HADDOCK STRUGGLES TO HOLD ONTO DREAM
Tue, 2009-09-29 01:42
Broken parts and pieces, along with broken
“We're trying to run good – race hard and do our best,” said Haddock as he pointed out parts and pieces damaged beyond repair. “We're just trying to show we can compete, even if its with used parts and pieces.”
Broken parts and pieces, along with broken
Terry Haddock's trailer was littered with the parts and pieces of a grenaded supercharger. The low-buck racer says the first round engine explosion will set his team back considerably. (Roger Richards)
“We're trying to run good – race hard and do our best,” said Haddock as he
pointed out parts and pieces damaged beyond repair. “We're just trying to show we can compete, even if its with used parts and pieces.”
The record will show Brown easily dispatched Haddock. The record won't show the six thousandths of a second separating the two drivers at the tree or the 12.58 mph difference between a car at full throttle and one with the blower hanging by a thread off to the side of Haddock's dragster.
“It let go at 3.6 seconds and it still ran 3.98 at 300 mph. My crew and everybody is so dedicated. We just want to stay out here long enough to be able to land sponsorship.”
By his own admission, Haddock has been racing from week to week, feeding off the “trashcans” of others. He has attended every race on the schedule with either his dragster or his funny car and only failed to qualify for one event – Gainesville.
As much as it pains him, making the trip from Ennis to Memphis this next week might not be possible. He can cannibalize parts and pieces from the funny car to be used on the dragster. Not the best solution he admits. It is however, his best option at this time.
Rebuilding the dragster is the easier task. Rebuilding his travel budget is not going to be so easy.
Without diesel fuel, hotel rooms and food for the transport and crew, Haddock is parked.
“This could be a season finisher for us. Every race could be our last race when you race on such a tight budget. Up there I wanted to say thank you to my crew and everybody who has helped us so far. We are grateful for the things we get,” said Haddock.
At this time, Haddock is looking for $15-$20 thousand to get his program back on track. If he doesn't find it, he'll park the team and work towards the 2010 season.
“We're never going to quit. We just might have to take a break for awhile. I don't know how to talk to people – I know how to talk to parts and pieces, which could be our downfall.
The man who beat Haddock firmly believes the sport needs guys like Haddock. Brown hopes there might be a sponsor out there who could step up to get Haddock to the next event and possibly through the end of the season.
“Terry is doing an exceptionable job,” said Brown. “I was worried for him when I saw him go past me in the shutdown area with half his motor hanging off. His eyes looked weary. The best thing about today is he came out safe.
“He's out here doing it out of his own pocket and doing well. He's got the talent. He can drive and tune a car. It's a hard job to tune it, drive it and keep the funding going right.
“I'll think he'll do a sponsor well. He's a part of what makes our sport go. He deserves to be out here.”
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