Post by sportf on Aug 30, 2022 17:00:36 GMT
Cordova World Series of Drag Racing Wrap up
Thursday 25 August most of the Victory Race gang showed up as we were originally going to have an early start on Friday. The most dramatic show up was, of course, Jimmy Ferguson driving a Little Red Wagon and pulling his '63 Max wedge car behind it. I am sure you've seen the photos, and if not, go to Victory NSS on face book to see the pictures.
Friday, the weather was warm, but not hot, and this would hold for the whole week end. 27 Cars turned out and many of us got a test hit right away on Friday, in the open session. But, due to a couple of oil downs from the bracket classes, this was not a good session. But that would change for us later.
Just prior to the Pro Show, starting on Friday, we were called up for a test hit, and by this time there was a reasonable crowd in the stands. We made that run, and two more right in the “big show” and that was pretty neat. Although the Friday Pro show is not as big as Saturdays, we got a lot of great comments on our runs and it was nice to be a part of that program. It really made it worth showing up on Friday and staying for it all.
We had our drivers meeting after this, in the cool night air. And then our usual pork out, or snack out after that. Just a beautiful evening spent racing and talking.
Saturday began nicely and the crowd grew through out the day. I managed to give away about 100 race stickers I had, along with some hats, pens, and various other race “accessories” I had accumulated over the last couple of years, and its fun to do that. Lots of spectators walking the pits, and I had a couple of kids in my car for photos. At mid afternoon, we made our single qualifying run to put us on the ladder and then we were ready to run. I managed to get the number one qualifier award. Jimmy Ferguson got the number one Mopar qualifier, driving that stick car of his, to the number two qualifying spot.
We were basically ready to race then. Well, except for Rosie Kossuth. On Rosie's qualifier, seems some parts on the inside of the block came out, and we all know that is never good, and she was done for the day. When it happened, like the pro she is, she pulled over right away and the diaper caught most of the parts. Clay knew it was probably bad when towing the car back. WhenI told him Dan Drischol had picked up block parts, he knew that was the end of that piece. Clay then said “Now I have to build two motors this winter”. Yeah, hope he can get the parts.
So, with 26 cars on the ladder we had our first round of eliminations starting around 4 PM. Here is what happened to us.
Round 1
Jay Freihage continued his beating up on me. The last 3 times we raced, I have not come out on top. Jay had me turning on the spectator bulb. I don't know how he does it, but he does. I know its not my fault! Anyway, that nuclear powered hemi runs it out to show everybody in the crowd that his car can run the number. Hey, listen to this car do a burn out next time your with us, this hemi is the loudest of all of our cars and you'd better plug your ears.
Next pair, high up in the points, Bob Lantero and hemi Jim Hagenhoff line up. Tree comes down, Bob launches, followed 0.05 later by Jim pulling the wheels in the air like he always does. This one was decided at the start with Bob's better light, and Jim becomes spectator number 2 (along with me).
Pair 3 - Curt Hoeft's rocket powered Comet takes out Jimmy Fergusons 63 Plymouth. Ferguson had the speed and played some of it out at the top end with the lead going back and forth a couple of times. But, Jimmys speed was just a tad too much in the end and a break out gives the win to Curt. Jimmy is now spectator number 3.
Dick Monacos 64 Ford then lines up with Don Bruemmners 65 hemi Plymouth. Don is having a pretty good year, and it continues here. Don cuts a light about 100% better than Dick's and that allows Don to go on and actually end up going to the semis.
Bob Westhof then lines up with Jim Kroeger for the 5th pair down the track. You know how this has to go for Jim. Both had great race able lights, but Bob takes the win here and will continue to do that for the rest of the day. As Jim said, “I wouldn't have done anything different”. Somebody just has to become a spectator here, and Jim is number 5.
Pair 6 - Jeff Wood lines up with Dalton Bruemmer here, and something happens. Dalton kills the tree and puts a light on Jeff that should have been over at the start line. But, this is drag racing and Dalton's car slows and Wood goes on. Hate to see that, but stuff happens. Spectator number 6 is Dalton.
Pair 7 - John Hamer lines with with a guy who will end up 4th in year end points, Derek Strait. Both have similar lights, but John plays the top end better and Derek takes out a beer, and we know what that means.
