Keep up with this weekend's 50th Bakersfield March Meet by reading our behind-the-scenes event notebook. We bring you the stories behind the numbers and win-lights throughout the course of the weekend. Tune in daily for the latest news from the pits.  

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY

 

FINAL EVENT NOTEBOOK -

 

GRAND EXIT - The 50th March Meet concluded in grand fashion with many class records lowered and personal-bests achieved and not to be overshadowed, multiple and first time event winners.  Proclaiming the March Meet is like the 'Indy' of nostalgia drag racing is not a stretch. The mere statement that you were there in any capacity will only perpetuate the memories witnessed.  This event will be talked about for many, many years to come.

THE SHERIFF IS BACK - Top Fuel driver Jack 'the Sheriff' Harris returned to the seat of his Utah Posse dragster and went on to record the quickest elapsed time for the class with a 5.568 at 263 MPH during a second round single.  Jaws dropped and most had to take a double-take at the scoreboard, including Harris' own crew, when the number came up.

"All we wanted to do was stop hurting parts", said team partner Billy Robbins.  "We were going through pistons and a lot of parts on every pass, and just softened the combination to reduce the carnage."

Harris came back in the semis and backed the number up for the record with a 5.578 against Denver Schutz.  The Top Fuel final paired Harris up against first-in-the-6.60s and red-hot Brad Thompson, and it was Harris earning his third March Meet title when Thompson smoked the tires after the hit.

Harris' record times were all on the standard M & H Tires, and along with the win earned the 5th Annual Ernie Hashim Memorial Award presented by John Hashim to the Top Fuel Winner at the March Meet.

Former Funny Car driver Cory Lee tuned Gary Turner's Pedaler Funny Car to the 'B' field win.

OUT-PEDALED - Former Funny Car driver Cory Lee tuned Gary Turner's Pedaler Funny Car to the 'B' field win, as Kris Krabill outdrove Terry Capp, Leah Pruett, and Mike Grekul, respectively.

Normally an 'A' field contender, the Pedaler entry struggled during qualifying with a 6.26 best.

"You know how drag racers are.  I had a lot of time to think about the tune-up during the off season and made a bunch of different changes, most of which were in the wrong direction", said Turner.  "We went back to basics during eliminations and got back to 6.00s that we know we should be running."

Nostalgia Eliminator car owner Jake Jacobs closed a 53-year old winless streak when driver Robert Overholser Jr., near lane, drove Jacobs' blown altered to a 7.61 win

53-YEAR DROUGHT OVER - Nostalgia Eliminator car owner Jake Jacobs  closed a 53-year old winless streak when driver Robert Overholser Jr., near lane, drove Jacobs' blown altered to a 7.61 win in the final over Ken Rappaport's break-out 7.55.

"I've been driving for Jake since the 2007 March Meet", said Overholser.  "When Jake asked if I wanted to race this weekend, it didn't take much arm-twisting for me to say yes.  It's the 50th March Meet; who could turn this down?"

Jacobs' first and only win came in 1955 at Famoso Raceway.

"I drove down to Bakersfield to visit my step-sister one weekend and read a flyer about a race at Famoso Raceway the following day", said the 77-year old Jacobs.  "I decided to spend the night and take my street-driven '41 Ford Coupe to give it try.  It had a tricked-out flathead and they put me in the D/Gas class.  I won my class with a whopping 83 MPH pass; back then they didn't record elapsed times.  To record the miles per hour, you drove over a water hose that went 'ding-ding' and recorded the speed."

Jacobs debuted his current altered in 2004 with Bob Murphy driving.  Murphy has since moved on to his own car, but continues to offer tuning and support for the team whenever needed.

For Overholser, his first win was redemption for his runner-up finish in B/Gas at the 2004 March Meet.

"I was up until 3 A.M. just thinking about the whole weekend", said Overholser.  "I'm still stoked and can't believe I won."

STOP THIS CRAZY THING - Funny Car driver Mendy Fry got her first taste of severe tire shake during her first round meeting with Dennis LaCharite.

 "The car launched and shook so hard that everything went black," lamented Fry.  "That really got my attention; I was like, ‘wow, that was interesting.”

Fry continued, “I tried to pedal it, give it some brake to calm it down but there was no response.  It shook so hard the mag switch flipped off.  Hey, I can't complain.  I just licensed in the car just last week and qualified fifth in the 'A' field."

Hammer met former class champ Don Enriquez, near lane, in the final, but Hammer's entry spun the tires at the hit and watched Enriquez streak to the win with a 7.23.

HAMMER DOWN - In the quickest side-by-side Jr. Fuel 'B' race, Bud Hammer nailed low elapsed time with a stellar 7.068 during his semi-final round win over class heavyweight Jon Rasmussen's 7.07, personal-bests for each.  Hammer met former class champ Don Enriquez, near lane, in the final, but Hammer's entry spun the tires at the hit and watched Enriquez streak to the win with a 7.23.

