Team Verzilli Racing News Blog
Drag Racing News, Results Blog From Team Verzilli Racing
The Shakedown at E Town Racers Fund Continues 2010
"Susan Verzilli" Is Attributed To Its Founding
 In 2009 The Shakedown At E Town had adopted the 8.50 Index as an official class, the all out "Head Up" session includes some of the coolest race cars that excite the fans with bumper to bumper finishes that would need instant replays if you didn't have scoreboards in this day and age. The fund was set up by "Harry Gerb" www.h-jmotorsports.com and Ali Buscio of Buscio Racing" to promote an added bonus that Susan Verzilli had undertaken in her previous year as an ambassador to the class. The donations helped add to the overall payout and of course the draw committed more than sixty cars into the field at the ADRL Shakedown at E Town 2010.
Below Are The Official Sponsor Contributors
We are pleased to announce the following winners of the Shakedown at E-town Western Beef 8.50 Index "Susan Verzilli Special Bonus Fund"! In addition, we would like to once again thank all the sponsors, as well as E-town, Dave Hance and Michelle Marchese for their generous support in keeping Susan's dream alive!
Winners
**First 8.500 in ELIMINATIONS**
Win OR lose – Presented by Monty Mikho
$500
BRIAN FERRARI
**Best Reaction Time in ELIMINATIONS**
Win OR lose – Presented by Executive Auto Body
$250
BILL CANNON
**Last Man/Woman to Make the Show**
Bonus for #32 qualifier in the 8.50 Index Class
$100
ADAM SAILER
**8.50 Index Winner**
$800
BRIAN FERRARI
**8.50 Index Runner-up**
$450
JOHN LANGER
**8.50 Index Semi-Final Losers**
$250 Each
AL MALLIOCCO
MARK BOWEN
**8.50 Index 1/4 Final Losers**
$100 Each
ROBERT BAPTISTA
ROB PULLER
JOHN GOSS
ADAM SAILER
**Gift basket to be given out based on all 8.50 entries**
(one entry per driver in the 8.50 Index Class)
MIKE PYOTT
Sponsors
Arnie Cohen Videos (donation sent directly to e-town)
Monty Mikho (YellowBullet.com)
Executive Auto Body (Jimmy Dougherty – GPC Malibu)
Fonse Performance
Buscio Racing (Craig and Ali Buscio)
H & J Motorsports (Harry and Jackie Gerb)
Competitive Wiring (Wayne Keegan)
Ferrari and Son Racing
Mike Conway Racing
Luis Martinez
Scott Shepherd
AARP Posse (Lee Dugan, Rich DiFalco, Ray Kullman)
Marty Brown Racing and Machine
Dave Hance (New York Motorsports)
Franklin Trailers
G & C Pro Trans (John Gallagher and Tony Cardillo)
Thriftway Auto Body and Chassisworks (John Sr., John Jr. & Joe Albrecht)
Jim Bersani Enterprises
Jason and Jennifer Penna
Team "G" Racing (Gary Romanowski)
Finelines Auto Body (Keith Mitterman)
Northeast Rod and Custom Nationals
Seth Cohen (Iceman)
Mike Eames Racing
J & R Auto and Performance of Massapequa (John Flood)
D&E Brake and Grimm Reaper Racing (Joshua Roberts, Ed McGuinn, Ed McGuinn, Sr. & Al DiSalvo)
Steve Romeo
ECD Sound Design & Video, Inc. (4 BOLT – Larry Easley)
Greg Merritt and Rosemarie Chociay
Alan and Lisa Davidowski
Michael Grosseto
Jim Scheid (fuzz401)
Racestangs.org (Damon Steinke)
Pyott Racing (Mike Pyott)
Billy G.
Tubechassisdesignz.com (Jon Sandahl)
Brandon and Carly McCarty
Drummond Race Cars (Kathy and Steve Drummond)
Fergusons Racing (Anthony Ferguson)
Angelo Valla
Tony Russo
The 2010 Shakedown At E Town 8.50 Index Results
Excerpts From The Full Article on The Official Shakedown At E Town Website
Authored by goDragRacing.org.
This Review is Dedicated to The Memories of "Vinny Napp" and "Susan Verzilli"
Photos By goDragRacing.org and Eric Basmajian.
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index: Qualifying Results And Highlights
 To say this class has grown exponentially is considerably and understatement as seen by the extreme number of cars competing for the award of 8.50 Index champion. This class provides a flavor and variety of vehicles that are throttled back or pushed to their limits to give a new meaning to "Heads Up" Racing. Though the discussions have been about whether or not this is bracket racing, that will probably go on forever but this class of performers is one that will give you bumper to bumper runs, wild wheel stands, sportsmanship and a generous dose of expert drag racing at a sportsman level. Thoroughly an enjoyable show for all to see not only at the Shakedown but most tri state area tracks including Raceway Parks own series.
