The Reader's Choice for Crew Chief of the Year is Jerry Maddern, tuner of the Chris Demke-driven Peen-Rite Top Alcohol Dragster.
This is the third week in the Top Alcohol News Reader's Choice Awards. To vote, place your vote on our Facebook wall or tweet it to us on Twitter. If you are not on these social networks, send your vote to us in an email. Another way to vote is the poll on the right side of this website. This week's category is....
2011 Top Alcohol Dragster Divisional Champion of the Year
This award recognizes the reader's choice for the Divisional champion of the year in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. The nominees are below:
Division 1-Karen Stalba
Driving a former Morgan Lucas car, Karen Stalba secured the Division 1 championship with a win at the Epping race, along with back-to-back runner-up finishes at Atco and zMax Dragway. Stalba's only first round loss came at her first race of the season. 33 point lead over #2 Mike Kosky
Division 2-Duane Shields
Also the 2011 National champion, Duane Shields experienced one of his best seasons yet. His first win of the season came at his second race, at Cecil. Other highlights include 3 more wins and a runner-up finish. Shields' performance was not as consistent, with 3 first round losses. 190 point lead over #2 Rich McPhillips
Division 3-Bill Reichert
5-time National champion Bill Reichert secured another Division 3 championship, thanks to 4 wins and a pair of runner-up finishes. Like Stalba, Reichert fell short in round one once. Though he didn't take the National title again, he impressed in D3. 148 point lead over #2 Marty Thacker
Division 4-Mike Manners
Known for his sleek, Spitzer-built "The Shredder" A/Fueler, Mike Manners had a successful season in Division 4 competition. He secured the title with a pair of runner-up finishes, sandwiched in between a set of wins. Manners also won the IHRA Pro Fuel Dragster championship. 64 point lead over #2 James Thompson Jr.
Division 5-Randy Meyer
National Championship tuner Randy Meyer resumed his winning ways in 2011. Acting as team owner, crew chief and driver, Meyer multitasked his way to the championship. Starting off the season with a runner-up finish at Cecil, he went on to win the Great Bend and Cordova races. 32 point lead over #2 Richard Putz
Division 6-Joey Severance
One of the two Blown Alcohol drivers to win a divisional championship this year, Joey Severance used his supercharged bullet to reach the finals of every divisional that he entered. He lost in only two of those final round appearances, out of seven finals. This propelled Joey to a potential National championship, but Duane Shields ultimately took that honor. 105 point lead over #2 Ray Martin
Division 7-Jim Whiteley
The other Blown Alcohol pilot to win a division title, Jim Whiteley began his 2011 campaign for the championship with a runner-up finish at Chandler, Arizona. His performance picked up later in the season, where he won three races along with another runner-up. Whiteley's YNot Racing team will also continue to field an Alcohol Funny Car in 2012 with Annie Whiteley behind the wheel. 42 point lead over #2 Chris Demke
Showing posts with label divisional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label divisional. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Clint Thompson Cruises to Final Round at Vegas Divisional Event
Courtesy of Rich Bailey
Clint Thompson had a great trip to Vegas as he went all the way to the final round at the last NHRA divisional event of the season held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last week at the Big O Tire Nationals also held there, Thompson went to the semi-finals. So not a bad trip to Vegas for the Klamath Falls, Oregon based team.
In qualifying, Thompson qualified sixth with a 5.74 at 255 MPH. In round one he faced Shane Westerfield. Thompson lost to Westerfield last weekend so this was a chance to even the score. At the starting line, Westerfield got a slight edge out of the gate but Thompson grabbed the lead and never looked back to score the win. Thompson ran a 5.72 at 256 MPH to Westerfield's close 5.78 at 254 MPH.
In round two, Thompson met up with Jay Payne whom Thompson had beat the previous week also in the second round. A the hit Thompson got off of the line first and never trailed as he took the strip and advanced to the final round. Thompson recorded a 5.67 at 246 MPH to Payne's 5.71 at 252 MPH.