Pair 8 - Jon Landwehr's Plymouth lines, up with Tom Head's Plymouth. Again, Tom has driven some fast, fast cars, but still hasn't got a great hold on this foot break stuff. Tom turns on the 'damit' bulb and Landwehr runs a 10.001 on a 10.0.
Pair 9 - David Fuzner in T-Bolt number 45, lines up with Mr. Cool and Calm, Jeff Blickensderfer's white Dodge Dart. Both have similar lights,.Jeff's car slows a little, and David takes on a smile as he crosses the finish line. I don't know if Jeff frowned there, I forgot to ask him. But, I'm not sure he ever frowns? I'll have to ask him. If you haven't heard my story about why I call him cool and calm ask me sometime. Its just great. Jeff is spectator number 8. (Tom Head left for home)
Kevin Miller then lines up against faster Donnie Gains. Donnie runs dead on with an 8, but loses to Kevin at the starting line, who had a better light. Of course, neither knew that till time slip time, when one looks to see why he won, the other, why he lost. (me, I red lit, remember? I didn't even have to look at the slip to see why I lost. Saves time that way)
Pair 11 - Steve Gantz lines up with the Fairlane of Kevin Czajkowski. Kevin's car screams down the track to a 9.749 on a 9.75, but only after turning on the “dam I can't believe I did that again bulb” Steve runs it out to see he needs to pick up 0.01 before the next pass.
Pair 12 - Kurt TeValut's 64 hemi wagon puts the hurt on Jerry Stellreacht this round. Both had similar, not spectacular lights, but Jerry's car slows for some unknown reason and Kurt takes on the smile at the finish line. Kurt will improve on his lights after this, and rather fantastically at that. Well, except for the final, not so much there. You'll see.
Pair 13 - Drew Beale and points leader Shaun Johnston line up for the final pair. Drew puts a .006 light on Shaun and Shaun can't catch Drew. Drew goes on, and Shaun waits around to see if Bob Lantero can catch him, or will Shaun be champ. It will take a couple more rounds for this to settle out, and I am sure Shaun was on pins and needles (but not as much as his Dad).
Round 2
Don Bruemmer lines up with John Hamer for first pair out in this round 2. John turns on the 'unmentionable” bulb with a -.002 red, and Don gets a break here and will go on several more rounds.
Pair 2 - this round Kevin Miller and David Fuzner line up. Once again this race is determined right at the start, 7 inches out, when the 'dam it' bulb turns on for David. 'Dam it', it happens. Kevin goes on to the money round.
Bob Lantero and Jeff Wood line up. Despite encouragement from his crew chief Ronda, this round does not go to Jeff. Jeff has a much much better light than Bob, but... Also, Jeff was NOT listening to me when he was close to the finish line, and I am yelling “Brakes! Brakes!” Jeff breaks out by .003, taking to much stripe. Bob goes on to provide insecurity and anxiousness to Shaun Johnston.
Kurt TeVault and Steve Gantz line up as the next pair out. Steve leaves earlier on his 10.50 index verses Kurt's 10.00 index. But Steve leaves even earlier than that and inches out from his launch, the red bulb comes on for him. Kurt's 0.006 light goes to good practice as he smiles again at the start line.
Jon Landwehr then takes on Bob Westhof. If Jon could see into the future, he could have seen he'd need a better light to beat Bob. But, less than 10 seconds after launch, he does see Bob's win light come on, and that is that.
Drew Beale then takes on the rocket powered Comet of Curt Hoeft. Curt makes short work of this race when he leaves too soon and turns on the red 'dam it' bulb. Drew goes on to run dead on with a 0, and that is that.
Jay Freihage gets a bye run here, and gets ready for next round.
Round 3.
Don Bruemmers hemi 65 takes on another hemi in the screaming Barracuda of Jay Freihage. Both these cars launch within .025 of each other and go rocketing down the track. Jay's win light doesn't come on, and not because its broke. Don goes on to the semi finals.
In the race of the Bob's, Bob Lantero's Orange 10 second Mopar lines up with Bob Westhof's 63 Galaxie running 11.50. Prior to this run, Westhof said to me “Bob is going to win this race” That threw me for a moment until I picked up on his subtle joke. Yeah, Bob did win this, but he shouldn't have. Lantero cuts a .009 light to Westhof's .046, but Westhof manages to take the stripe. Westhof goes on to win, but with Lantero now out of the running, Shaun Johnston's Championship is finally secured.