 With sixty one cars entered and only four of them under the 8.50 index, the qualifying from two sessions on Friday Night after the rains had stopped to the completely different conditions on the final crisp Saturday morning session was tight with the top thirty two within a spread of 8.501 @ 164.87 by Joaquin Pedro followed by the high flying all motor Chevelle of Wiso Melendez in the number two spot 8.501 @ 158.07 and Joe Alagna in his Camaro finishing the top three 8.501 @ 157.87. In-between with so many competitors were previous champions of this class, the first ever 8.50 Index winner Bill "William" Cannon had the Camaro loaded for another win hiking the wheels high under "Awesome Engines" power and last years Champion Gary Romonoyske poised to be able to repeat. "It was an honor the last time and as of right now, this is a new engine with no passes on it, we'll see how it goes" said Romonoyske. John Langer, a complete racer and showman with each pass straining the wheelie bars to contain the "All Motor Pontiac" as it reached for big sky. "It's not anything special just the way the car reacts and does well, I've been launching like this for years and have had great success" Langer stated with Team Captain "Jimmy Sugan" pronounced - "soo-gain". Ali Buscio "Buscio Racing" the lone woman in this class sat farther down the ladder than she had expected as she is usually in the top of the field most of the time partnered up with Harry Gerb of h-jmotorsports "who for the first time this author can remember wasn't qualified" earlier in the year to designate a fund for the 8.50 racers as our good friend Susan Verzilli had started before her passing in January suddenly. Bill Verzilli, husband of Susan was close to the bottom of the ladder but qualified, during awards ceremonies Bill Verzilli was included with his family in memory of Susan. Rob Puller sat on the bump of an amazing 8.581 @ 158.39 wheel standing his way to that number in his Finishline Performance Camaro. Doing some simple math, this was an average of .0025 spread among the top 32 qualifiers. Barring any breakage to the above thirty two, Adam "Guppy" Sailor in his strong Mopar entry and Scott Shepherd piloting the gorgeous 69 Camaro waited in the wings as alternates may be called. See Full Qualifying Below:
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Qualifying: Final
1 ) Joaquin Pedro, 99 Mustang, Turbocharged, | 8.501 @ 164.87
2 ) Wiso Melendez, 67 Chevelle, BBC, All Motor, | 8.501 @ 158.07
3 ) Joe Alagna, 69 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.501 @ 157.87
4 ) Darren Harris, 67 Camaro, Nitrous, | 8.504 @ 173.07
5 ) Robert Baptista, 68 Camaro, 406 SBC, | 8.506 @ 161.87
6 ) Mike Romeo, 74 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, Romeo Brothers Racing, "www.theteamanmovie.com" | 8.508 @ 159
7 ) Mike Eames, 93 Mustang, | 8.509 @ 148
8 ) John Albrecht Jr, 85 Monte Carlo, Nitrous, | 8.510 @ 160.59
9 ) Scott Derenzo, 70 Chevelle, BBC, | 8.519 @ 159
10 ) Brent Beachley, 71 Nova, 8.521 @ 155.06
11 ) William "Bill" Leckliter, 70 Nova, BBC, | 8.531 @ 158.71
12 ) Gary Romonoyske, 69 Camaro, | 8.535 @ 161.42
13 ) Pete Terranova, 91 Ford, | 8.536 @ 164.57
14 ) William Cannon, 68 Camaro, BBC, "Awesome Engines"| 8.538 @ 161.17
15 ) Franky Santos, 68 Chevelle, BBC, | 8.538 @ 158.22
16 ) Louis Martinez, SBC, Nitrous, | 8.541 @ 159.14
17 ) Richard Gardner, 80 Malibu, 8,541 @ 156.28
18 ) Ed McGuinn, 80 Trans am, | 8.541 @ 151.99
19 ) John Goss, 78 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.543 @ 162.20
20 ) Alfonse Magliocco Jr, 93 Camaro, SBC, Nitrous, www.fonseperformance.com, | 8.544 @ 159.01
21 ) Mark Bowen, 72 Nova, BBC, Nitrous, J&E Performance, | 8.548 @ 161.36
22 ) Ali Buscio, 84 Regal, Buscio Racing, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.548 @ 158.11
23 ) John Langer, 69 Trans Am, All Motor Pontiac, | 8.548 @ 149.03
24 ) Jeff Costaldo, 68 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.554 @ 160.56
25 ) Angelo Valla, 72 Corvette, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.555 @ 156.26
26 ) Brian Ferrari, 67 Chevelle, BBC, Competitive Wiring, | 8.557 @ 155.27
27 ) Shawn Gallagher, 79 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, 8.569 @ 160.77
28 ) Mike O'Sullivan, 90 Mustang, SBF, | 8.573 @ 147.62
29 ) Craig Cusamano, 70 Chevelle, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.574 @ 160.86
30 ) John Bova, 82 Camaro, BBC, | 8.579 @ 160.82
31 ) Bill Verzilli, 69 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, J&E Performance, www.Verzilliracing.com | 8.581 @ 160.77
32 ) Robb Puller, 86 Camaro, SBC, Nitrous, Finishline Performance, | 8.581 @ 158.39
33 ) Adam "Guppy" Sailor, 72 Dodge Demon, BBM, Nitrous, | 8.583 @ 160.27 - Alternate
34 ) Scott Shepherd, 69 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, | 8.590 @163
35 ) T.J. Kasper, 93 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, Christy / Kasper Racing, | 8.592 @ 143.