In the final round it would be Thompson taking on John Lombardo. Thompson laid down a great 0.015 reaction time to Lombardo's 0.073. Unfortunately for Thompson, his lead would slip away just after the 1000 foot mark as Lombardo would score the victory with a 5.65 at 256 MPH to Thompson's valiant 5.74 at 239 MPH.
Next up is the Auto Club Nationals in Pomona, November 10-13.
Clint Thompson had a great trip to Vegas as he went all the way to the final round at the last NHRA divisional event of the season held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last week at the Big O Tire Nationals also held there, Thompson went to the semi-finals. So not a bad trip to Vegas for the Klamath Falls, Oregon based team.
In qualifying, Thompson qualified sixth with a 5.74 at 255 MPH. In round one he faced Shane Westerfield. Thompson lost to Westerfield last weekend so this was a chance to even the score. At the starting line, Westerfield got a slight edge out of the gate but Thompson grabbed the lead and never looked back to score the win. Thompson ran a 5.72 at 256 MPH to Westerfield's close 5.78 at 254 MPH.
In round two, Thompson met up with Jay Payne whom Thompson had beat the previous week also in the second round. A the hit Thompson got off of the line first and never trailed as he took the strip and advanced to the final round. Thompson recorded a 5.67 at 246 MPH to Payne's 5.71 at 252 MPH.
In the final round it would be Thompson taking on John Lombardo. Thompson laid down a great 0.015 reaction time to Lombardo's 0.073. Unfortunately for Thompson, his lead would slip away just after the 1000 foot mark as Lombardo would score the victory with a 5.65 at 256 MPH to Thompson's valiant 5.74 at 239 MPH.
Next up is the Auto Club Nationals in Pomona, November 10-13.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Perkins Goes Broke in Vegas
Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Las Vegas, NV. -- Going broke in Vegas usually means only one thing. The tables got the best of you, or the one armed bandit kept everything it was given. At the Division 7 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Cody Perkins may not have lost money at the casinos, but the 801 Racing sponsored Top Alcohol Dragster did break a few parts.
"I think we broke one of everything," said Perkins. "We broke all kinds of parts like heads, belts and even our windshield."
Cody was able to get his 801 Racing dragster into the show in the number six slot with a 5.402. Cold track conditions were not kind to the sun and heat loving team. In the first round against Megan McKernan, Perkins was first off the line but the fun ended there.
"I hate cold tracks," added Perkins. "We know how to run in the heat, but when we have cool conditions like this, it is really hard for us to get down the track. I am considering bringing someone in next year to do a sun dance."
Whereas Gambling and losing money go hand in hand, cold racetracks and breaking parts also seem to be related. Cody Perkins and his 801 Racing Team have put things back together and are now heading to the season finale in Pomona. There they will be betting on the warm weather to keep them from going completely broke.
Las Vegas, NV. -- Going broke in Vegas usually means only one thing. The tables got the best of you, or the one armed bandit kept everything it was given. At the Division 7 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Cody Perkins may not have lost money at the casinos, but the 801 Racing sponsored Top Alcohol Dragster did break a few parts.
"I think we broke one of everything," said Perkins. "We broke all kinds of parts like heads, belts and even our windshield."
Cody was able to get his 801 Racing dragster into the show in the number six slot with a 5.402. Cold track conditions were not kind to the sun and heat loving team. In the first round against Megan McKernan, Perkins was first off the line but the fun ended there.
"I hate cold tracks," added Perkins. "We know how to run in the heat, but when we have cool conditions like this, it is really hard for us to get down the track. I am considering bringing someone in next year to do a sun dance."
Whereas Gambling and losing money go hand in hand, cold racetracks and breaking parts also seem to be related. Cody Perkins and his 801 Racing Team have put things back together and are now heading to the season finale in Pomona. There they will be betting on the warm weather to keep them from going completely broke.
