17 for the 16-car show through three attempts at earning a berth in the field. Tire shake, broken $2.00 parts and a variety of other problems forced Herring to make the Hail Mary pass on Saturday night. Drawing from his experience and ability to make things happen in pressure situations, the man from Gondo, Alabama, reeled of a solid 6.280, 226.85 pass to place his ’63 Corvette into the No. 11 spot, much to the relief of his teammates.

We don’t need no stinkin’ computers – A couple of the teams fighting for AMS/TLR gold here in Louisiana this weekend are doing it the old-fashioned way.

Both Kirk Kuhns and Brandon Pesz are running by the seat of their pants – without the aid of computers, something which is practically unheard of in this day and age. Even more unusual is the fact that Pesz doesn’t even have a tachometer in his brand-new ’53 Corvette! It hasn’t bothered either team so far, apparently, as Kuhns is well-placed in the field at No. 6 and Pesz is on the bump heading into Sunday.

It pays to have friends – Texan Thomas Patterson drove his “Head Hunter” ’41 Willys to the top spot in the field for this weekend’s AMS/TLR event on his last try, but he couldn’t have done it without the cooperation of his fellow racers. Patterson smoked a clutch in the day’s first qualifying session, and had to thrash to make repairs in time to answer the call for the last go. Fortunately, everyone waited until Patterson was able to roll to the staging lanes, after which he went out and ran a 6.163 at 227.92 to claim the No. 1 spot. “I really appreciated everyone waiting for us,” said Patterson. “It made our whole weekend, believe me. We were having all kinds of things go wrong, and we still managed to qualify first. Thanks again to all the racers for their patience.”

Out of the mouths of babes – Jay and Shelly Payne have their three-year-old daughter Madison here in Louisiana with them, but originally she was supposed to stay home in Orange, California. Shelly told us that when she was leaving the house for the track she knelt down and asked “Maddie” if she was going to wish her luck. Her daughter fixed her with a serious stare, reached out, patted her shoulder and said “just do the best you can.”

FRIDAY - RACING UNDERWAY FOR JEG’S.COM CAJUN SPORTSNATIONALS

(4-22-2005) - In the first rounds of qualifying for the JEG’S.com Cajun SPORTSnationals at No Problem Raceway, Competition Eliminator driver Richard Freeman and Top Sportsman pilot Jim Harrington took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Freeman, of Pauls Valley, Okla., outran the field with a pass of 8.477 seconds, 0.673 seconds under the index, and Ft Walton Beach, Fla., resident Harrington made a 6.760-second, 209.30 mph run to take the pole.

Morgan Lucas ended a great opening day at No Problem Raceway treating the fans to a 4.766 second pass at 304.65 mph under the lights in his Joe Amato Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster. The team is scheduled to make additional passes on both Saturday and Sunday.

Jerry Silveus of Van Buren, Ohio, is qualified No. 1 in Super Stock with a run of 11.159 seconds, 1.291 seconds under the index. Silveus is followed by Harry Holton and Bobby Dennis in the number two and three spots respectively. Amy Faulk of Collierville, Tenn., put her ’01 Firebird on top of the Stock field with local racer Floyd Russo Jr. of Gonzales, La., in the number three spot.

Final qualifying is scheduled for Saturday along with an array of specialty races headlined by the Mopar Super Stock SS/AA Hemi Challenge with the winner taking home $5,000. Holton of Modesto, Calif., is currently leading the filed of SS/AA warriors in his ’68 Barracuda and is followed by Parma, Mich., racer Charlie Westcott Jr. in second.
Also on tap for Saturday’s action is the Top Sportsman Quick 8 shootout presented by Didier Communications and Sunset Racecraft, and the King of the Bayou Shootout for the Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street categories with $2000 up for grabs.

Racing continues Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Pro Mods scheduled for 3 and 6 p.m.

The following are Friday’s qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series JEG’S.com Cajun SPORTSnationals event at No Problem Raceway:

Comp Eliminator Top Ten

1) Richard Freeman, Pauls Valley, Okla., '04 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.477 seconds, -0.673 (under the index)
2) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '04 Cavalier, H/SMA, 9.114, -0.666
3) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., dragster, E/ED, 8.320, -0.650
4) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '05 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.598, -0.642
5) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '05 Chevy, F/SMA, 8.802, -0.638
6) Colt Mikel, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.325, -0.635
7) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.339, -0.631
8) Craig Bourgeois, Matairie, La., dragster, A/ND, 6.958, -0.622
9) Michael Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.925, -0.615
10) Del Segura, Harvey, La., dragster, F/D, 8.125, -0.615

Super Stock Top Ten

1) Jerry Silveus, Van Buren, Ohio, '88 Oldsmobile, SS/NA, 11.159 seconds, -1.291 (under the index)
2) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.658, -1.242
3) Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.515, -1.235
4) Charlie Wescott Jr, Parma, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.704, -1.196
5) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.765, -1.185
6) Mike Smith, Mineral Wells, W.V., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.020, -1.180
7) Rick Houser, Pasadena, Calif., '68 Cuda, SS/AA, 8.743, -1.157
8) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.767, -1.133
9) Jim Pancake, Delaware, Ohio, '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.783, -1.117
10) Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., '67 Nova, SS/G, 9.644, -1.106