HOW SWEET IT IS - Top Fuel owner Jim Cullen tuned the Raisin Express 2 digger driven by Denver Schutz to the team's first 5.70 pass with a 5.75 elapsed time at over 258 MPH during their first round win against Adam Sorokin.

Cullen actually had his car up for sale near the end of last season, but decided to keep the car following the California Hot Rod Reunion.

"We were encouraged by some of the changes we made to the combination at the CHRR," said Cullen.  "It ran well enough for me to stick it out another year."  Schutz came back and ran a 5.77 in round two over Troy Green's 5.95, but lost in the semis to eventual event winner Jack Harris.

CHASSIS BUILDERS, ANYONE?-  Frank Parks tuned son Scott to his fourth March Meet win in Jr. Fuel 'A' and backed up both ends of the class record with a 6.841/194.59.

Steve Plueger debuted the Plueger and Gyger Mustang Funny Car with Mike Grekul at the wheel, and wound up with a runner-up finish in the 'B' field.  The Mustang is set up identical to the way the original was.  Bucky Austin won the 'A' field in his Northwest Hitter Arrow with Plueger handling the tuning as well. 

 

 

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SUNDAY FINAL - 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT DRAWS TO CLOSE

 

Fifty years of racing are officially in the books for the fabled March Meet. The 3-day nostalgia drag racing event, which drew record crowds to Auto Club Famoso Raceway, featured intense competition with xxx winning Top Fuel and xxx taking Funny Car.

“This was a March Meet that will still be talked about in 50 more years,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club Famoso and producers of the event. “The crowds, the racing…everything was fantastic for our 50th anniversary. As always, the March Meet made Bakersfield shine.”

Racing always shines brightest at the Meet and 500 nostalgia racers made the trip to compete in the momentous event. At Sunday’s finals “Sheriff” Jack Harris, of Kaysville, Utah, rocked the crowd as he piloted his dragster to a 5.568 at 263 mph for the fastest run ever in a front-engine Top Fuel car.  He followed it up by beating Brad Thompson, of Vasalia, Calif., in the Top Fuel final. Harris claimed his third March Meet title with a 6.064 run at 239.36 mph.

Bucky Austin took the Funny Car title by beating last year’s winner, Stephan Romanazzi of Vasalia, Calif. Austin, from Fife, Wash., won with a time of 5.836 at 243.63 mph.

Along with celebrating a half-century of racing, the 2008 March Meet was the inaugural race of the Hot Rod Heritage Series, the NHRA’s new seven-race nostalgia racing series. The Grand Marshals were drag racing legends Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwen.

Plenty of excitement could be found in the hot rod-packed Grove, vendor row and swap meet. Fireworks and a WWII fighter-plane fly-by sent cheers through the stands as well as in the sold-out camping area. Throw in picture-perfect weather and it was no surprise the March Meet drew an estimated 35,000-plus fans to Auto Club Famoso Raceway.

Tragically, the March Meet was saddened by the death of Sacramento veteran Top Fuel driver John Shoemaker. The 65-year old racer crashed during Saturday’s competition and was airlifted to the Kern Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife Judee and son Jim.

“Our hearts go out to John’s family and racing community,” said Bowser. “It’s a terrible loss.”

Shoemaker, and the 50th March Meet, will live on in the memories of all who attended.  - Bill Groak           

Summary of eliminations at the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, 50th Annual March Meet (courtesy of Drag Race Central.com). Timing data courtesy of CompuLink:


Nostalgia Top Fuel:

 

Steve Gibbs gave the nostalgia starved race fans an incredible first NHRA Heritage Series show they'll never forget.

Round 1:
 
Jason Richey, Sacramento CA, Allen-Donovan, Right lane, (0.093) 5.843 249.72 def. Pete Kaiser, Merced CA, Stirling-Donovan, (0.179)
10.798 71.71
 
Brad Thompson, Visalia CA, Uyehara-Donovan, Left lane, (0.165) 5.764 253.73 def. Bill Dunlap, Capitola CA, Uyehara-Chevy, NT-Broke
Before Staging
 
Troy Green, Purcell OK, Stirling-Donovan, Left lane, (0.097) 5.808 257.65 def. Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa CA, Stirling-Rodeck, (-0.500)
NT-Broke Before Staging
 
Jack Harris, Kaysville UT, N&P-Donovan, Left lane, (0.091) 5.793 248.96 def. Rick McGee, Exeter CA, Tedford-Donovan, (0.100) 6.114
240.25
 
Rick White, San Diego CA, Hansen-Rodeck, Left lane, (0.128) 5.902 243.70 def. Rick Rogers, Santa Magarita CA, Tuttle-Donovan,
(0.055) DQ-Centerline
 