36 ) Bill "Mulchie" Sanford, 64 Chevy Nova, | 8.594 @ 142.79
37 ) Ralph Rubino, 87 Buick GN, | 8.596 @ 160.35
38 ) Harry Gerb, 68 Firebird, BBC, Nitrous, www.H-JMotorsports.com, | 8.609 @ 158.86
39 ) Tom Favata, 67 Chevy II, SBC, Nitrous, | 8.615 @ 159.66
40 ) Jason Penna, 85 Mustang, | 8.617 @ 166.87
41 ) Alan Davidowski, 66 Chevelle, BBC, | 8.623 @ 128.15
42 ) John Siefert, 71 Cuda, | 8.629 @ 157.50
43 ) Rob Poochigian, 67 Chevelle, BBC, Roots Supercharged, | 8.633 @ 160.54
44 ) Steve Romeo, 68 Chevelle, BBC, Nitrous, Romeo Brothers Racing, "www.theteamanmovie.com" | 8.652 @ 154.35
45 ) Marc Schankweiler, 66 Nova, SB2 SBC, Nitrous, www.marschanmotorsports.com | 8.655 @ 158.02
46 ) John Ashnault, 95 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, | 8.709 @ 160.92
47 ) Kyle Buonocore, 90 Mustang GT, | 8.748 @ 161.35
48 ) Joe Timinski, 87 Buick GN, BBC, 8.787 @ 144.01
49 ) Will Jimenez, 85 Mustang, SBF, | 8.792 @ 155.05
50 ) Michael Ziccardi, 73 Duster, SBM, | 8.816 @ 156.95
51 ) Mike Pyott, 67 Camaro, SBC, Nitrous, | 8.845 @ 150.45
52 ) Jimmy Price, 80 Malibu, SBC, | 8.892 @ 153.72
53 ) Charles Presinzano, 87 Mustang, SBF, | 8.899 @ 155.02
54 ) Tony Russo, 73 Dodge Dart, BBM, Nitrous, | 8.987 @ 153.35
55 ) Marty Brown, 68 Camaro, BBC, Nitrous, 9.083 @ 142.18
56 ) Paul Wright, 72 Nova, | 9.933 @ 133.33
57 ) Bobby Moran, 82 Camaro, SBC, Supercharged, | 15.527 @ 46.37
UNDER
58 ) Mike Grosseto, 94 Camaro, BBC, | - 8.478 @ 155.04
59 ) Artie Lombardo, 68 Firebird, BBC, | - 8.475 @ 159.40
60 ) Andreas Krampelas, 72 Nova, BBC, | - 8.470 @ 138.02
61 ) Ed McGuinn, 80 Trans Am, BBC, | - 8.458 @ 162.41
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Eliminations: Round One
 Jersey "Vette Fan's" favorite Angelo Valla takes to the starting line with John Albrecht, Valla stalls as Albrecht runs it out .095 8.493 @ 144 leaving too early the win light is on in Valla's lane possibly bumping in too deep. Adam Sailor pulls into the beams with Richard Gardner in the wild Malibu wagon, which most may know was one of the original "Quick 8" cars before this all became Outlaw 10.5. Gardner is .081 to Sailor's .070; Sailor drops an 8.522 @ 155 on the win board as Gardner breaks out 8.495 @ 159. Mike Romeo had a great seat to watch John Langer's front tires heading skyward again though Romeo's day ended in a breakout .094 8.481 @ 159 to Langer's winning .063 8.591 @ 159. Wiso Melendez draws a red light -.026 8.630 @ 147 while John Goss takes his round win running it out .104 8.491 @ 161. Mike Eames goes in and fouls out "Deep" turning off both bulbs will do that, 8.391 @ 166 as Jeff Costaldo takes a big pass cutting into the 30's .034 8.347 @ 164. Both Craig Cusamano and Pete Terranova were extremely late on the tree .458 and .251 respectively, Cusamano pulls out a lumbering win 8.744 @ 146 with Terranova slowing behind him 9.042 @ 156.
 Ali Buscio puts a big tree .086 on Robert Baptista .158 only to breakout worse 8.463 @ 160 to Baptista's slower but breaking out also 8.482 @ 152. Mike O'Sullivan .175 8.747 @ 141 would take his win easily against an out of shape William "Bill" Leckliter .097 9.065 @ 154. Shawn Gallagher .058 8.482 @ 152 forced a double breakout with opponent Brent Beachley .082 8.462 @ 159 going quicker than he shoulda'. Ed McGuinn only need to slow a bit breaking out in his loss .082 8.494 @ 153 as Joaquin Pedro goes into the next round .175 8.624 @ 166. Darren Harris stumbles on the line possibly leaving before the tree fell leaving no time as Mark Bowen advances with a clean "out the back" pass 8.439 @ 162 in the silver Nova. Bill Verzilli runs his own race with a solid .098 8.567 @ 158 as Franky Santos leaves too late .235 8.418 @ 153 trying to make up the difference breaking out. Rob Puller takes a stroll to the Finishline .078 10.078 @ 106 as Louis Martinez goes in deep turning on the red light ending his chance at a title from this highly competitive racer. John Bova felt the sting of facing a Shakedown Champion back in-force, Bova .111 8.555 @ 152 is outmatched by Cannon's nearly unbeatable .027 8.528 @ 148. Joe Alagna one of the most prominent of the older group of index racers saw his hopes dashed by the young Al Fonse. Alagna .067 8.450 @ 153 breaks out with the lower number to the winning Al Fonse .062 8.496 @ 160. Brian Ferrari .070 8.495 @ 152 puts away opponent Scott Derenzo .068 8.458 @ 161 in a double breakout. John Bova felt the sting of facing a Shakedown Champion back in-force, Bova .111 8.555 @ 152 is outmatched by Cannon's nearly unbeatable .027 8.528 @ 148. Joe Alagna one of the most prominent of the older group of index racers saw his hopes dashed by the young Al Fonse. Alagna .067 8.450 @ 153 breaks out with the lower number to the winning Al Fonse .062 8.496 @ 160. Brian Ferrari .070 8.495 @ 152 puts away opponent Scott Derenzo .068 8.458 @ 161 in a double breakout ending round one.