Stock Eliminator Top Ten

1) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, F/SA, 10.868 seconds, -1.282 (under index)
2) Amy Faulk, Collierville, Tenn., '01 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.790, -1.210
3) Daran Summerton, Panama City, Fla., '89 Pontiac Wgn, U/SA, 13.955, -1.195
4) Floyd Russo Jr., Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.506, -1.194
5) Jason McCormack, Oxford, Mich., '66 Plymouth, B/S, 10.388, -1.112
6) Judy McCormack, Oxford, Mich., '03 Dakota, F/FIA, 11.846, -1.104
7) Terry Landry, Baton Rouge, La., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.364, -1.086
8) Steven Hall, Sweeney, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.626, -1.074
9) Patrick Courts Sr., New Iberia, La., '87 Trans Am, H/FIA, 12.378, -1.072
10) Gregory Hill, Louisville, Ky., '71 Camaro, F/SA, 11.082, -1.068

Top Sportsman Top Ten

1) Jim Harrington, Navarre, Fla., '99 Olds, 6.760 seconds, 209.30 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 6.976, 198.03
3) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.009, 197.71
4) Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, 7.018, 197.42
5) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '03 Grand Am, 7.052, 192.44
6) T J Tracy, Bartlett, Tenn., '66 Nova, 7.135, 189.92
7) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 7.160, 193.82
8) Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '86 Cutlass, 7.197, 194.32
9) J. Lee Didier, Fort Smith, Ark., '04 Cavalier, 7.215, 192.52
10) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.222, 191.97

Sportsman Notes - Friday

It’s No Problem to get to the track – if you’re willing to fly on two planes, rent a car, drive through several swamps, dodge a hungry-looking alligator, cross the mighty Mississippi river, traverse a very confusing six-way intersection and follow the signs to the drag strip. It’s no problem at all. And, as you approach your destination, you see what looks like a small city of campers and motor homes, you know you’re almost there.

NHRA officials estimate about 500 to 550 teams will compete at this weekend’s event which features everything from the low-six-second Top Sportsman cars to Stock, Super Stock, Super Comp and Comp Eliminator. Also featured is the exciting Pro Modified AMS/TLR series and exhibition runs by Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas. Drivers have come from all over the country to participate in the first of two all-sportsman national events.

He’s not seeing red anymore - With 57 national event wins to his name, Dave Rampy is definitely a driver to watch for. For more than 15 years, fans and competitors have become accustomed to seeing Rampy and his traditionally red colored cars racing in several classes. With his consistent performance and paint schemes, it’s no surprise that his new yellow Stock Eliminator and Comp eliminator entries have turned heads this year.

“We changed sponsorship in the off-season, and this was the color they wanted us to go with,” Rampy said. Freedom Roads, a dynamic national network of well-established and regional RV dealerships, is Rampey’s current sponsor. More information on the company can be found at FreedomRoads.com.

No stranger to intense competition and large entry fields, he is prepared for a long weekend of racing. “The competition in everything is so tough anymore – it doesn’t matter where you go. That’s where having a good sponsor helps so much,”Rampy explained. “With the competition the way it is, you have to work as hard as you can, hope you get a couple of breaks along the way, and hope you can win.”

Waiting until the last minute - Registration lines are common at every event, but with more than 500 entries, the lines are much longer than usual. Local driver Simon Robin said while standing at the end of the line, “I didn’t think it’d be such a long line but it’s a great deal for our track. I think it’s great to have so many people here.”

Continuing the tradition - In 2004, Darrell Russell was the exhibition driver for this event, enjoying getting back to his roots in the sportsman ranks. Once again, the Joe Amato team is ttending and showing off their car, this year with Morgan Lucas at the wheel.

“Last year, the whole team had such a great time at this thing, we definitely wanted to come back and do it again. It just seems right that with Darrell gone, we should be here,” said Lucas.

“I know how important it is to support sportsman racing, and I love being able to give the fans a good show,” he said“The guys on the team love it so much, we’ve asked if we can do it again next season.”

Southern Hospitality - “I’m really proud to be the host-division for this event. We really like to show our Southern hospitality to folks from around the country,” said Division 4 Director, Craig Hutchinson.

“This is really a great drag-strip, and the drivers always say good things about the conditions. We’re all looking forward to a great race.”

Commitment - “I think this event is really a great example of the NHRA’s commitment to sportsman racers,” said NHRA Director of Sportsman Racing and Member tracks, Len Imbrogno.

“Sportsman racers are the core of drag racing – the folks who love bringing their cars down and showing how well they can drive. Because of the popularity of the Sportsman Nationals concept, we are looking at ways to continue growing the events, including maybe even adding another event next year. We’ll get information out as soon as we know what we’re going to do,” Imbrogno said.

