THACKER, BIPSON, AND DAHLEM WIN BIG IN NHRA JOLIET LODRS

by Bill Swanson    Tue, 2017-06-06 13:02

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY

I

llinois standouts; Top Alcohol Dragster driver Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., Stock Eliminator driver Bob Gipson, Port Byron, Ill., and Dave Dahlem, Tremont, Ill., in Super Gas all took home Wally trophies in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division Burndown at Sundown, at Route 66 Raceway.
 
Thacker had an easy day in the office as Kirk Wolf, Ceadar Creek, Texas, broke shortly after takeoff in the Top Alcohol Dragster final round. Thacker, coasted to victory at 7.686 seconds, 117.40 mph.
 
The Stock Eliminator final round came down to the wire as Gipson had the .001 reaction time advantage to eke out the victory over Steven Dziorny, Leonard, Mich., 11.892 seconds, 110.94 mph. Gipson finished at 11.700 seconds, 111.90 mph.
 
Devin Isenhower ,,, hit his index on the head, 9.900 seconds, 164.09 mph, but couldn’t catch up to Dave Dahlem and fell short. Dahlem yielded an excellent reaction time of .004, and registered his victory pass at 9.919 seconds, 155.24 mph.
 
California Top Alcohol Funny Car champion John Lombardo, Brea, Calif., chased down Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, in the final round for the victory. Foster had mechanical issues and had to coast to the finish line. Lombardo finished at 5.590 seconds, 268.06 mph. Foster, 9.882 seconds, 89.16 mph.
 
Wayne Sleger, Manitowoc, Wis., is 1-0 in the Top Dragster final round after defeating Tom Martino, Youngstown, Ohio. Sleger finished at 6.560 seconds, 209.72 mph to Martino’s runner up pass of 6.380 seconds, 215.07 mph. Badeye Brinegar, Middletown, Ohio, built a huge starting line advantage with a strong 0.005 reaction time and held off a charging Alex Bosak, Chicago, Ill., for the hole shot win. Brinegar finished at 6.962 seconds, 194.49 mph, Bosak, 6.825 seconds, 204.14 mph.
 
The other drivers visiting the Lucas Oil winner’s circle were Troy Galbraith in Comp Eliminator; Jeff Dona in Super Stock; Jacob Elrod in Super Comp and; Mark Smith in Super Street.
 
The following drivers visited the specialty events winner’s circle; Glenn Hall in Pro Stock Snowmobile; Pat Martin in Super Comp Shootout; Larry Roedel in Super Gas Shootout; and Joe Petersen in Super Street Shootout.
 
The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series is scheduled to visit the North Central division next on July 21-22 at Gateway Motorsports Park.
 
The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division Burndown at Sundown at Route 66 Raceway:
 
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
4) Richie Crampton, Brownsburg, Ind., 5.563, 269.73 def. 5) Bob Sargent, Indianapolis, Ind., 9.232, 87.65
6) John Paul Gutierrez, Berkley, Mich., 5.443, 261.32 def. 3) Mia Tedesco, Pittsburgh, Pa., 5.519, 248.98
2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.362, 269.73 def. 7) Krista Baldwin, Upland, Calif., 5.587, 247.29
1) Kirk Wolf, Ceadar Creek, Texas, 5.327, 271.08 def. 8) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.632, 253.80
 
Semifinals
Thacker, 5.469, 267.75 def. Gutierrez, foul
Wolf, 5.553, 260.41 def. Crampton, 5.743, 267.27
 
Finals
Thacker, 7.686, 117.40 def. Wolf, broke
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
4) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '15 Mustang, 5.680, 257.58 def. 5) Rick Cortino, Wheaton, Ill., '97 Firebird, 5.932, 241.84
3) Scott McVey, Ile Des Chenes, Manit., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.568, 263.51 def. 6) Tony Bogolo, Hamilton, Ohio, '01 Avenger, 5.895, 239.78
7) John Lombardo Jr., Brea, Calif., '16 Camaro, 5.569, 269.03 def. 2) Andy Bohl, Racine, Wis., '10 Mustang, 5.896, 256.26
8) Todd Robertson, Harrison Twp., Mich., '12 Mustang, 6.244, 221.60 def. 1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '17 Camaro, 7.674, 114.96
 
Semifinals
Foster, 5.883, 254.38 def. Robertson, 6.011, 242.98
Lombardo Jr., 5.765, 267.37 def. McVey, 8.749, 102.45
 
Finals
Lombardo Jr., 5.590, 268.06 def. Foster, 9.882, 89.16
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
Troy Galbraith, Indianapolis, Ind., '14 Spitzer, B/DA, 6.811, 182.03  def. Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 Ford T, J/AA, 7.743, 168.09.
 