Courtesy of THR5 Communications
801 Racing is a privately held company based in Salt Lake City, Utah that produces a unique and innovative 'solid fuel technology'. Named Pulse Power Boost, it comes in a solid red ball and is a fuel boost catalyst that completely dissolves in the fuel tank. The increase in power is next to immediate as it fully dissipates once dissolved. The product works in gas, alcohol and diesel engines. Pulse Power Boost will come packaged in a sealed pouch or in an embossed display tin. 801 Racing's Pulse Power Boost is targeted at the racing community for all forms of motorsports that need an edge against the competition in the other lane or to get out ahead of the pack and stay there. For more information on 801 Racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/
Ahten's Divisional Race not in the Cards
Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Las Vegas, NV -- NHRA Top Alcohol Drag Racing is not always easy to deal with. This weekend at the Division 7 race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Johnny Ahten and his CleanBoost sponsored team realized this very fact. The planned testing on Thursday went well, and hopes for a long weekend were in place. Friday's rainout was a unwelcome surprise. This meant that the team had two runs on Saturday to qualify.
"We ran a 5.520 at 205.88 on Saturday and it just wasn't enough," said Ahten. "Then in the last session there was a delay after an oil down. The track cooled and we went up in smoke just like a few other teams."
The Divisional race did provide some good run data the CleanBoost Team will take into the last National race in Pomona this weekend. There Johnny and the boys plan on using what they learned, and with a slight chip on their shoulder, plan to have the upper hand.
Las Vegas, NV -- NHRA Top Alcohol Drag Racing is not always easy to deal with. This weekend at the Division 7 race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Johnny Ahten and his CleanBoost sponsored team realized this very fact. The planned testing on Thursday went well, and hopes for a long weekend were in place. Friday's rainout was a unwelcome surprise. This meant that the team had two runs on Saturday to qualify.
"We ran a 5.520 at 205.88 on Saturday and it just wasn't enough," said Ahten. "Then in the last session there was a delay after an oil down. The track cooled and we went up in smoke just like a few other teams."
The Divisional race did provide some good run data the CleanBoost Team will take into the last National race in Pomona this weekend. There Johnny and the boys plan on using what they learned, and with a slight chip on their shoulder, plan to have the upper hand.
Courtesy of John Rogers
Based in Sandy, Utah, CleanBoost PERFORMANCE MOTOR OIL is a subdivision company of Combustion Technologies USA, http://www.combustionusa.com/ a privately held corporation, owned and operated by drag racers and automotive enthusiasts, who provide specialized products and services focused towards equipment performance and maintenance solutions coupled with measurable improvements in the operating costs of your equipment. They specialize in Trucking, Construction, Mining, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Motorsports, Marine Industries and private label licensing of their products. They accomplish this by providing customers with the latest and most advanced products and service available in the industry today, while focusing on developments and new technology to improve the quality of their products to reduce the pollution effects of our environment.
Please visit us at: http://www.cleanboostoil.com/
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Shields Uses Vegas Race for Testing
Courtesy of Rich Bailey
Las Vegas - With no more points to claim and new knowledge to be gained, the Shortline Express team used the final divisional event of the 2011 season as a chance to do some testing at their home track in Las Vegas. "We never get the chance to test thoughout the year so we decided to try some different ideas on every pass since we couldn't claim points at this race anyway," Duane explained.
Even in test mode the Shortline Express team qualified for the tough eight car field. Over fifteen cars tried to qualify and some of the best teams in the class didn't make the show. Duane qualified seventh with a 5.40 at 257 MPH. "It was a real challenge. I'm just glad we qualified because this was not an easy field to get into" he said.
Ironically, in round one Duane faced the only man who can stop him from winning the Championship in Pomona: Joey Severance. If Severance can win the race in Pomona he will pass Duane in the points chase and win the Championship. Both racers are out of divisional events they can claim so this weekend's festivities are a warm up for the big showdown for the Championship at the Auto Club Finals in less than a week.
At the light, Shields was out of the gate first with an 0.062 to Severance's close 0.064. Once off the starting line, Shields began to suffer some brutal shake 100 feet out. He peddled it but was unable to recover. He then peddled it a second time but to no avail as Severance's lead was insurmountable so Duane wisely abandoned the run. "Obviously I would have liked to have won. The air was great and the conditions were favorable to both cars" Shields said.