Kurt TeVault in his 64 Dodge wagon with a hemi then runs good friend Kevin Miller in his 65 Dodge. These two friends have run each other many times before, and this time Kurt comes out on top with a little better light, that allowed Kurt to slow just a little, as he took the lead just before crossing the finish line. Kurt goes on to the semis, Kevin will now hang out in the staging lanes with the rest of us spectators.
Drew Beale gets a bye and goes to the semi's
Round 4, semi's
Kurt TeVault lines up with Drew Beale. Drew leaves first with his 11.25 index and Kurt is hot on it with a 10.00 index launch. Kurt's wheels up carries out and he catches Drew before the line and drops speed to take the stripe. Kurt's .028 light was better than Drew's and made the real difference at the top end.
Bob Westhof then lines up with hemi Don Bruemmer. Bob gets a good launch with a race able light, but Don really gets a great launch and a real nice light to give him the initial advantage. Don's launch is not exactly straight and as he comes down in second gear he is hugging the center line. Out of the groove the car is pulling to go over the center line and Don is trying to bring it back, but it just isn't happening. Some of us know what its like to make a correction that doesn't correct. At that moment you know you are NOT in control. It isn't fun. Don has to lift and give up the better light and the round to Bob. Don put on a show and scared some of us at the starting line, and that is racing, and KNOWING when to lift.
Final Round
Well, yeah, Bob Westhof wins, and Kurt TeVault runners up. So, what happened? Bob launched, Kurt follows. Kurt's string of really good lights comes to an end when the 'dam it' bulb comes on with a -.005
Its past 10 PM, we have a great Victory Crowd for pictures. The place was packed with spectators. Most of our race gang ran in front of a crowd of 10 to 15 thousand people, and that is always good. Champagne was brought by Robert and Derek, and that was spread among the crowd (at times, literally spread). Well, OK, sparkling juice, but this topped our party atmosphere that takes place after every race. What a great day, what a great year! We celebrated all winners, and Shaun drank out of his beautiful winners cup!
It was a great show for everyone,and we left happy. I hope we can run here again next year.
Thursday 25 August most of the Victory Race gang showed up as we were originally going to have an early start on Friday. The most dramatic show up was, of course, Jimmy Ferguson driving a Little Red Wagon and pulling his '63 Max wedge car behind it. I am sure you've seen the photos, and if not, go to Victory NSS on face book to see the pictures.
Friday, the weather was warm, but not hot, and this would hold for the whole week end. 27 Cars turned out and many of us got a test hit right away on Friday, in the open session. But, due to a couple of oil downs from the bracket classes, this was not a good session. But that would change for us later.
Just prior to the Pro Show, starting on Friday, we were called up for a test hit, and by this time there was a reasonable crowd in the stands. We made that run, and two more right in the “big show” and that was pretty neat. Although the Friday Pro show is not as big as Saturdays, we got a lot of great comments on our runs and it was nice to be a part of that program. It really made it worth showing up on Friday and staying for it all.
We had our drivers meeting after this, in the cool night air. And then our usual pork out, or snack out after that. Just a beautiful evening spent racing and talking.
Saturday began nicely and the crowd grew through out the day. I managed to give away about 100 race stickers I had, along with some hats, pens, and various other race “accessories” I had accumulated over the last couple of years, and its fun to do that. Lots of spectators walking the pits, and I had a couple of kids in my car for photos. At mid afternoon, we made our single qualifying run to put us on the ladder and then we were ready to run. I managed to get the number one qualifier award. Jimmy Ferguson got the number one Mopar qualifier, driving that stick car of his, to the number two qualifying spot.
We were basically ready to race then. Well, except for Rosie Kossuth. On Rosie's qualifier, seems some parts on the inside of the block came out, and we all know that is never good, and she was done for the day. When it happened, like the pro she is, she pulled over right away and the diaper caught most of the parts. Clay knew it was probably bad when towing the car back. WhenI told him Dan Drischol had picked up block parts, he knew that was the end of that piece. Clay then said “Now I have to build two motors this winter”. Yeah, hope he can get the parts.
So, with 26 cars on the ladder we had our first round of eliminations starting around 4 PM. Here is what happened to us.