Mike McLennan, Oakley CA, URC-Chrysler, Left lane, (0.143) 6.143 214.23 def. Rick Williamson, Stockton CA, Davison-Chrysler, (0.067)
7.831 135.68
 
Denver Schutz, Fresno CA, Stirling-Rodeck, Left lane, (0.117) 5.750 258.54 def. Adam Sorokin, Los Angeles CA, Uyehara-Donovan,
(0.072) 6.005 244.03
 
Shannon Stuart, Riverside CA, Stirling-Donovan, Right lane, (0.071) 5.969 223.65 def. Howard Haight, Brownsburg IN, Stirling-Hemi,
(0.088) 15.720 50.76
 
 
Round 2:
 
R White, Right lane, (0.140) 5.825 243.24 def. J Richey, (0.116) 5.978 248.75
 
B Thompson, Left lane, (0.080) 5.742 257.21 def. S Stuart, (0.146) 8.611 98.57
 
J Harris, Left lane, (0.129) 5.568 263.62 def. M McLennan, (-0.500) NT-Broke Before Staging
 
D Schutz, Left lane, (0.091) 5.775 258.69 def. T Green, (0.133) 5.954 213.42
 
 
Round 3:
 
J Harris, Left lane, (0.120) 5.578 249.51 def. D Schutz, (0.002) 6.780 172.44
 
B Thompson, Left lane, (0.076) 5.692 240.25 def. R White, (0.075) 5.926 245.49
 
 
Round 4:
 
J Harris, Left lane, (0.106) 6.064 239.36 def. B Thompson, (0.045) 13.303 61.79
 
 Low ET:    Jack Harris 5.568 seconds
 Top Speed: Jack Harris 263.62 MPH
 

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Nostalgia Funny Car:

 

Round 1:
 
Stephen Romanazzi, Visalia CA, '77 Firebird, Right lane, (0.149) 6.186 237.09 def. Lee Paul Jennings Jr, Pomona CA, '72 Challenger,
(0.135) 11.807 76.96
 
Mike Savage, Tucson AZ, '70 Barracuda, Right lane, (0.126) 6.043 236.28 def. Jeff Utterback, Santa Monica CA, '73 Vega, (0.161)
8.913 89.33
 
Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '77 Arrow, Left lane, (0.162) 5.908 243.24 def. Bob Godfrey, Moreno Valley CA, '69 Camaro, (0.142) 6.218
233.52
 
Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills Estates CA, '69 GTO, Left lane, (0.106) 6.567 164.26 def. Mendy Fry, Aliso Viejo CA, '72 Charger,
(0.150) 12.564 61.91
 
 
Round 2:
 
S Romanazzi, Right lane, (0.124) 6.049 232.97 def. M Savage, (0.195) 6.039 233.82
 
B Austin, Left lane, (0.175) 5.892 241.87 def. D La Charite, (0.144) 6.129 210.08
 
 
Round 3:
 
B Austin, Left lane, (0.157) 5.836 243.63 def. S Romanazzi, (0.142) 6.576 199.24
 
 Low ET:    Bucky Austin 5.833 seconds
 Top Speed: Bucky Austin 243.63 MPH
 

Nostalgia Funny Car:

 
Round 1:
 
Michael Grekul, Edmonton AB, '69 Mustang, Left lane, (0.403) 6.037 229.12 def. Jim Holtz, Acton CA, '79 Satellite, (0.133) 6.342
219.56
 
Chris Krabill, Orange CA, '78 Arrow, Right lane, (0.092) 6.204 233.40 def. Terry Capp, Edmonton AB, '77 Firebird, (0.160) 6.156
232.61
 
Leah Pruett, Redlands CA, '69 Mustang, Right lane, (0.208) 6.163 233.58 def. Sean Dale, Glendale AZ, '69 Charger, (0.183) 6.776
235.10
 
Randy Baker, Waukee IA, '70 Maverick, Right lane, (0.148) 6.430 215.41 def. Dan Horan Jr, Sylmar CA, '66 Mustang, (0.177) 10.313
81.11
 
 
Round 2:
 
C Krabill, Left lane, (0.088) 6.113 236.84 def. L Pruett, (0.142) 6.183 232.67
 
M Grekul, Left lane, (0.000) Took the green light.def. R Baker, NT-Broke Before Staging
 
 
Round 3:
 
C Krabill, Left lane, (0.130) 6.093 237.65 def. M Grekul, (0.146) 6.971 235.04
 
 Low ET:    Michael Grekul 6.037 seconds
 Top Speed: Chris Krabill 237.65 MPH
 

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A FUEL

 
Round 1:
 
Bill Wayne, Bullhead City AZ, URC-AJPE, Left lane, (0.222) 6.575 218.49 def. Ted Groocock, Chula Vista CA, Stirling-Chrysler,
(0.181) 6.725 205.57
 