Duane then revealed his plans for Pomona. "We'll be ready for Pomona. We are going back to the tune up that got us to where we are now in the points. Our plan is to win the race so we will win the Championship. But we'll have to see how it all plays out. It's going to be an exciting week and a lot of fun" Shields said.
As always, the Shortline Express team would like to thank Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs.
Las Vegas - With no more points to claim and new knowledge to be gained, the Shortline Express team used the final divisional event of the 2011 season as a chance to do some testing at their home track in Las Vegas. "We never get the chance to test thoughout the year so we decided to try some different ideas on every pass since we couldn't claim points at this race anyway," Duane explained.
Even in test mode the Shortline Express team qualified for the tough eight car field. Over fifteen cars tried to qualify and some of the best teams in the class didn't make the show. Duane qualified seventh with a 5.40 at 257 MPH. "It was a real challenge. I'm just glad we qualified because this was not an easy field to get into" he said.
Ironically, in round one Duane faced the only man who can stop him from winning the Championship in Pomona: Joey Severance. If Severance can win the race in Pomona he will pass Duane in the points chase and win the Championship. Both racers are out of divisional events they can claim so this weekend's festivities are a warm up for the big showdown for the Championship at the Auto Club Finals in less than a week.
At the light, Shields was out of the gate first with an 0.062 to Severance's close 0.064. Once off the starting line, Shields began to suffer some brutal shake 100 feet out. He peddled it but was unable to recover. He then peddled it a second time but to no avail as Severance's lead was insurmountable so Duane wisely abandoned the run. "Obviously I would have liked to have won. The air was great and the conditions were favorable to both cars" Shields said.
Duane then revealed his plans for Pomona. "We'll be ready for Pomona. We are going back to the tune up that got us to where we are now in the points. Our plan is to win the race so we will win the Championship. But we'll have to see how it all plays out. It's going to be an exciting week and a lot of fun" Shields said.
As always, the Shortline Express team would like to thank Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Ahten Has a Need for Rapid Acceleration and MPH
Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Las Vegas, NV -- Johnny Ahten and his CleanBoost Racing Team are looking forward to this weekend's Division 7 race because they have a need for speed. Video Games, movies and even rock songs all celebrate the passion for moving across the pavement. More than just getting down the track, the goal is to do it in a timely manner.
"We want to haul ass, now more than ever," said Ahten. "We want to get back to what we know how to do."
Planned testing on the Thursday before the divisional is the plan of attack for the CleanBoost Team. During the past weekend's Big O Tire's Nationals Johnny experienced some positive results. Early numbers showed they were one of the quickest cars to the sixty foot mark. Putting that knowledge and information into practice is what has the team motivated.
"Many teams stayed in town after the nationals," added Ahten. "It's a stout field, and the testing will help."
Taking it step by step, Johnny Ahten and the CleanBoost sponsored dragster are looking forward to a feast. The menu will include tasty bits like quickness, speed and the desire to get to the finish line first.
Las Vegas, NV -- Johnny Ahten and his CleanBoost Racing Team are looking forward to this weekend's Division 7 race because they have a need for speed. Video Games, movies and even rock songs all celebrate the passion for moving across the pavement. More than just getting down the track, the goal is to do it in a timely manner.
"We want to haul ass, now more than ever," said Ahten. "We want to get back to what we know how to do."
Planned testing on the Thursday before the divisional is the plan of attack for the CleanBoost Team. During the past weekend's Big O Tire's Nationals Johnny experienced some positive results. Early numbers showed they were one of the quickest cars to the sixty foot mark. Putting that knowledge and information into practice is what has the team motivated.
"Many teams stayed in town after the nationals," added Ahten. "It's a stout field, and the testing will help."
Taking it step by step, Johnny Ahten and the CleanBoost sponsored dragster are looking forward to a feast. The menu will include tasty bits like quickness, speed and the desire to get to the finish line first.