Round 1
Jay Freihage continued his beating up on me. The last 3 times we raced, I have not come out on top. Jay had me turning on the spectator bulb. I don't know how he does it, but he does. I know its not my fault! Anyway, that nuclear powered hemi runs it out to show everybody in the crowd that his car can run the number. Hey, listen to this car do a burn out next time your with us, this hemi is the loudest of all of our cars and you'd better plug your ears.
Next pair, high up in the points, Bob Lantero and hemi Jim Hagenhoff line up. Tree comes down, Bob launches, followed 0.05 later by Jim pulling the wheels in the air like he always does. This one was decided at the start with Bob's better light, and Jim becomes spectator number 2 (along with me).
Pair 3 - Curt Hoeft's rocket powered Comet takes out Jimmy Fergusons 63 Plymouth. Ferguson had the speed and played some of it out at the top end with the lead going back and forth a couple of times. But, Jimmys speed was just a tad too much in the end and a break out gives the win to Curt. Jimmy is now spectator number 3.
Dick Monacos 64 Ford then lines up with Don Bruemmners 65 hemi Plymouth. Don is having a pretty good year, and it continues here. Don cuts a light about 100% better than Dick's and that allows Don to go on and actually end up going to the semis.
Bob Westhof then lines up with Jim Kroeger for the 5th pair down the track. You know how this has to go for Jim. Both had great race able lights, but Bob takes the win here and will continue to do that for the rest of the day. As Jim said, “I wouldn't have done anything different”. Somebody just has to become a spectator here, and Jim is number 5.
Pair 6 - Jeff Wood lines up with Dalton Bruemmer here, and something happens. Dalton kills the tree and puts a light on Jeff that should have been over at the start line. But, this is drag racing and Dalton's car slows and Wood goes on. Hate to see that, but stuff happens. Spectator number 6 is Dalton.
Pair 7 - John Hamer lines with with a guy who will end up 4th in year end points, Derek Strait. Both have similar lights, but John plays the top end better and Derek takes out a beer, and we know what that means.
Pair 8 - Jon Landwehr's Plymouth lines, up with Tom Head's Plymouth. Again, Tom has driven some fast, fast cars, but still hasn't got a great hold on this foot break stuff. Tom turns on the 'damit' bulb and Landwehr runs a 10.001 on a 10.0.
Pair 9 - David Fuzner in T-Bolt number 45, lines up with Mr. Cool and Calm, Jeff Blickensderfer's white Dodge Dart. Both have similar lights,.Jeff's car slows a little, and David takes on a smile as he crosses the finish line. I don't know if Jeff frowned there, I forgot to ask him. But, I'm not sure he ever frowns? I'll have to ask him. If you haven't heard my story about why I call him cool and calm ask me sometime. Its just great. Jeff is spectator number 8. (Tom Head left for home)
Kevin Miller then lines up against faster Donnie Gains. Donnie runs dead on with an 8, but loses to Kevin at the starting line, who had a better light. Of course, neither knew that till time slip time, when one looks to see why he won, the other, why he lost. (me, I red lit, remember? I didn't even have to look at the slip to see why I lost. Saves time that way)
Pair 11 - Steve Gantz lines up with the Fairlane of Kevin Czajkowski. Kevin's car screams down the track to a 9.749 on a 9.75, but only after turning on the “dam I can't believe I did that again bulb” Steve runs it out to see he needs to pick up 0.01 before the next pass.
Pair 12 - Kurt TeValut's 64 hemi wagon puts the hurt on Jerry Stellreacht this round. Both had similar, not spectacular lights, but Jerry's car slows for some unknown reason and Kurt takes on the smile at the finish line. Kurt will improve on his lights after this, and rather fantastically at that. Well, except for the final, not so much there. You'll see.
Pair 13 - Drew Beale and points leader Shaun Johnston line up for the final pair. Drew puts a .006 light on Shaun and Shaun can't catch Drew. Drew goes on, and Shaun waits around to see if Bob Lantero can catch him, or will Shaun be champ. It will take a couple more rounds for this to settle out, and I am sure Shaun was on pins and needles (but not as much as his Dad).
Round 2
Don Bruemmer lines up with John Hamer for first pair out in this round 2. John turns on the 'unmentionable” bulb with a -.002 red, and Don gets a break here and will go on several more rounds.