Kin Bates, Anderson CA, Tuttle-Chrysler, Left lane, (0.166) 6.251 219.67 def. Jeremy Sullivan, Riverside CA, Stirling-Chevy, (0.100)
6.635 206.84
 
Darrell Waters, Bonsall CA, Comstock-BAE, Left lane, (0.113) 6.529 216.45 def. Jerry Kumre Jr, Ruhernert Park CA, Manana Boy-Chev,
(0.026) 7.168 188.99
 
Gary Eickmann, Turner OR, Eickmann, Right lane, (0.061) 6.627 215.10 def. Claude Lavoie, Sherwood Park AB, Dragster-Hemi, (0.052)
6.641 211.26
 
 
Round 2:
 
D Waters, Right lane, (0.073) 6.306 218.81 def. G Eickmann, (0.101) 6.632 212.16
 
K Bates, Left lane, (0.117) 6.362 223.32 def. B Wayne, (0.096) 13.260 59.68
 
 
Round 3:
 
K Bates, Left lane, (0.106) 7.388 128.00 def. D Waters, (-0.192 foul) 23.042 29.90
 
 Low ET:    Kin Bates 6.251 seconds
 Top Speed: Kin Bates 224.83 MPH
 


AA/Gas Supercharged:

 
Round 1:
 
Mike Leonard, Plesanton CA, '69 Chevy, Right lane, (0.089) 6.663 208.09 def. John Peterson, Homewood CA, '70 Plymouth, (0.066) 6.964
199.07
 
Chris Abbey, Clovis CA, '63 Vette, Left lane, (0.138) 6.578 211.01 def. Ron Nahas, Reno NV, '41 Willys, (0.064) 6.948 196.93
 
Steve Woods, Danville CA, '63 Corvette, Right lane, (0.096) 7.250 145.91 def. Cecil Matthews, Redwood Valley CA, '67 Mustang,
(0.229) 8.207 170.51
 
Rich Roberts, Atwater CA, '34 Willys, Left lane, (0.060) 6.728 203.06 def. Howard Anderson, Auburn CA, '38 Chevy, (0.034) 7.566
143.83
 
 
Round 2:
 
S Woods, Right lane, (0.061) 6.659 207.51 def. C Abbey, (0.136) 6.673 208.86
 
M Leonard, Left lane, (0.121) 6.692 207.08 def. R Roberts, (0.069) 6.748 207.66
 
 
Round 3:
 
S Woods, Right lane, (0.092) 7.780 124.41 def. M Leonard, (-0.306 foul) 10.050 72.29
 
 Low ET:    Chris Abbey 6.578 seconds
 Top Speed: Chris Abbey 211.01 MPH
 

Junior Fuel A:
 
Round 1:
 
Jon Haire, Napa CA, Uyehara-Chev, Right lane, (0.035) 6.993 190.59 def. Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley CA, JP Mtrsprt-Chevy, (0.079) 6.973
190.71
 
J.D. Zink, Chico CA, Uyehara-Chevy, Left lane, (0.113) 6.923 183.74 def. Brian Darcy, Newburgh NY, N&P-Chevy, (0.045) 8.253 92.18
 
Scott Parks, Burlingame KS, Neil&Parks-Chevy, Right lane, (0.072) 6.870 193.88 def. Mike Chrisman, Lake Forest CA, Dragmaster-Chevy,
(0.065) 6.962 193.05
 
 
Round 2:
 
J Zink, Right lane, (0.065) 6.940 191.04 def. J Haire, (0.036) 6.973 191.53
 
S Parks, Left lane, (0.093) 6.841 194.59 was unopposed
 
 
Round 3:
 
S Parks, Left lane, (0.072) 6.869 193.50 def. J Zink, (0.069) 6.943 189.23
 
 Low ET:    Scott Parks 6.841 seconds
 Top Speed: Scott Parks 194.97 MPH
 

Junior Fuel B:

 
Round 1:
 
Don Enriquez, Misson Viejo CA, Fritz-Chevy, Right lane, (0.141) 7.227 184.23 def. Mike Craig, Campbell CA, Stirling-Chevy, NT-No
Show
 
John Rasmussen, Littleton CO, Dragster-Hemi, Left lane, (0.244) 7.110 187.18 def. Bob Lander, Sebastopol CA, Dragster-Chevy, (-0.227
foul) 12.861 61.50
 
Fred Notkza, Ventura CA, Dragster-Chev, Right lane, (0.188) 7.170 187.14 def. Rich Fenton, Hayward CA, N&P-Chevy, (0.051) 7.372
175.78
 
Bud Hammer, Oxnard CA, Tuttle-Chevy, Right lane, (0.075) 7.163 187.57 def. Mark McCormick, Escondido CA, N&P-Chevy, (0.013) 7.343
180.86
 