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Eliminations: Round Two
 Jeff Costaldo gives up his right to move on leaving red -.071 8.439 @ 147 to Rob Puller's winning .063 8.522 @ 150 wheels up. Joaquin Pedro gives up this race on the tree, .138 8.542 @ 166 to Brian Ferrari's .073 8.543 @ 149. John Goss puts up an almost unbeatable number if you are even close posting a .081 8.514 @ 155 to Shawn Gallagher's losing .168 8.516 @ 161. Angelo Valla tries to make up for a poor light .109 braking out 8.487 @ 162 to a solid run put down by Adam Sailor .049 8.555 @ 156. Al Fonse Jr. put together an unbeatable end to end run .079 8.056 @ 160 and the only racer after forty cars made passes in the previous rounds to be in the 50's zone allowing Mike O'Sullivan no room for error which was his breakout .159 8.463 @ 155. Craig Cusamano was having issues all weekend getting the car in the beams, He goes deep fouling out giving Mark Bowen a free pass to the quarter finals .089 8.457 @ 161. Robert Baptista upsets the former champion in a double breakout Cannon is worse in the number .163 8.459 @ 162 to Baptista's winning .160 8.487 @ 161. Bill Verzilli was out of the running, John Langer only needs to break the beams which he does and saves some power for next round.
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Eliminations: Quarter Finals
 As the competitors drop, the performance ratio goes up in this class. John Goss is taken out with a quicker 8.521 @ 163 while John Langer advances taking his firebird again to new heights wheel standing his way through the 200ft mark with a strong .048 8.525 @ 153. Adam Sailor straps a .087 on the tree as Mark Bowen now is in catch up mode, Sailor is moving hard down track as Bowen comes around him for the win 8.534 @ 157 to Sailor's very good 8.554 @ 156 MOV on this race was a mere .011 in a classic 8.50 Index race. Robert Baptista lost this one on the green by leaving extremely late on the very consistent Brain Ferrari; Ferrari had an easy going with his .050 light to Baptista's .208. Ferrari moves to the semi's 8.529 @ 151 while Baptista's day ends breaking out 8.442 @ 163. Al Fonse is headed to his first semi final as Rob Puller falters on the tree 1.170 to Fonse's .084. Fonse keeps it clean through the traps 8.678 @ 146 saving up for his next round as Puller gets back in it 8.437 @ 160.
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Eliminations: Semi Finals
 A quick turn around was headed for this group of semi finalists as the storm approaching was causing all to take pause. This class runs so efficiently it's almost a given that the cars will get down the track and be prepared for next round with time to spare. Mark Bowen a regular in the index series loses his race to John Langer again mounting the Firebird high in the air; Bowen has to come around Langer after Langer's good .036 light was more than Bowen was capable of making up .099 in his lane. Langer's winning 8.586 @ 159 causes Bowen to break out 8.488 @ 155. Brian Ferrari has the young Al Fonse Jr's number this round forcing him to play catch up after Ferrari cuts a decent .052 to Fonse's .073, Fonse pours on the power only to breakout 8.438 @ 159 while Ferrari heads to the final finishing strong 8.527 @ 157.
Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Eliminations: Finals
 As stated earlier, the storm was playing a part in getting all the races finished, Both John Langer and Brian Ferrari were in the lanes and both finished their burnouts, as the cars staged and the tree dropped, Ferrari was out and making a pass as Langer is stalled on the starting line watching the clocks flash 8.505 @ 152 making this a sweet victory for the veteran of so many years at Raceway Park, including being one of the original cars that formed the "Quick 8's of years gone by and on a side note this car has been in the family since new. A much deserved win for Brian Ferrari and team, taking the Western Beef Outlaw 8.50 Index Championship in style and the awards with press and media hounding this near legendary racer in the Northeast.
Atco Raceway 2010 Season Opener
The Official Susan Verzilli Memorial Takes Place
Fans, friends, family and racers showed up at Atco Raceway in droves for the season opener of the Outlaw 10.5, X275 and Index racing series for the "Susan Verzilli Memorial" race. Susan's parents had never seen a drag race before and many of the family members were also new to this and were humbled by the amount of support shown. Susan would have been more than overjoyed at just the thought of this happening for someone else had it not been her who was memorialized and would surely go the extra mile to help as did all those who attended.
There is a complete Photo Gallery commemorating this event at Atco Raceway "Susan Verzilli Memorial" Photo Gallery
  
  
GoneDragRacing "Featured Car" Verzilli Racings 69 Camaro
Full Feature by GoneDragRacing, Including photos, and article.
 In the latest installment of the GDR Race Car of the Month Feature, we had the pleasure to visit with Bill and Sue Verzilli to check out their Black '69 Camaro RS/SS. This beauty can be seen regularly in the Northeast 8.50 Index Race scene, tearing it up with the best of the best. Bill has been racing to 30 years, and is no stranger to the winner's circle. If you recall, he went to the Semi-Finals at the 2008 Shakedown @ E-town after going through three rounds in the difficult 32 car field. Bill, along with wife Sue and son Billy, can always be found having a good time at the drag strip alongside of their other family, all of the fellow racers. Be sure to check out the feature article along with photo gallery in our forums.
Susan Verzilli Pilots The 8.50 Index "A New Standard"
Shakedown At E Town Index Racers Benefit From Susan's Efforts.