SUPER STOCK
Jeff Dona, Gordonville, Mo., '98 Formula, SS/HA, 9.865, 128.53  def. Nick Morris, Louisville, Ky.,
'98 Mustang, FGT/J, 9.767, 128.65.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Bob Gipson, Port Byron, Ill., '68 Nova, H/SA, 11.700, 111.90  def. Steven Dziorny, Leonard, Mich.,
'03 Dakota, K/SA, 11.892, 110.94.
 
SUPER COMP
Jacob Elrod, Lima, Ohio, '14 American, 8.894, 170.51  def. Pat Martin, London, Ohio, '08 American, 8.884, 184.07.
 
SUPER GAS
Dave Dahlem, Tremont, Ill., '57 Corvette, 9.919, 155.24  def. Devin Isenhower ,,,'67 Camaro, 9.900, 164.09.
 
SUPER STREET
Mark Smith, Bowling Green, Ky., '82 Mustang, 10.923, 127.59  def. Scott Mackie, Milford, Mich., '66 Chevy II, 10.867, 148.67.
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
Badeye Brinegar, Middletown, Ohio, '03 Mustang, 6.962, 194.49  def. Alex Bosak, Chicago, Ill., '02 Neon, 6.825, 204.14.
 
TOP DRAGSTER
Wayne Sleger, Manitowoc, Wis., '10 Sleger, 6.560, 209.72  def. Tom Martino, Youngstown, Ohio, '13 MacSherrill, 6.380, 215.07.
 
PROSTOCK SNOWMOBILE
Glenn Hall, Gordon, Wis., '17 Arctic CAT, 8.288, 156.08  def. Louie Wirbel, Marion, Mich., '04 Ski DOO, 8.346, 153.77.
 
SUPER COMP SHOOTOUT
Pat Martin, London, Ohio, '08 American, 8.910, 178.54  def. Rick Schneider, , , '14 Diamond, 8.941, 176.05.
 
SUPER GAS SHOOTOUT
Larry Roedel, Evansville, Ind., '27 Don Davis, 9.901, 153.56  def. Rock Haas, Commerce, Mich., '05 Don Davis, 9.885, 162.31.
 
SUPERSTREET SHOOTOUT
Joe Petersen, Elkhorm, Neb., '04 Chevy, 10.944, 141.02  def. Jim Noben, , , '68 Camaro, 10.926,
141.82.

 

EVENT NOTEBOOK LODRS DIVISION 3 BURNDOWN AT SUNDOWN JOLIET 

LET’S BURN THIS EVENT DOWN - Route 66 Raceway has hosted a Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points meet since it's opening in 1998, and competitors have always found it an outstanding facility to race at. But it was also a tough draw for spectators. That is until six years ago when Route 66 President Scott Paddock's forward thinking staff implemented the concept of an entertaining evening show called the "Burndown at Sundown" to attract families and introduce them to drag racing. "We took a participant oriented event and added spectator oriented acts and activities. And it's working as this event has grown each year." Paddock added, "I'm most impressed with the number of families with young kids. If we can help fill the pipeline with future fans and even participants in drag racing, this is a great thing."

PARTICIPATION GROWS WELL - North Central Division Director Jeff Conoly reported that 514 entries rolled through Route 66's gates and took to the track, an increase over previous seasons.
 

HOMECOMING OF SORTS - On any other weekend you'll find Byron Dragway General Manager Randy Simpson and wife Chelsea making sure the legendary strip in Byron, IL is running smoothly. This weekend they decided to go racing at the track that Randy helped manage several years ago.

Supported by Randy's father Terry, and Chelsea's parents and Byron Dragway owners B.J. & Rhonda Vangsness, Chelsea entered her bracket 2010 Camaro in Super Street, while Randy was competing in Stock Eliminator (E/SA) with his Dad's 1967 Camaro. In 1st round of eliminations Randy faced seasoned class racer Ryan Hutar and bowed when he broke out by .039 from his 11.302 dial.

Chelsea went up against Tom Head and went quicker than the10.90 index, going 10.851. While both didn't survive the first round, this power couple from the "Playground of Power" had a great time competing and meeting with friends past and present.