 
Round 2:
 
D Enriquez, Left lane, (0.082) 7.206 185.14 def. F Notkza, (0.475) 15.351 56.07
 
B Hammer, Right lane, (0.038) 7.068 188.48 def. J Rasmussen, (0.075) 7.074 187.53
 
 
Round 3:
 
D Enriquez, Left lane, (0.042) 7.237 184.61 def. B Hammer, (0.056) 17.765 32.80
 
 Low ET:    Bud Hammer 7.068 seconds
 Top Speed: Bud Hammer 189.07 MPH
 

A GAS ELIMINATOR:
 
Round 1:
 
AJ Schwichtenberg, Homer AK, '63 Vette, Right lane, (0.107) 7.634 7.634, def. Andy Hiemstra, Northridge CA, '57 Chevy, (-0.358 foul)
8.267 8.267
 
Dean Lindsey, Santa Paula CA, '67 Nova, Right lane, (0.081) 7.702 7.702, def. Bret Pichler, Cameron Park CA, '69 Camaro, (0.006)
8.034 8.034
 
Mike Ford, Bakersfield CA, '57 Chevy, Right lane, (0.029) 7.633 7.633, def. Tom Schiffilea, San Gabriel CA, '40 Willys, (0.055)
8.387 8.387
 
Ken Ratzloff, Idaho Falls ID, '53 Studebaker, Right lane, (0.075) 7.637 7.637, def. Frank Merenda, Raso Robles CA, '65 Chev, (0.046)
7.935 7.935
 
Scott Loomis, Ojai CA, '53 Studebaker, Right lane, (0.049) 7.616 0.016, def. Augustine Herrera, Montebello CA, '67 Camaro, (0.072)
7.701 0.101
 
Dave Matson, Nevada City CA, '67 Camaro, Left lane, (0.042) 7.565 -0.035, def. Ray Martin, Anchorage AL, '63 Vette, (-0.212 foul)
7.719 0.119
 
David Warren, Surrey BC, '62 Belair, Left lane, (0.223) 7.822 7.822, def. Steve Castelli, Windsor CA, '41 Willys, (-0.107 foul)
14.607 14.607
 
Ken Moore, Northridge CA, '69 Camaro, Left lane, (0.040) 8.123 0.523, def. Rob Patten, Tracy CA, '63 Vette, (0.082) 8.173 0.573
 
 
Round 2:
 
K Moore, Left lane, (0.022) 7.942 7.942, def. A Schwichtenberg, (0.084) 7.936 7.936
 
D Lindsey, Left lane, (0.036) 7.611 0.011, def. M Ford, (0.024) 7.580 -0.020
 
S Loomis, Right lane, (0.031) 7.647 0.047, def. D Matson, (0.041) 7.582 -0.018
 
K Ratzloff, Right lane, (0.049) 7.678 0.078, def. D Warren, (0.075) 7.783 0.183
 
 
Round 3:
 
S Loomis, Right lane, (0.043) 7.634 0.034, def. K Moore, NT-No Show
 
K Ratzloff, Left lane, (0.114) 7.595 -0.005, def. D Lindsey, (0.153) 7.575 -0.025
 
 
Round 4:
 
K Ratzloff, Left lane, (0.027) 7.601 0.001, def. S Loomis, (0.020) 7.632 0.032
 
B Gas:

 
Round 1:
 
Ray Padgett, Santa Paula CA, '68 Camaro, Left lane, (0.032) 8.596 -0.004, def. Eric Bush, Ojai CA, '69 Camaro, (0.032) 8.572 -0.028
 
Leonard Perry, Strathmore CA, '70 Mustang, Right lane, (0.051) 8.563 -0.037, def. Kenny Moorhead, Fairfield CA, '41 Willys, (0.008)
8.546 -0.054
 
Monti Fitzgerald, Rancho Cordoba CA, '67 Chevy, Left lane, (0.124) 8.559 -0.041, def. George Madden, Livermore CA, '66 Nova, (-0.013
foul) 8.580 -0.020
 
Kevin Riley, Santa Clara CA, '67 Dodge, Left lane, (0.035) 8.569 -0.031, def. Rafael Quiroga, Santa Ynez CA, '67 Camaro, (0.085)
8.462 -0.138
 
Jerry Wold, Buena Park CA, '68 Chevy, Left lane, (0.078) 8.602 0.002, def. Casey Treur, Santa Maria CA, '33 Willys, (0.755) 8.909
0.309
 
Ed Elliot, Bakersfield CA, '56 Chevy, Left lane, (0.050) 8.658 0.058, def. Randy Armstrong, San Ramon CA, '57 Chevy, (0.046) 8.583
-0.017
 
Doug Hampton, Salinas CA, '66 Fairlane, Right lane, (0.020) 8.729 0.129, def. Bones Balogh, Long Beach CA, '69 Camaro, (0.173) 8.653
0.053
 