Susan Verzilli took on a project to allow racers, companies, and businesses to engage the 8.50 Index racers with more dollars for their participation in the 7th Annual Shakedown At E Town. Susan had a grand idea that would bring some bonus monies into the racers pockets and give this huge class a boost, well it paid off by having 64 cars show up the first time the Shakedown admitted this part of the series, raising a total of $1810 in the end.
Updated List Of 8.50 Index Racing Contributors UPDATED LIST: 10/9/08
Ferrari & Sons Auto Body $200
Arnie Cohen Videos / BronxBoyzRacing $200
Competitive Wiring $200
732-919-3821
For all race car wiring needs no job to big or small, quick turn around and always a quality job
Including N/A, Blowers, NOS, Turbos, EFI, Data Loggers,etc.
Charles Ford $200
COME CORRECT Motorsports, LLC
3609 East Glen Dower Dr.
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-898-5572
Bill Trovato - BTR Performance $110 BTR Performance
The following three businesses have together donated $100 total:
1. Denny and The Crew from Tube Chassis Designz
2.G & C Pro Trans - John Gallagher $100
3. Hank Zion's Auto Salvage Call 800-242-2841 for "All Your Late Model Used Auto Parts"
Hank Zion's Auto Salvage
4. JPS Systems - The #1 Security Systems Integrator -(Boss69)
Conway Racing
Mike Thompson TNT Performance $100
Scott Shepherd - $60
Jim Bersani Enterprises $50
Henry Jackson Racing Engines $50
$20 Donations towards the 8.50 fund
goDragRacing.org Website Design Solutions, SEO Integration
Marc Schankweiler Mar-Schan Motorsports
Craig & Ali Buscio
Mike Pyott
Seth Cohen (Iceman) GoneDragRacing.com
H & J Motorsports, Inc (Harry and Jackie) H & J Motorsports
Bill & Sue Verzilli Verzilli Racing.com
Weber Automotive
Mike Grosseto
Henry Jackson Racing Engines
Camp Stanley Stanley And Weiss Racing
Joe Newsham J and E Performance.com
Carl Weisinger Orland World Street Nationals
Brandon and Carly McCarty
RaceStangs.org RaceStangs.org
Jason and hdraracingengines.com
Neal Heyman Heymanracing.com
TOTAL - $1810
The Atco Raceway 2008 Outlaw 10.5 and Index Series Season Finale' 2008
The End For A Season Of Champions:
Sponsored By: Franklin Trailers Inc., www.jandperformance.com, www.C2itenterprises.com, The Speed Shop at Atco, featuring Outlaw 10.5 Points by Harris Industrial Park.com
It's no doubt that this season past was filled with incredible highlights by racers working at recording their "best of's" all throughout each series. Atco Raceway's Season Finale' has always come deep into the fall as the pines surrounding the area are merged with the colorful change of leaves bursting again under sunlit skies on this Sunday. Crisp morning air found the gates opening and race cars pouring in to battle in the dense air of New Jersey.
Two spectacular qualifying rounds for each class moved through quickly with little to no downtime as all cars were race ready and seasoned to perfection. A heavy rain the day before washed down the track a bit but the sun burned it off and the hook was back where it needed to be as the competition will show in the results below. It was all out heavy hitters on Sunday At Atco: Please Read On:
The www.jandperformance.com Outlaw 10.5 Qualifying Sessions:
Gunning for the big numbers in the brisk air two full rounds required the track hold all this horsepower down and the drivers knew the outcome if they needed to pedal or stay in it to get into the ladder. Outlaw 10.5 was not the first class down the track so the rubber from previous rides was a touch that was needed and the groove was built. Brad Harris suffered some transmission issues that left him holding the tow strap back to the pits twice though thrashing was part of their day, cooperation between the trans and car just wasn't happening. Larry Wood also took Ron Schlessingers twin turbo Mustang down the track but would fail to qualify. Tony Myrie's nitrous injected Chevelle had the power but fell into the bottom half of racers not in the ladder. Ed McClanahans Mustang also found it not coming in for his ride also. Bill Mitchell, still working on the new BBC twin turbo setup was making huge power but as with any ride this fresh and untested, it was not going to make the rounds in qualifying. Todd Harris set the bottom of the ladder with big cube Hemi twin turbo GTO as the wave of singed Alcohol breezed through the air. Daniel Fieldes and his little box Nova entered the seventh spot with it pushing into the strong headwind. Mike Dorta's little Chevy Monza surprised many taking the number six hole. "Turbo" Tom Kasper stepped into the throttle and the number five spot with a "hitting the dots" slowed pass. Long time friend and favorite belt driven Mustang of Rick Fedorovich made his run look easy as it screamed into place four. "Hitman" Dave O'Donnell wheeled Harold Caldwell?s extreme Mustang into the number three spot with wheels high and Fulton power singing for 1320 feet. Craig Pio set the stage early for what was needed as he blistered through the traps at 205 with a 7.066 shining on the boards. Joe Newsham, leading the Harris Industrial Park.com point?s series wasn't going to shy away from anyone?s performance posting "the number" for the top spot with an awesome twin turbo blast into the six second zone 6.944 @ 210.37. The stage is set.