DRAW/RFC SHOOTOUTS PRESENTED BY MOSER ENGINEERING -  Winners of the Eight Car Super Class Shootouts:
 
Super Comp, Pat Martin (0.033  8.910 178.54) defeated Rick Schneider (0.011  8.941 176.05)

Super Gas, Larry Roedel (0.024  9.901 153.56) defeated Rock Haas (0.019  9.885 162.31)

Super Street, Joe Petersen (0.006 10.944 141.02) defeated Jim Noben (0.073 10.926 141.82)

STEVENSON RETURNS -  This weekend Bolingbrook, Illinois Pro Modified racer Dan Stevenson entered his turbocharged Camaro in Comp Eliminator to test. The car made three short passes in qualifying. However, in first round of eliminations, Stevenson and crew chief Adam Drzayich stepped it up with a 6.075 at 244.21 MPH. Drzayich says they will rejoin the NHRA J&A Services tour when they are back to running consistent 5.70s.
SHOW OR GO? - The smooth lines, chopped top, and sparkling burgundy paint give the impression that Randy DeLuca's 1950 Chevrolet escaped from the ISCA show car tour. The classic Bowtie was built for go, not show.

Entered in Super Street, the North Bloomfield, OH., resident credits many friends for helping to build this car, including Comp Eliminator racers Jim Promozic Sr. and Jr. Featuring a steel body and home built one piece fiberglass front clip molded from factory panels, Deluca and his car made their debut at the "Cavalcade of Stars" LODRS event at Summit Motorsports Park last month where it won the "Best Appearing" award.

Proving it can "go" as well as "show", it's powered by a Kenny Mathews small block Chevy and has run a best of 10.568 seconds at 135 MPH. At Route 66 Raceway, Randy's Kustom Kemp broke out with a 10.835 in the first round.



DREAM REALIZED, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - Fans and racers alike were treated to something special during Saturday night's Burndown at Sundown. Marina Anderson, a motivated and enthusiastic young lady successfully completed her licensing runs in the family owned and built A/Fuel Dragster. Up until this point, Marina had taken the necessary incremental steps to get fully licensed. The only thing left was the required two full passes above the minimum threshold of 6.20 seconds and 205 MPH.

The first attempt was Friday evening, netted a 6.27, 185. The 24-year old Elmhurst College graduate lifted at 1,000 feet on the second, citing, "Things just didn't feel right." 

Throughout Saturday, experienced racers came to lend the 2017 Champion Spark Plugs’ ‘Search for a Champion’ finalist and her crew assistance and support, including Anthony Dicero Racing, Hirata Racing, Jared Dreher Racing, Mia Tedesco, Krista Baldwin, and Zizzo Racing's Mike Kern.

At 5:40 PM, the car was pulled up to the line. Once the tree came down Anderson was off, and it was evident that she was on the gas all the way to the stripe. As the board lit up with 5.844 elapsed time and 223.54 miles per hour,  a cheer went up by the crew. Yet celebration time was short lived as the clutch and Jerry Darien built engine needed to be serviced for the next attempt.

A few hours later Anderson Family Dragster Racing towed Marina to the line in front of a large Burndown crowd. Dad Scott Anderson guided Marina into the beams. Then with pipes lit, the clocks showed 5.632 at 231.99 at the end of the run.

Now it was time to celebrate.

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY - WOLF, PAYNE HEAD INTO FINAL DAY OF JOLIET LODRS AS NO. 1 QUALIFIERS
 

Kirk Wolf took the Booher Racing B/AD to the top of the order in the third session with an elapsed time of 5.312 seconds and a speed of 276 MPH in front of the Burndown at Sundown crowd. Wolf’s first round opponent in Sunday’s elimination will be Jared Dreher

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER FINAL ORDER
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

  1  450   TA/D Kirk Wolf, Ceadar Creek TX, Spitzer-BAE  5.312  276.13  276.13
  2   33   B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-TFX  5.362  268.87  268.87
  3    8   A/FD Mia Tedesco, Pittsburgh PA, MLR-TFX      5.395  266.74  266.74
  4  358   TA/D Richie Crampton, Brownsburg IN, MLR-NRE  5.401  274.39  274.39
  5  332   TA/D Bob Sargent, Indianapolis IN, Canode-BAE 5.415  232.71  256.70
  6  303   A/FD John Paul Gutierrez, Berkley MI, Baumga  5.416  258.62  260.01
  7 725K   A/FD Krista Baldwin, Upland CA, DSR-TFX       5.421  264.29  264.29
  8   34   A/FD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, McKinney-BAE   5.461  256.99  265.17

       ------------ Not Qualified ------------

  9 3608   B/AD Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, Hadman-BAE 5.718  241.28  241.28
 10   54   B/AD Dean Dubbin, Little Falls MN, Copeland-  5.829  191.76  191.76
 11  392   B/AD Don Nolan, Manchester KY, Bos-BAE        5.889  204.82  248.07

 

Jay Payne struggled in the first qualifying session, but changes tuning consultant Jonnie Lindburg dialed into the Peak Camaro TAFC translated into two great runs on Saturday, the best being 5.530 at 266.53 MPH. Payne will line up against a struggling Todd Robertson in Round 1 eliminations.