Jess Tyree, Canyon Lake CA, '63 Pontiac, Left lane, (0.096) 8.432 -0.168, def. Adrian Cobb, Visalia CA, '70 Ford, (-0.024 foul)
8.576 -0.024
 
 
Round 2:
 
E Elliot, Right lane, (0.197) 8.646 0.046, def. J Tyree, (0.019) 8.471 -0.129
 
L Perry, Left lane, (0.044) 8.584 8.584, def. D Hampton, (0.029) 8.562 8.562
 
R Padgett, Right lane, (0.042) 8.793 0.193, def. J Wold, (0.090) 8.834 0.234
 
M Fitzgerald, Right lane, (0.014) 8.591 8.591, def. K Riley, (0.044) 8.579 8.579
 
 
Round 3:
 
M Fitzgerald, Right lane, (0.013) 8.609 0.009, def. L Perry, (0.051) 8.613 0.013
 
E Elliot, Left lane, (0.037) 8.980 0.380, def. R Padgett, (0.013) 9.534 0.934
 
 
Round 4:
 
M Fitzgerald, Right lane, (0.010) 8.662 0.062, def. E Elliot, (0.070) 8.634 0.034
 

C Gas:

 
Round 2:
 
Scott Hudson, Yorba Linda CA, '66 Nova, Right lane, (0.005) 9.651 0.051, def. Mike Mangano, Gustine CA, '63 Chevy, (0.055) 9.606
0.006
 
Jim Stewart, Santa Paula CA, '67 Chevy, Left lane, (0.012) 9.620 0.020, def. Tom Cwayna, Van Nuys CA, '63 Tempest, (0.090) 9.515
-0.085
 
Mike Wortman, Santa Paula CA, '69 Mercury, Left lane, (0.038) 9.518 -0.082, def. Mark Capps, Medera CA, '67 Ford, (-0.007 foul)
9.513 -0.087
 
Mike O'Neal, Reedly CA, '66 Nova, Left lane, (0.109) 9.619 0.019, def. Clay Bentson, Hollister CA, '48 Thames, (0.046) 9.556 -0.044
 
Richard Wilson, Azusa CA, '35 Airflow, Left lane, (0.048) 9.459 -0.141, def. Bill Welch, Ojai CA, '57 Vette, (0.089) 9.414 -0.186
 
John Contreras, San Franciso CA, '65 Olds, Left lane, (0.079) 9.632 0.032, def. Pat Walker, Bakersfield CA, '70 Camaro, (0.111)
9.621 0.021
 
Doug Araiza, Santa Paula CA, '69 Camaro, Left lane, (0.120) 10.104 0.504, def. Al White, Azusa CA, '65 GTO, (0.080) 10.202 0.602
 
Andrea Whiteside, Woodlake CA, '69 Camaro, Left lane, (0.040) 9.622 0.022, def. Bill Creech, Rocklin CA, '71 Dodge, NT-No Show
 
 
Round 3:
 
J Stewart, Right lane, (0.018) 9.644 0.044, def. A Whiteside, (0.031) 9.634 0.034
 
M Wortman, Right lane, (0.014) 9.628 0.028, def. D Araiza, (0.009) 9.658 0.058
 
S Hudson, Right lane, (0.009) 9.601 0.001, def. R Wilson, (0.057) 9.569 -0.031
 
J Contreras, Left lane, (0.044) 9.615 0.015, def. M O'Neal, (0.072) 9.674 0.074
 
 
Round 4:
 
S Hudson, Left lane, (0.012) 11.273 1.673, def. J Stewart, (-0.006 foul) 9.598 -0.002
 
M Wortman, Right lane, (0.017) 9.605 0.005, def. J Contreras, (0.063) 9.549 -0.051
 
 
Round 5:
 
M Wortman, Left lane, (0.039) 9.641 9.641, def. S Hudson, (0.040) 9.655 9.655

 

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SATUDAY NOTEBOOK - TRAGEDY OVERSHADOWS INCREDIBLE EVENT

 

SOMBER MOMENT - John Shoemaker, 65, a veteran drag racer from Sacramento, Calif., died from injuries suffered when his Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster crashed at the end of a pass during the first qualifying session. 

Shoemaker, who had just run a 6.11 elapsed time at 249 mile per hour pass, failed to slow following the finish line and went off the end of the track. 

Shoemaker was airlifted to Kern Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Shoemaker had competed in a variety of dragsters during his 42-year drag racing career, and was a former Division 7 Alcohol Dragster Champion. 

Shoemaker is survived by his wife Judee and a son Jim.

We at Torco's CompetitionPlus.com extend our condolences to Shoemaker's family and friends.