www.jandperformance.com Qualifying and Racer Information:
1 :Joe Newsham 6.944 @ 210.37 : 2003 Mustang Cobra, 540 BBC, Twin Turbo, Glide - www.jandperformance.com, Injection Connection, M & R Products - Restraints and Tie Downs, Imperial Design, Montana Brothers Race Cars, Performance 2 Way Communications
2 :Craig Pio 7.066 @ 205 : 95 Camaro, BBC, Twin Turbo, Glide - Montana Brothers Race Cars
3 :Dave O'Donnell / Harold Caldwell "Owner" 7.163 @ 197 : Caldwell Construction, CD Race Cars, Vanishing Point Race cars, Jiffy Lube,Fulton Racing Engines, HP Marine, NerdsRus, Mickey Thompson Tires, Killer Kreations Custom Paint, Wayne Keegan, Competitive Wiring
4 :Rick Fedorovich 7.388 @ 200 : 2001 Cobra, SBF, Procharger, T400, Alcohol - Second Street Speed "Tuner Peter Unanue" / Carrol's Rod and Racecraft
5 :Twin "Turbo" Tom Kasper 7.478 @ 199 : 94 Lincoln, 422 SBF, Twin Turbo, Glide - Kaspers Certified Automotive / Kaspers Korner, Precision Turbo, Moore Racecraft, Rocco's Collision.com, Cal At Hartline Performance
6 :Mike Dorta 7.527 @ 184 : 1979 Chevy Monza, BBC, Nitrous, Glide
7 :Daniel Fieldles 7.548 @ 190 : 66 Chevy Nova, BBC, twin turbo, Glide
8 :Todd Harris 7.574 @ 153 : 2006 GTO, 738 Chevy Hemi, Twin Turbo, lenco - Harris Brothers Motorsports / Harris Industrial Park.com, Dave Kogan Motorsports
9 :Bill Mitchell 8.489 @ 153 : 1996 Chevy S10, Twin Turbo BBC, Glide - The Repair Shop, Coast Chassis Design
10 :Ed McClanahan 8.730 @ 134 : 1990 Mustang, No Information
11 :Tony Myrie 9.205 @ 174 : 67 Chevelle, 632 BBC, Nitrous, Glide -
12 :Larry Wood / Ron Schlessinger (Owner) 17.64 @ 207 : 1989 Mustang, SBF, Twin Turbo, Glide - Wild Rides Chassis, Glenwood Performance
13 :Brad Harris 23.758 @ 000 : 03 Cobra Mustang, 421 SBC, Single Turbo, Glide - Harris Brothers Motorsports / Harris Industrial Park.com, Injection Connection
The www.jandperformance.com Outlaw 10.5 Eliminations Round One:
Tony Myrie enters into the first round of eliminations after replacing Tom Kasper whom on his second qualifier blew a head gasket on the top end with an incredible save; swapping lanes at well over 190MPH. Myrie would face Mike Dorta's Monza. The little Monza was extremely late on the tree 1.270 to Myrie's .061. Myrie takes the win pedaling the car to a 7.94 @ 184. Daniel Fieldles drops a .100 light on Rick Fedorovich's .277 easily staying his course with a consistent 7.51 @ 194 to Fedorovich?s losing 10.90 @ 82. Todd Harris moves into the ladder as Dave O'Donnell couldn't make the call facing off with Craig Pio. Harris is on with a .040 but Pio has a .019 on him with reaction time. Harris starts adding power in and out of the throttle to the brutal GTO and pulls away from Pio on the big end in a haze of Hemi compressed alcohol posting his best ever ET 6.88 @ 205 to Pio's 7.10 @ 204. Final pairings would again include an alternate Bill Mitchell's fairly untested S10 against Joe Newsham's proven Cobra. Mitchell shows how a tree gets chopped down in Outlaw Racing with a stunning .001 to Newsham's unusually lazy .108. Newsham 7.11 @ 196 shuts off early on the top end as Mitchell 8.13 @ 183 breaks the tires loose losing this round.
The www.jandperformance.com Outlaw 10.5 Eliminations Semi Finals:
Daniel Fieldles earns a bye run as Todd Harris fouls. The glaring difference between the next two to stage is the boxy Chevelle of Tony Myrie on nitrous with wild paint and Joe Newsham's sedate Cobra slick and gleaming is evident. Myrie .054 is good off the tree as is Newsham .079. Myrie losses traction 300ft out as Newsham is again on his way to a winning pass ousting Myrie 10.052 @ 144 to Newsham's screaming 6.95 @ 210.
The www.jandperformance.com Outlaw 10.5 Eliminations Finals:
After coming off a Huge win at The 6th Annual Shakedown at E Town taking out the best; one by one, wrapping up The Cecil County Street Car Shootout Points title, Atco's Points title, and in a direct heat with Jimmy Blackmon in the ORSCA series; Newsham looked like a lock against this newcomer Daniel Fieldles. Both prepared to stage as Newsham's pedigree for the year was well know to Fieldles but he was in a fight for this title on Newsham's home turf. Newsham went into the beams, set the brake and inexplicably bumped through giving Daniel Fieldles his first win of the season before the race even started. This new Season Finale' Champ only 22yrs young faced the best in the northeast and came out the champion 7.89 @ 181 taking home the big check. All things in racing can come to those who wait and this was a big one for Daniel Fieldles. Congratulations!!
