 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Qualifying
“That was the run in San Antonio that we never got to make,” explained Hahn, in reference to the semi-final round that they were shut-off on the starting line. “We just went up there and let it go. The run kind of surprised me because I didn’t think it went as quick as it did. I thought it would have been in the upper 6-teens. But, we are extremely happy and looking forward to tomorrow.” Hahn sat out the second session to conserve parts and to repair a wounded piston on the pace-setting run. Mitch Stott had a good outing the Radiac-sponsored entry as found a good combination with a 6.200, 229.12 that came in the opening session. The Mill Spring, NC.-based driver maintained the consistent pace in the evening session, but failed to improve. Canadian Al Billes continued the Hemi barrage as he landed in the third spot with a 6.240, 223.15. His lap came in the first session as well. Rounding out the top half of the field was the LeeBoy-sponsored entry of Quain Stott. The Inman, SC-based driver pushed his supercharged entry to a 6.240, 223.15 for the fourth spot.
The New York success continued as Medina-based Mike Stawicki landed a berth in the show by pushing his Snap-case ’63 Corvette to a 6.252, 224.32. Defending World Champion Shannon Jenkins was the quickest nitrous car in the show as he posted a 6.259, 221.40 to claim the spot. Rickie Smith, who is piloting a 1963 Corvette this season, rounded out the show with a 6.294, 223.04. On the outside looking in after the first day are such notables as Mike Castellana (6.307), Frankie Taylor (6.311), and Thomas Patterson (6.329). There are 23 entries in attendance. Friday’s Notes - The Hemi Warrior – Jim Oddy’s impressive run with his new Hemi engine program continues to lay down some impressive laps. On the first attempt for the Fred Hahn-driven machine, the supercharged Corvette netted a 6.148, 227.27 lap – the quickest in NHRA AMS Pro Modified history. The only engine damage was a burned piston. The run continues the impressive performance trend which netted a 6.17 last week in San Antonio, Texas. Oddy’s reasoning for making the switch was for stronger parts. The run put .10 of a difference between the quickest Hemi and Wedge motors fueling the fire for a potential rivalry that could mirror the nitrous and supercharged debate. Many will recall that Oddy has tuned a Wedge motor to a 6.12 elapsed time. When asked if he feared a rules revision aimed directly at the Hemi, Oddy responded, “I’ll just put the Wedge back in. It can run teens.” By God you tell them I can drive – That’s what Roy Hill said after posting a 4.01 in test sessions leading into the first stop on the AMS Pro Modified Challenge. While it was highly rumored that either Von Smith or K.C. Spurlock would be driving his supercharged, late-model Mustang, Hill debuted his Odoban/Pabst Blue Ribbon entry with his name on the window. However, by June, Hill will have a second car out thanks to Warner Robins, Ga.-based Odoban and that will be a supercharged Dodge Stratus. Hill has yet to name a driver but among those being considered are Richie Stevens, Von Smith and Scott Fitzgerald. Hill hasn’t ruled out new students through his school as candidates. It’s a lot harder than it looks – Hill in his first qualifying didn't bring the rpms up enough and coasted down the track to a 12.687. On his second run, he revved the engine high, nailed the tires and broke the driveshaft. So how did Hill, who has a reputation for being rough on his drag racing school students, react to his own miscue? Hill explained, "I cussed myself all the way down the track and hollered. I got pretty doggone mad at myself." The General George Custer Award – This unofficial award would have to go to nitrous racer Shannon Jenkins, who was the only driver of this combination to make the field in the first session. Jenkins, who posted a 6.259, 221.40, offered this comment, “I’d feel a lot better if there was at least one more in here.” Only four of the 22 entries are nitrous-injected. The second session provided Jenkins with some company as Rickie Smith slipped in one spot behind him to claim the bump spot. Kaboom, Kaboooooooom! – Both Chip King and Zach Barklage both decorated the sidelines of Gainesville Raceway with hood ornaments. Parts attrition forced both drivers to launch either hood components or burst panels. Get a nose job and you can race – The word from the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified camp is that they will need a new nose on their Troy Critchley-driven ’57 Chevy before they are allowed to compete at IHRA events. According to team representatives, the front end was deemed illegal in its current capacity even though it came through the same mold as Robbie Vandergriff’s last entry. With that said, the rulebook clearly stipulates that all body styles must be approved by the competition director. Better keep your crap together – The word comes from AMS event coordinator Kenny Nowling that beginning second qualifying session that any competitor that participates in the exhibition category will be subject to an oildown penalty that will deduct as much as 50 points from a driver per oildown. While many might note that there’s no official points fund for the class, the top eight points earners will be eligible for a special shootout at the end of the season in Vegas.
|
|
Ready to take your order at 1-800-230-3030 | Customer Service 1-800-517-1035