Courtesy of Images LTD
Based in Sandy, Utah, CleanBoost PERFORMANCE MOTOR OIL is a subdivision company of Combustion Technologies USA, http://www.combustionusa.com/ a privately held corporation, owned and operated by drag racers and automotive enthusiasts, who provide specialized products and services focused towards equipment performance and maintenance solutions coupled with measurable improvements in the operating costs of your equipment. They specialize in the Trucking, Construction, Mining, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Motorsports, Marine Industries and private label licensing of their products. They accomplish this by providing customers with the latest and most advanced products and service available in the industry today, while focusing on developments and new technology to improve the quality of their products to reduce the pollution effects of our environment.
Please visit us at: http://www.cleanboostoil.com/
Perkins Looks to Step Up to the Plate for Divisional Race
Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Las Vegas, NV. -- Cody Perkins and his 801 Racing sponsored Dragster are looking for some home track advantage for this weekend's Division 7 race. Even though the Perkins Team is from Utah, they consider the Las Vegas Motor Speedway their home track. The previous weekend's National event provided the necessary background information needed to go faster.
"We are going to get after it a little harder for the divisional," quoted Perkins. "Low 30's is the goal, if we tickle it just right. We can step on it with confidence and we want to go fast."
The advantage of having a divisional race at the same track as the previous weekend is that the information obtained is still relevant. The disadvantage is that many other Alcohol teams stuck around with similar thoughts.
"Once again it will be a stout field," added Perkins. "They also have more run data, so it's up to us to step up."
The season is coming to an end, and the Las Vegas divisional race is a great place to tie together lessons learned throughout the year. Not quite a final exam, that awaits the following weekend in Pomona. This race is all about defending home plate, and Perkins and the 801 Racing Team are planning on serving up a big heaping portion of home cooking.
Las Vegas, NV. -- Cody Perkins and his 801 Racing sponsored Dragster are looking for some home track advantage for this weekend's Division 7 race. Even though the Perkins Team is from Utah, they consider the Las Vegas Motor Speedway their home track. The previous weekend's National event provided the necessary background information needed to go faster.
"We are going to get after it a little harder for the divisional," quoted Perkins. "Low 30's is the goal, if we tickle it just right. We can step on it with confidence and we want to go fast."
The advantage of having a divisional race at the same track as the previous weekend is that the information obtained is still relevant. The disadvantage is that many other Alcohol teams stuck around with similar thoughts.
"Once again it will be a stout field," added Perkins. "They also have more run data, so it's up to us to step up."
The season is coming to an end, and the Las Vegas divisional race is a great place to tie together lessons learned throughout the year. Not quite a final exam, that awaits the following weekend in Pomona. This race is all about defending home plate, and Perkins and the 801 Racing Team are planning on serving up a big heaping portion of home cooking.
Courtesy of Images LTD
801 Racing is a privately held company based in Salt Lake City, Utah that produces a unique and innovative 'solid fuel technology'. Named Pulse Power Boost, it comes in a solid red ball and is a fuel boost catalyst that completely dissolves in the fuel tank. The increase in power is next to immediate as it fully dissipates once dissolved. The product works in gas, alcohol and diesel engines. Pulse Power Boost will come packaged in a sealed pouch or in an embossed display tin. 801 Racing's, Pulse Power Boost is targeted at the racing community for all forms of motorsports that need an edge against the competition in the other lane or to get out ahead of the pack and stay there. For more information on 801 Racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Vote for Divisional "Driver of the Year" Awards
Voting is now open to decide special award winners for Divisions 1 and 3. Categories include Pro/Sportsman Driver of the Year, Mechanic/Wrench of the Year, Track of the Year, and many more depending on divisions. Below are the links to each division's voting page.
NHRA Division 1 (Northeast)
NHRA Division 3 (North Central)
NHRA Division 1 (Northeast)
NHRA Division 3 (North Central)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Booher Caps off Career-Best Season with Semifinal Appearance
Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Champaign , IL
Brandon
“The overall goal was obviously to win the race, but we knew there would be a lot of heavy hitters there, so a runner-up finish would suffice. That would’ve moved us up to 9th in national points and 3rd in Division 3. If the car would’ve started in the semi’s, I think there was a good chance that we could win the round and go to the finals,” claimed Booher.