The Outlaw 8.50 Index Qualifying Sessions:
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection
The 8.50 Index was before in "it's coming of age stage" but now the close competition and wild antics of these cars have matured into a class most talked about by sportsman racers and more. The growing popularity can be sceen in the exciting action that even qualifying can bring to a spectator, old school "Heads Up" Racing was put in the forefront today. Both sessions had their ups and downs literally. Giant wheelstands, Smokey burnouts, broken rears trying to grab all the track they could and teams dressed to a professional status made this class outstanding to anyone viewing. Twenty three cars entered and only sixteen would have a shot at the winners purse and Season Finale' Champ status. Craig Buscio earned the number one spot by drilling a dead on 8.502 @ 158 with Mike Cerminaro's Procharger equipped Chevy II filling in the bump spot at 8.635 @ 157. Only .133 separated sixteen cars this Sunday.
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection Qualifying and Racer Information:
1 :Craig Buscio 8.502 @ 158 : 1962 Chevy II, 598 Henry Jackson BBC, Nitrous, Glide - Pro Car Performance, Competitive Wiring / Wayne Keegan
2 :"Rockin" Rob Cherkas 8.508 @ 163 : 1993 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, Glide - Precision Nitrous Technologies, Your Way Network
3 :Mark Schankweiler 8.517 @ 159 : 1967 Chevy II, 421 SBC, Nitrous, Glide - CD Race Cars, Bear's Performance, Jet-Hot Coatings, Mickey Thompson Tires, Clark Industrial Supply
4 :Mike Conway 8.526 @ 165 : 86 Corvette, Auto, Nitrous
5 :Shawn Gallagher 8.530 @ 162 : 79 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, Glide
6 :Mark Bowen 8.534 @ 157 : 72 Nova, 540, BBC, Nitrous, Glide - www.jandperformance.com
7 :Bill Verzilli 8.538 @ 162 : 1969 Camaro RS/SS, Henry Jackson 632 BBC, 4BBL, T400 - Henry Jackson Racing Engines, www.jandperformance.com
8 :Rob Poochigian 8.542 @ 161 : 1967 Chevelle, 569 BBC, Nitrous, T400 - MRP RACING, Steve Schmidt Competition Engines
9 :Tom Romeo 8.571 @ 165 : 70 Nova, BBC, Nitrous, Team ADD Racing,Romeo Brothers Racing
10 :Tony Russo 8.572 @ 159 : 1973 Dodge Dart , 440 BBM, All Motor, Rossler Turbo 400, M/T ET Street - My wife Joan, sons Joe, Mike, and Family, My friends Red, and Lou - Albert Kemperle Auto Body Supplies.
11 :Rob Puller 8.577 @ 157 : 1986 Camaro, SBC, Nitrous, T400 - Finishline Performance
12 :John Razler 8.580 @ 159 : 1968 Camaro, BBC, Glide, Nitrous - Extreme Performance Transmission's, Bammann Racing, R & M Towing
13 :Angelo Valla 8.595 @ 163 : 72 Corvette, BBC, Nitrous, Glide
14 :Al Fonse Jr. 8.595 @ 159 : 93 Camaro, SBC, Nitrous, Glide - Fonse Performance
15 :TJ. Kasper (Owner Dot and Gil Christy) 8.606 @ 141 : 1988 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, Auto - Kaspers Korner / Kaspers Certified Auto / Southern Outlaw Shops Racing Wings, Merkel Racing Engines, Pellegrino Auto Body, Wicked Image Design
16 :Mike Cerminaro 8.635 @ 157 : 1970 Chevy Nova, SBC, Supercharged, Glide - Rhodes Custom Auto
17 :Robert Romano 8.886 @ 151 : 1969 Dodge Dart, BBM, Nitrous, T Flite - Big Time Automotive
18 :Frank Lupi 8.896 @ 151 : 87 Pontiac Firebird, SBF, All Motor, Glide
19 :Mike Boccella 9.011 @ 166 : 1993 Mustang, SBF, Nitrous, Glide - Boccella's Performance
20 :Chuck Kelly 9.011 @ 152 : 1993 GMC Sanoma, SBC, Nitrous, Glide -
21 :Bill Gorafsky 9.038 @ 147 : 1968 Camaro No Information
22 :Patrick Doyle 9.37 @ 145 : 1957 Chevy, SBC, Supercharged, Glide, Team ADD Racing
23 :John Goss 9.73 @ 148 : 1978 Z/28 Camaro, 509 BBC, T400 - Nico Racing Engines / Goss' Plumbing and Heating
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection Eliminations Round One:
Mark Bowen opened the eliminations against the mean Camaro of Al Fonse Jr., Bowen cracks the tree with a .003 light and a tough to beat 8.568 @ 157 while Fonse took a good shot at the veteran .025 8.578 @ 159. John Razler comes into the round probably the most decorated racer of 2007 and a force in the 8.50 Index to run off with Mike Conway. Conway drops a .007 light to Razler's .029. Razler?s quicker 8.583 @ 257 wasn't enough to stave off Conway?s brilliant 8.598 @ 157 efforts. Mike Cerminaro has a hard time getting the boost going and leaves deadly late .332 to Rob Poochigian's excellent .036. Both Chevy's powered down the track but Poochigian wouldn't give up the stripe as his 8.717 @ 145 was enough to beat the quicker 8.522 @ 160 of Cerminaro. Tommy Romeo goes dead red -.027 giving up his chances for more rounds to Craig Buscio who ran it out as the win light is on his side already 8.482 @ 157. "Rockin Rob" Cherkas met with Tony Russo putting the big Mopar up against the little Stang. Russo's qualifying stunts were dramatic with big wheelstands and great numbers but the big Mopar wedge motor decided it was time for a rest as smoke poured from the exhaust and the car struggled to the finish line while Cherkas in the other lane launched wheels up on an ultra clean 8.551 @ 158. Both Opponents in this round seem to meet early and are both equally deadly in this class, TJ Kasper and Bill Verzilli. Verzilli launched hard but as quick as that happened the death rattle of a broken driveline component ended his pass leaving Kasper to cross the beams with a .007 light and a "Kid Kwik" stamped 8.750 @ 128. Rob Puller's lean, clean Camaro in striking red took a later light .076 than opponent Mark Schankweiler .035 whom in his lane the box Nova reached for the sky coming down hard and slightly crossed up out of the groove but staying in it was worth it as his 8.714 @ 156 was enough to take the win from Puller 8.74 @ 159, the fans appreciated this race standing and cheering. Shawn Gallagher comes into the rounds also a threat and proves he has the go and skills dropping a .006 on the tree finishing with a 8.552 @ 149 to a red lighting Angelo Valla -.009 trying a bit too hard. A great start for the rounds to come.