NOT A GOOD WEEKEND FOR DSR DRIVERS - NHRA Funny Car drivers and teammates Jack Beckman and Ron Capps spent their off weekend in Bakersfield with hopes of qualifying in the nostalgia Funny Car field.  However, after failing to make a pass on Friday, Jack Beckman vacated the seat of Doug Rose's Time Traveler Vega Funny Car and was replaced by Top Fuel driver Terry Cox. 

Capps filled in as driver for Mark Stuckey's Daytona, but banged the blower during his burnout Saturday bringing his weekend to an abrupt end.

Hot Wheels nostalgia Funny Car diecasts coming soon.

NOTHIN' LIKE HOT WHEELS - If you like to collect those 1/64th scale diecast cars, George Doty, owner of the Hot Wheels Mustang Funny Car, says that Mattel will soon be releasing approximately 10 replicas of current nostalgia funny cars.  Doty's car will be the first released, followed by a replica of the Pisano Matsubara Vega.  Stay tuned for additional Hot Wheels release news.

IT'S A GAS, GAS, GAS! - Longtime AA/Gas driver Mike Leonard drove his '69 Chevelle to the number one spot of the field with a career-best 6.68 elapsed time at 210 miles per hour.  The car went on a major diet over the winter, with many weight saving modifications made to the front end and body.  Congrats to the entire team!

The Top Fuel teams of Jim Murphy and Troy Green opted to run the M & H Tire in lieu of testing the Hoosier tire during qualifying.

NO TIME TO TEST -The Top Fuel teams of Jim Murphy and Troy Green opted to run the M & H Tire in lieu of testing the Hoosier tire during qualifying. They did this in order to use combinations each team knew would qualify them in the extremely tough 16-car field.  Green qualified in the number two spot with personal-best 5.76, 258 shot, while Murphy squeaked into the 15th spot of the field with a 6.09.  Ironically, the two drivers will meet one another in the first round of eliminations.  Jim Murphy is seeking a fifth March Meet Top Fuel title, which would tie him with Don Garlits.

GIVE ME A HEADACHE - Top Fuel rookie driver Randy Beck was released from the hospital with a slight concussion, and was out and about Saturday.

BY THE NUMBERS - SATURDAY EDITION -The 50th March Meet drew a record crowd on Saturday, which enjoyed a spectacular day of qualifying under chamber of commerce type weather. 

PERSONAL BEST - Top Fuel driver Pete Kaiser recorded a personal-best 5.817 elapsed time in John Eirich's Ground Zero entry.  Kaiser and Eirich are looking for their second March Meet win together as a team. 

Kaiser won the March Meet in the early 90's while driving for Bill Simpson, and Eirich won the 2000 March Meet with 'Wild Bill' Alexander at the wheel.
 

 

 

FRIDAY NOTEBOOK – FAST TIMES AT BAKERSFIELD HIGH

TIRE UPDATE - Brad Thompson led the field with a stunning 5.675 elapsed time at 250 miles per hour.  Troy Green recorded

a 5.88, while Mike McLennan ran an early shut-off 6.23, and Jim Murphy was shut off for an oil leak.  Each team currently using the Hoosier tires is sharing info with all AA/FD teams, and early discussions are that most are encouraged by the results.

The veteran himself, 94-year old Marv Rifchin of M & H Tires, flew in from Watertown, Mass., to monitor his customer's tires after each run.

Randy Beck, son of former Top Fuel champion Gary Beck, ran a 5.91 to complete his Top Fuel licensing. Unfortunately, the rookie driver encountered a nasty top end crash.

SCARY MOMENTS - Randy Beck, son of former Top Fuel champion Gary Beck, ran a 5.91 to complete his Top Fuel licensing.  Unfortunately, the rookie driver encountered a nasty top end crash that wadded up the Paso Posse entry and sent the driver to the hospital.  Beck checked out okay but will remain hospitalized overnight for observation.  His bell was rung for sure.

AMAZING! - Top Fuel low qualifier Brad Thompson continues to run the M & H Tire, and is working with Hoosier to develop a

tire closer to the M & H design for testing later in the year.  "I don't want to screw up our combination right now", stated Thompson. 

"We want to keep the tire width at 12" and a little shorter than the current Hoosier design being run," 

Thompson also claims he left a bit on the table yesterday and feels the team is close to hitting that first 5.50 in nostalgia Top Fuel. 

LOTS OF PLASTIC – Twenty-seven nostalgia nitro floppers made the call to the lanes for the first session.


Less than a week after earning her funny car license, Mendy Fry ran a personal-best 6.21 in the Don Couch-tuned Future Flash entry owned by Gary Messenger.  This is not too shabby considering she clicked it early.

Fry, who has driven front and rear engine dragsters, is still getting used to being a Funny Car driver but is having the time of her life.