Something as simple as dead starter batteries ended Brandon
“We started the car 45 minutes before the run and it started just fine. The crew went to start the car (for the run) and it wouldn’t turn over. It hurt the starter, because it wasn’t getting enough power from the battery pack on the cart. Duane (Shields) had already fired and began his burnout, so there wasn’t enough time to find another power source. It’s just another thing that we’ll improve on for next year. We’ll have two battery packs and two starters on the cart next year so that doesn’t happen again,” Brandon
The 2011 season had its ups and downs, as Brandon Norwalk
Fans can follow Brandon Booher and the AB Construction Top Alcohol Dragster team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/booherracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/booherracing). For results and press releases, visit http://www.dragracecentral.com/ and http://www.topalcoholnews.com/.
About Booher Racing-The NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team led by Brandon and Aaron Booher competes at national events across the United States
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Permatex/Follow A Dream Team Wraps Up 2011 With Another Final
Courtesy of Jay Blake
Marstons Mills, MA -- October 18, 2011- With a final-round appearance at the last race of the year, Jay Blake's Permatex/Follow A Dream team climbed to sixth in the national Top Alcohol Funny Car standings. Driver Todd Veney qualified second at the Division 2 Lucas Oil Series closer at Silver Dollar Raceway with a 5.66 and dropped a close final to Mickey Ferro, the second-ranked driver in the country last season, 5.64 to 5.73.
Veney had low e.t. of the two previous rounds, with a 5.69 win over Melinda Green-King and a 5.65 against Mark Billington, knocking both out of the Division 2 championship battle won by Ferro. "Hopefully this locks up a spot for us in the Top 10," Blake said. "If it does, it'll be the first time we've done it two years in a row. The car ran well all weekend, but in the final the track was a little better than we thought."
It was the team's first appearance at the Reynolds, Ga. facility. "This was a good way to end a good season," Veney said. "It really helped us in the national standings and almost was enough to get us second in the division." With 267 points apiece, Veney and Eric Lourie tied for second behind Frank Manzo in Division 1, but Lourie won the tiebreaker.
The Follow A Dream team finishes the 2011 season with a 21-13 record (.618 winning percentage) and five final round appearances - one at a national event, one at the Jegs Allstars race, and three in divisional competition.
"The best part is that every single member of the team is going to be back for 2012," Blake said. "I thank every one of them - Tom Howell, Todd Veney, Ed Parker, Scott Osborn, Scott Spencer, Joe Connelly, Charlie Connelly, Maura McGonigle, and Alan Hadfield - for the hard work and dedication that made this a good year for our team."
Marstons Mills, MA -- October 18, 2011- With a final-round appearance at the last race of the year, Jay Blake's Permatex/Follow A Dream team climbed to sixth in the national Top Alcohol Funny Car standings. Driver Todd Veney qualified second at the Division 2 Lucas Oil Series closer at Silver Dollar Raceway with a 5.66 and dropped a close final to Mickey Ferro, the second-ranked driver in the country last season, 5.64 to 5.73.
Veney had low e.t. of the two previous rounds, with a 5.69 win over Melinda Green-King and a 5.65 against Mark Billington, knocking both out of the Division 2 championship battle won by Ferro. "Hopefully this locks up a spot for us in the Top 10," Blake said. "If it does, it'll be the first time we've done it two years in a row. The car ran well all weekend, but in the final the track was a little better than we thought."
It was the team's first appearance at the Reynolds, Ga. facility. "This was a good way to end a good season," Veney said. "It really helped us in the national standings and almost was enough to get us second in the division." With 267 points apiece, Veney and Eric Lourie tied for second behind Frank Manzo in Division 1, but Lourie won the tiebreaker.
The Follow A Dream team finishes the 2011 season with a 21-13 record (.618 winning percentage) and five final round appearances - one at a national event, one at the Jegs Allstars race, and three in divisional competition.