Pro Modified - Friday

The AMS/TLR Pro Mod Challenge is also in competition this weekend for their fourth of fourteen events with defending National Champion Mike Ashley of Melville, N.Y. leading the class with a run of 6.185 seconds at 229.78 mph. Ashley is followed by Frankie Taylor in the number two spot and Troy Coughlin in third with his JEG’S Mail Order ’67 Mustang. Taylor recorded a run of 6.221 seconds at 227.23 mph while Coughlin covered the quarter-mile in 6.225 seconds at 225.94 mph.

Pro Modified qualifying after two sessions:

1) Mike Ashley, Melville, N.Y., '67 Mustang, 6.185 seconds, 229.78 mph
2) Frankie Taylor, Dickinson, Texas, '68 Camaro, 6.221, 227.23
3) Troy Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '67 Mustang, 6.225, 225.94
4) Joshua Hernandez, Conroe, Texas, '57 Bel Air, 6.241, 226.43
5) Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda, Calif., '01 Viper, 6.273, 227.04
6) Glen Kerunsky, Priddis, Alb., '57 Bel Air, 6.294, 227.61
7) Shelly Payne, Ontario, Calif., '05 Stratus, 6.305, 228.61
8) Jay Payne, Ontario, Calif., '05 Stratus, 6.318, 229.08
9) Thomas Patterson, Houston, Texas, '41 Willys, 6.337, 220.51
10) Joey Martin, Milton, Fla., '41 Willys, 6.355, 221.67
11) Doug Palmer, Prairieville, La., ’63 Corvette, 6.378, 220.98
12) Troy Critchley, Wylie, Texas, ’41 Willys, 6.442, 222.51
13) Bill Hill, St. Louis, Mo., ’53 Corvette, 6.476, 216.51
14) Ron Muenks, Springfield, Mo., ’59 Corvette, 7.205, 190.48
15) Chip King, Semora, N.C., 2001 Avenger, 8.165, 117.69
16) Brandon Pesz, The Woodlamds, Texas, ’53 Corvette, 8.474, 103.48
17) Perry Herring, Gondo, Ala., ’63 Corvette, 8.666, 107.23

Pro Modified Notes - Friday

The AMS/TLR Pro Mod schedule kicked off at the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Florida in mid-March, then after a short break the teams embarked on a marathon four week run which began in Houston and then went to Las Vegas before rolling into Cajun country. Next weekend will find the teams at “Thunder Valley,” in Bristol, Tennessee.

This is the first time the Pro Mod cars have ever run at No Problem Raceway Park, and the drivers are finding it pretty much to their liking so far.

All blowers all the time – For the first time in organized Pro Mod competition there are nothing but supercharged cars in the pits this weekend. At the last race in Las Vegas there were no nitrous cars in attendance for the first time in class history, but there was one turbocharged machine, the Monte Carlo of Michigan’s Mike Moran. Moran’s car unfortunately suffered some serious damage when an engine exploded, and he was unable to effect repairs in time to make it to Belle Rose.

From turning the wrenches to turning the wheel - For a number of seasons Brandon Pesz served as crew chief for the "Head Hunter" cars driven by Thomas Patterson. Now it's Pesz's turn to live life in the fast lane as he debuted his new supercharged '53 Corvette here this weekend. Pesz and his crew were still working on the car when the first qualifier was called, but they made it out for the second session and made a conservative early shut-off pass of 8.474, 103.48. Pesz is currently in the show in the No. 16 position.

Sneakin' up on it - Rookie Pro Mod driver Troy Coughlin is getting more comfortable in the seat of his JEG'S mail Order/Gotham City Racing '67 Mustang all the time. He had a solid outing in Las Vegas last weekend, and here in Louisiana he laid down a pass of 6.294, 225.07 in the heat of the day, good enough for the No. 4 spot after the first qualifying session. He came out later and recorded a lap of 6.225, 225.94 to move up a spot to No. 3 heading into the second day of qualifying.

A generous offer - After Frankie Taylor totalled his car in Houston earlier this season, offers of help poured in from many fellow racers, but perhaps none so generous as the one made by defending AMS/TLR Pro Mod champion Mike Ashley. He offered Taylor the use of the Gotham City Racing team's '63 Corvette "test mule," an offer Taylor turned down not once but twice. He was afraid he'd damage it, and even though he really appreciated Ashley's offer, he said no.

Taylor went ahead and put a new car together, and this weekend in Louisiana, he has the still-in-primer '68 Camaro in action, and it looks like he's made all the right calls on the machine. After two qualifying session, the "Mad Man" is in the No. 2 spot with a best pass of 6.221, 227.23 to his credit.

Those darn twenty-five cent pieces! – Missouri's Ron Muenks is a proponent of the Lencodrive transmission, and when he had his new 1959 Corvette built recently, the automatic came along with it. The car is a real work of art, so it was pretty disappointing when he came out for the first qualifying session and couldn't get the car to stage due to a shorted-out line lock, a component he recently installed so that his car would conform to NHRA rules. Muenks had a second chance at the session, but after making another burnout he couldn't get the car into reverse, thanks to the failure of the infamous twenty-five cent piece.

He eventually got the "Vette out of the box in the later session and recorded a lap of 7.205, 190.48, shutting it off early but still claiming the No. 14 spot.

Racing continues Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Pro Mods scheduled for 3 and 6 p.m.

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