All other LODRS classes qualified their order early in the day, and first round of their eliminations were run before a substantial evening crowd at Route 66 Raceway.

Eliminations resume 9:30 AM.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR FINAL ORDER
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

 

1   77 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '17 Camaro             5.530  266.53  266.53
  2    9 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '10 Mustang               5.577  267.64  267.64
  3  501 Scott McVey, Ile Des Chenes MB, '06 Monte Carlo 5.643  260.16  260.16
  4   33 Chris Foster, Davenport IA, '15 Mustang         5.679  257.58  257.58
  5 3377 Rick Cortino, Wheaton IL, '97 Firebird          5.844  246.80  246.80
  6  331 Tony Bogolo, Hamilton OH, '01 Avenger           5.848  236.96  236.96
  7    3 John Lombardo Jr., Brea CA, '16 Camaro          5.849  262.23  262.23
  8   35 Todd Robertson, Harrison Twp. MI, '12 Mustang  12.396  102.08  102.08

 

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY - TEDESCO, BOHL LEAD FIRST DAY QUALIYFING

Mia Tedesco, in the Hirata Family C.A.R.S. A/FD grabbed the number one qualifying spot in the opening round on Friday night. She ran a trouble free 5.395 ET at 266.74 MPH, taking the top spot from Krista Baldwin. Kirk Wolf rounds out the Quick Eight 

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER Qualifying Friday Order
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

  1    8   A/FD Mia Tedesco, Pittsburgh PA, MLR-TFX      5.395  266.74  266.74
  2 725K   A/FD Krista Baldwin, Upland CA, DSR-TFX       5.421  264.29  264.29
  3   34   A/FD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, McKinney-BAE   5.470  265.17  265.17
  4  358   TA/D Richie Crampton, Brownsburg IN, MLR-NRE  5.477  265.48  265.48
  5  332   TA/D Bob Sargent, Indianapolis IN, Canode-BAE 5.537  256.70  256.70
  6  303   A/FD John Paul Gutierrez, Berkley MI, Baumga  5.579  260.01  260.01
  7   33   B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-TFX  5.686  265.90  265.90
  8  450   TA/D Kirk Wolf, Ceadar Creek TX, Spitzer-BAE  5.839  216.55  216.55

       ------------ Not Qualified ------------

  9  392   B/AD Don Nolan, Manchester KY, Bos-BAE        5.953  248.07  248.07
 10   54   B/AD Dean Dubbin, Little Falls MN, Copeland- 10.054   85.68   85.68
 11 3608   B/AD Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, Hadman-BAE13.471   62.85   62.85

Andy Bohl and the Howards Cams/Competition Products TAFC Camaro clearly had the best handle on the racetrack in Top Alcohol Funny Car on Friday. He leads the field with a 5.577 ET at 267.74 MPH. Todd Robertson rounds out the order.

Qualifying resumes for all classes at 8 AM, with the first of two Burndown at Sundown sessions at 5 PM.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR Qualifying Friday Order
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

  1    9 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '10 Mustang               5.577  267.64  267.64
  2 3377 Rick Cortino, Wheaton IL, '97 Firebird          5.844  246.80  246.80
  3  331 Tony Bogolo, Hamilton OH, '01 Avenger           6.474  156.66  156.66
  4    3 John Lombardo Jr., Brea CA, '16 Camaro          9.427   93.85   93.85
  5  501 Scott McVey, Ile Des Chenes MB, '06 Monte Carlo10.482   98.69   98.69
  6   77 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '17 Camaro            11.658   94.23   94.23
  7   33 Chris Foster, Davenport IA, '15 Mustang        12.210   82.50   82.50
  8   35 Todd Robertson, Harrison Twp. MI, '12 Mustang  12.396  102.08  102.08

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR QUALIFYING FRIDAY ORDER
Psn--Num--Class-Driver, Home Town, Machine-----------------ET---Index---(+/-)