"The best part is that every single member of the team is going to be back for 2012," Blake said. "I thank every one of them - Tom Howell, Todd Veney, Ed Parker, Scott Osborn, Scott Spencer, Joe Connelly, Charlie Connelly, Maura McGonigle, and Alan Hadfield - for the hard work and dedication that made this a good year for our team."
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Duane Shields Goes to Final Round in Pursuit of the Championship
Courtesy of Rich Bailey
Reynolds GA - As the season winds down, the points towards the NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster Championship title becomes ever so important. Contenders can only claim a limited amount of points towards the Championship at both national and divisional events which means strategy comes into play on which races to run.
Duane Shields was down to just one LODRS divisional even to claim points and chose the race at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA. Duane's strategy seemd to work as he made it to the final round but lost the race to the reigning Champion Bill Reichert, who had been eliminated from contention two weeks prior in Maple Grove.
Duane qualified second with a 5.38 and faced Dan Page in round one. Page's 5.35 was close but not enough to get the win over Shields who nipped Page at the finish line with a victorious 5.31 at 273 MPH.
Moving into the semifinals, the Shortline Express team took on Brandon Booher. Unfortunately for Booher, he was unable to fire so Duane got a single and charged to the finish line with a 5.42, but shuttered the tires on the run. "The car shook violently and we lost our data going into the final round because the cables shook loose. We knew we had to massage the car in order to negotiate the track so we took away some of the power. We just didn't know how much" Shields revealed.
In the finals, it was a classic Duane Shields vs. Bill Reichert match up. As the lights came down it was Reichert out first with a .070 to Shields' .082. At the finish line it was Reichert crossing the stripe first with a 5.35 at 265 MPH to Duane's 5.43 at 271 MPH. "The car didn't have enough horsepower to win but it still shuttered the tires a little bit so we were limited to what adjustments we could make and how much power we could take out" Shields said.
All Duane can do now is compete at the last three races and serve as a blocker by taking out the other still mathematically in contention. "The pressure is on them now. I'll go to the last three races and try to control my own destiny. If the Championship is meant to be, it's meant to be. If not it was still a great year. Duane would like to thank NGK Spark Plugs and Hussey Copper for their support.
Reynolds GA - As the season winds down, the points towards the NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster Championship title becomes ever so important. Contenders can only claim a limited amount of points towards the Championship at both national and divisional events which means strategy comes into play on which races to run.
Duane Shields was down to just one LODRS divisional even to claim points and chose the race at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA. Duane's strategy seemd to work as he made it to the final round but lost the race to the reigning Champion Bill Reichert, who had been eliminated from contention two weeks prior in Maple Grove.
Duane qualified second with a 5.38 and faced Dan Page in round one. Page's 5.35 was close but not enough to get the win over Shields who nipped Page at the finish line with a victorious 5.31 at 273 MPH.
Moving into the semifinals, the Shortline Express team took on Brandon Booher. Unfortunately for Booher, he was unable to fire so Duane got a single and charged to the finish line with a 5.42, but shuttered the tires on the run. "The car shook violently and we lost our data going into the final round because the cables shook loose. We knew we had to massage the car in order to negotiate the track so we took away some of the power. We just didn't know how much" Shields revealed.
In the finals, it was a classic Duane Shields vs. Bill Reichert match up. As the lights came down it was Reichert out first with a .070 to Shields' .082. At the finish line it was Reichert crossing the stripe first with a 5.35 at 265 MPH to Duane's 5.43 at 271 MPH. "The car didn't have enough horsepower to win but it still shuttered the tires a little bit so we were limited to what adjustments we could make and how much power we could take out" Shields said.
All Duane can do now is compete at the last three races and serve as a blocker by taking out the other still mathematically in contention. "The pressure is on them now. I'll go to the last three races and try to control my own destiny. If the Championship is meant to be, it's meant to be. If not it was still a great year. Duane would like to thank NGK Spark Plugs and Hussey Copper for their support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)