Legendary fuel tuner Steve Montrelli tuned Jeff Utterback to a personal-best 6.00 at 234 MPH in the Pisano and Matsubara Vega.  Montrelli may just get that 5-second run he's been looking for this weekend.

Former Alcohol Funny Car champ Bucky Austin sits in the number one spot with a 5.83.

ALL IN THE FAMILY - Tony Waters, who runner-upped in Top Eliminator to Art Chrisman at the inaugural March Meet dating back to 1959, tuned his son Darrell to the number one spot of the A-Fuel field with a solid 6.32.  Art Chrisman is in the house tuning for son Mike in his Jr. Fuel “A” entry.

Legendary Super Stock and Funny Car driver Jess Tyree has six wins in Super Stock.

BY THE NUMBERS, FRIDAY EDITION - One of the most hyped stats by March Meet historians are the five Top Fuel wins by Don Garlits, the most by any Top Fuel driver.  However, legendary Super Stock and Funny Car driver Jess Tyree stands tall with six wins in Super Stock, dating back to the inaugural event.  Tyree then added five consecutive wins from 1961-1965.

Tyree, shown with his Fuel and Gas Championships trophy from the 1965 event, currently competes in B/Gas with the same 1963 Pontiac Tempest that earned him his win in 1963.

Wouldn't it be neat to see him add a seventh title?

MOVIN ON - The first side-by-side 6.80 passes in Jr. Fuel A were posted by Scott Parks (6.84) and Brian Darcy (6.88) in the final pair of the day, which were personal-bests respectively.    Most impressive considering that several class competitors either shook hard or smoked the tires on the rapidly cooling track.

 

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THURSDAY NOTEBOOK – DRAG RACING FANS, MEDIA AND RACERS DESCEND UP AUTO CLUB FAMOSA RACEWAY TO WITNESS MARCH MEET GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY  

BY THE NUMBERS - More than 150 media members representing 70 outlets will cover the 3-day event.  Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall welcomed guests and media outside of the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, while reigning AA/FD champion Brad Thompson cackled his top fuel entry for a partially unsuspecting crowd.  500-plus racers will be vying for 15 class trophies on Sunday.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? - Danny Pisano has recently replaced the Arias engine in his Pisano and Matsubara Vega funny car with a JPIII Crow. 

The JPIII Crow is an improved version of the JP I & II blocks designed by Danny's uncle Joe Pisano.  The Crow designation was added by Danny's father, Carmen, following the passing of Joe.   A frequent sighting of a lone crow flying between Carmen's business, Wedge Engineering, and Venolia Pistons (which are located across the street from one another) prompted Carmen to believe that Joe came back as a Crow.  There is even a similar story shared by Eddie Hill of crows showing up on his property which had never happened before. 

Yes Virginia, there is crow cast into the front of the block for easy identification. 

For additional Pisano Racing history, you need to check out www.pisanoracing.com.

READY FOR PRIME TIME? - In an effort to improve tire safety in Nostalgia Top Fuel, four teams will be permitted to compete on recently tested 10.5" Hoosier tires in lieu of the longtime standard 12" M & H slicks. 

The life span of the M & H tire has been abused by speeds averaging in the 250 MPH range and even a couple surpassing 260 miles per hour with the centers of the tires de-laminating or chunking.  Certainly not a slight to Marvin Rifchin or M & H Tires, as Rifchin has worked closely with the All American Fuel Dragster Association in an attempt to solve the tire de-lamination issue on the company's 40-year old design; it's just not happening quickly enough.  

Fearing something catastrophic could happen, Hoosier has stepped up with an option and is working closely with those who have tested them.  The Hoosier tire is slightly taller and will more than likely require a 4.20 gear or so (up from the 3.90 gear currently run) in order to pull it on the low end.  If these teams get dialed in to this new tire, will we see more 260 MPH runs?  Time will tell. 

Keep an eye on Mike McClennan, Troy Green, Brad Thompson, and Jim Murphy during qualifying to see if there is significant improvement.  The jury is still out.  Detailed qualifying results will be posted at www.dragracecentral.com.

PARTY ON! - Chuy's Mesquite Grill, which sponsors the summertime Fuel Altered event at Famoso Raceway and Rich Howell's AA/FA, hosted a pre-race March Meet party for racers and fans.  Among the cars on display for the packed-house festivities was Justin Grant's Chicago-based Stardust Cuda funny car.  Grant, who is attending his first ever March Meet via the help of an online raffle, jumped at the chance to participate at the pre-race party when the Future Flash Funny Car team of Gary Messenger canceled at the last minute. 

"I'm just thrilled to be here,” said Grant. “I've met so many great people and just trying to take it all in." 

The really neat part about this experience was witnessing the Stardust and Pisano Matsubara Funny Cars sitting next to one another.  With more than 25 cars forecasted to compete for the two eight-car fields, the 50th annual Bakersfield March Meet is going to be a barn-burner!