  1 7910   B/DA Frank Cervelli, Avon IN, '04 Sarmento      6.668  7.45  -0.782
  2 3363    J/D Ronnie Bohn, Benton Harbor MI, Spitzer-Ch  7.533  8.29  -0.757
  3    9   B/ED Greg Kamplain, Brownsburg IN, Spitzer-Che  6.819  7.55  -0.731
  4  557   A/DA Mark Kirkman, Monmouth IL, '08 BOS         6.464  7.17  -0.706
  5  357   B/TA Rick Brown, Lebanon OH, '00 Chevy S10      8.180  8.88  -0.700
  6   36   C/ED Todd Frantz, Louisville KY, Spitzer-Chevy  7.245  7.93  -0.685
  7  346   B/SR Mike Farrell, Louisville KY, '34 Chevy     7.788  8.42  -0.632
  8  560   F/AA Michael Mans, Rogers MN, '06 GTO           7.909  8.54  -0.631
  9 3629   F/ED Jason Coan, Kokomo IN, Khrc-Chevy          8.088  8.71  -0.622
 10 3068   J/AA Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven MI, '23 Ford T    7.792  8.40  -0.608


Super Stock Qualifying Friday Order
Psn--Num--Class-Driver, Home Town, Machine-----------------ET---Index---(+/-)

  1  360  FSS/C Geoff Turk, Yorkville IL, '15 Challenger   8.377  9.65  -1.273
  2  368  SS/TB Fred Allen, Mary Esther IL, '05 Chevy S10  8.883  9.95  -1.067
  3 3338  SS/MA Mike Morgan, Brazil IN, '77 Firebird      10.790 11.85  -1.060
  4  373  FSS/C Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '10 Mustang   8.700  9.65  -0.950
  5 3903  FSS/C Ray Skillman, Greenwood IN, '10 Mustang    8.701  9.65  -0.949
  6 5600  SS/AS Michael Mans, Rogers MN, '00 Firebird      8.695  9.60  -0.905
  7 397M  GT/FA Brina Splingaire, Kronenwetter WI, '08 Co  9.348 10.25  -0.902
  8  354   SS/I Ernie Neal, Columbus IN, '92 Corvette      9.652 10.55  -0.898
  9 3306  SS/LA Larry Hodge, La Place IL, '84 Monte Carlo 10.563 11.45  -0.887
 10 381B  FSS/K Dennis Breeden, Plainville IN, '10 Dodge   9.674 10.55  -0.876


TOP SPORTSMAN QUALFYING FRIDAY ORDER
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

  1   35 Lester Johnson, Cynthiana KY, '55 Belair        6.063  227.38  227.38
  2 3685 Eric Burnett, Charlestown IN, '05 Cavalier      6.350  226.32  226.32
  3  355 Randy Primozic, Willoughby Hills OH, '01 Caval  6.424  213.54  213.54
  4 2709 Jason Lynch, Cedarhill TN, '03 Grand Am         6.639  215.03  215.03
  5    7 Mark McDonald, Boonville IN, '67 Mustang        6.672  205.26  205.26
  6 3613 Ron Biondo, Macedonia OH, '94 Lumina            6.734  207.94  207.94
  7 3000 Sean Brady, Prospect Heights IL, '12 Avenger RT 6.741  206.07  206.23
  8 318K Tim Kirman, Morris IL, '01 Grand AM             6.749  205.76  205.76
  9 5167 Curt Fredrich, Burlington WI, '68 Camaro        6.755  207.50  207.50
 10 3388 Alex Bosak, Chicago IL, '02 Neon                6.763  205.38  205.38

TOP DRAGSTER QUALIFYING FRIDAY ORDER
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd

  1 3178 Marty Cheeseman, New Albany OH, '15 Spitzer     6.017  237.55  237.96
  2  387 Mike Coughlin, Delaware OH, '15 Dan Page        6.017  227.80  227.80
  3  363 Dan Norris, Brighton MI, '08 Mike BOS           6.028  230.29  231.12
  4   35 Zach Sackman, Channahon IL, '10 Spitzer         6.044  228.15  228.15
  5  355 Ryan Smith, Kenosha WI, '17 Spitzer             6.061  225.07  225.07
  6 360K Bryan Keller, Macedonia OH, '12 Spitzer         6.067  192.74  192.99
  7 3879 Richard Edwards, Terre Haute IN, '15 Iron Man   6.073  232.59  232.59
  8 5226 Afton Swanson, Denver IA, '15 Spitzer           6.134  227.42  227.42
  9 5304 Emilee Novak, Fairfax IA, '16 American          6.148  222.99  222.99
 10 3239 Ashley Tidrick, Logansport IN, '10 Agan         6.173  219.36  219.36

 
Categories: 
CP Sportsman