Pair 2 - this round Kevin Miller and David Fuzner line up. Once again this race is determined right at the start, 7 inches out, when the 'dam it' bulb turns on for David. 'Dam it', it happens. Kevin goes on to the money round.
Bob Lantero and Jeff Wood line up. Despite encouragement from his crew chief Ronda, this round does not go to Jeff. Jeff has a much much better light than Bob, but... Also, Jeff was NOT listening to me when he was close to the finish line, and I am yelling “Brakes! Brakes!” Jeff breaks out by .003, taking to much stripe. Bob goes on to provide insecurity and anxiousness to Shaun Johnston.
Kurt TeVault and Steve Gantz line up as the next pair out. Steve leaves earlier on his 10.50 index verses Kurt's 10.00 index. But Steve leaves even earlier than that and inches out from his launch, the red bulb comes on for him. Kurt's 0.006 light goes to good practice as he smiles again at the start line.
Jon Landwehr then takes on Bob Westhof. If Jon could see into the future, he could have seen he'd need a better light to beat Bob. But, less than 10 seconds after launch, he does see Bob's win light come on, and that is that.
Drew Beale then takes on the rocket powered Comet of Curt Hoeft. Curt makes short work of this race when he leaves too soon and turns on the red 'dam it' bulb. Drew goes on to run dead on with a 0, and that is that.
Jay Freihage gets a bye run here, and gets ready for next round.
Round 3.
Don Bruemmers hemi 65 takes on another hemi in the screaming Barracuda of Jay Freihage. Both these cars launch within .025 of each other and go rocketing down the track. Jay's win light doesn't come on, and not because its broke. Don goes on to the semi finals.
In the race of the Bob's, Bob Lantero's Orange 10 second Mopar lines up with Bob Westhof's 63 Galaxie running 11.50. Prior to this run, Westhof said to me “Bob is going to win this race” That threw me for a moment until I picked up on his subtle joke. Yeah, Bob did win this, but he shouldn't have. Lantero cuts a .009 light to Westhof's .046, but Westhof manages to take the stripe. Westhof goes on to win, but with Lantero now out of the running, Shaun Johnston's Championship is finally secured.
Kurt TeVault in his 64 Dodge wagon with a hemi then runs good friend Kevin Miller in his 65 Dodge. These two friends have run each other many times before, and this time Kurt comes out on top with a little better light, that allowed Kurt to slow just a little, as he took the lead just before crossing the finish line. Kurt goes on to the semis, Kevin will now hang out in the staging lanes with the rest of us spectators.
Drew Beale gets a bye and goes to the semi's
Round 4, semi's
Kurt TeVault lines up with Drew Beale. Drew leaves first with his 11.25 index and Kurt is hot on it with a 10.00 index launch. Kurt's wheels up carries out and he catches Drew before the line and drops speed to take the stripe. Kurt's .028 light was better than Drew's and made the real difference at the top end.
Bob Westhof then lines up with hemi Don Bruemmer. Bob gets a good launch with a race able light, but Don really gets a great launch and a real nice light to give him the initial advantage. Don's launch is not exactly straight and as he comes down in second gear he is hugging the center line. Out of the groove the car is pulling to go over the center line and Don is trying to bring it back, but it just isn't happening. Some of us know what its like to make a correction that doesn't correct. At that moment you know you are NOT in control. It isn't fun. Don has to lift and give up the better light and the round to Bob. Don put on a show and scared some of us at the starting line, and that is racing, and KNOWING when to lift.
Final Round
Well, yeah, Bob Westhof wins, and Kurt TeVault runners up. So, what happened? Bob launched, Kurt follows. Kurt's string of really good lights comes to an end when the 'dam it' bulb comes on with a -.005
Its past 10 PM, we have a great Victory Crowd for pictures. The place was packed with spectators. Most of our race gang ran in front of a crowd of 10 to 15 thousand people, and that is always good. Champagne was brought by Robert and Derek, and that was spread among the crowd (at times, literally spread). Well, OK, sparkling juice, but this topped our party atmosphere that takes place after every race. What a great day, what a great year! We celebrated all winners, and Shaun drank out of his beautiful winners cup!
It was a great show for everyone,and we left happy. I hope we can run here again next year.