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection Eliminations Round Two:
Again; Mark Bowen is eager to be first in line as the rounds open, his work all year has been stunning but an opponent who has shown his muster was waiting in the lane next to him. Bowen chops down the tree .003 as "Rockin Rob" Cherkas has some ground to gain .069. Both racers would break out but Bowen would be the worse of the two 8.451 @ 156 while Cherkas takes the win 8.483 @ 163. TJ Kasper and team captain "Tom or dad if you will" knew they had a good race with Mark Schankweiler in the opposite lane. It was all business as the nasty green and black rolled in with Tom Kasper leading him in. Schankweiler and team were also capably handling their end in the lane next to them. Kasper is again awesome on the tree .008 to Schankweiler's good .048, a run to the finish was decided as Kasper's 8.507 @ 144 was numerically unbeatable and Schankweiler falls with an impressive round result 8.517 @ 159. Mike Conway stuns many time class champ Rob Poochigian on the tree .010 to Poochigian?s .034. Both racers break out also with Conway coming up the winner 8.498 @ 158 to a losing effort of Poochigian 8.473 @ 161 cranking out some nitrous assisted power. Shawn Gallagher shoots himself in the foot leaving early -.015 giving the race away to Craig Buscio who seems that he forces his opponents to take measures on the tree they usually wouldn't with his performances. Buscio runs the Chevy II out the back door again 8.459 @ 159 in the cooling air.
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection Eliminations Semi Finals:
With the sun dropping early from the daylight savings time, the cooling track and dense air was bound to improve performance and the tuners needed to step up when big power and power adders are combined applied to the rides. The seriousness in the lanes by the teams was growing with expectations since all involved were a threat to each other top end and on the tree. Mike Conway faced off with "Rockin Rob" Cherkas, with "Dave Acker" handling the tuning and staging of the Mustang and Wayne Keegan also on track with Mike Conway. Conway rips an excellent .016 light on Cherkas .069 but power falls off on the Vette 8.943 @ 124 as Cherkas moves into the final. TJ Kasper was to be paired with Craig Buscio's Chevy II in an anticipated race of friendly yet competitive opponents. Buscio?s car fails to start and TJ Kasper had waited as long as the starter would allow looking for a side by side race, Buscio?s Cinderella day was over. Kasper took on good shot at the tune pass and clicked off a .003 8.48 @ 158 for another final round which has been so familiar this year for "Kid Kwik".
Kaspers Korner Racing / Kaspers Certified Auto, Injection Connection Eliminations Finals:
Both Mustangs represented the colorful aspect of this class, the gleaming flamed Mustang of "Rockin Rob" Cherkas and the spotless black and green Graphic's on TJ Kasper's ride. Little did Cherkas know that Kasper?s transmission had seen its last pass the round before turning into mush with no second gear. TJ would still give it his all but that quickly vanished with a -.007 light handing over the race while assuming the vertical position of a huge wheelie bar crushing wheel stand on the hit which Kasper will not soon forget. Cherkas in the opposing lane still had what it took with the expert tuning of "Dave Acker" and Cherkas' improving driving skills. A time of 8.80 @ 135 was the wining lottery number for "Rockin Rob" as he finishes off as Atco's 8.50 Index Champion. In the winners circle "Rockin Rob" which in most cases is never at a loss for words only stating it has been a long time since he'd been there and quoting him; "Dave Acker's Plate System and exclusive tuning tricks from Precision Nitrous Technologies was the Key Factor" in his win. Congratulations to "Rockin Rob" Cherkas on an intense win and performance to finalize this year at Atco's Index Series.
The The www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Qualifying Sessions:
Formidable cars, street appearing and awesomely entertaining with competition close within thousandths of a second in most races is all a fan can ask for. These cars are wickedly fast and accurate on almost all passes so you better be on your game. Qualifying is quick for these cars as is in the latter 12.0 class also by www.C2itenterprises.com. They get their runs in and as soon as they are off the track two more pull up. One of the largest gathering's for this class happened on this Sunday with twenty eight cars in the mix and an all run field was composed.
Mike Romeo headed up the number one spot in the ladder muscling out the BP Speed Bright Green 74 Camaro with a sobering for others 10.005 @ 134, Sam Simpson's brutal S10 powered down a 10.007 while Scott Embly was right behind in the number three spot with another 10.009 @ 131 blast all in the double zero's. Well known to those following this class are some champions of 10.0 racing that included the likes of Mark Plucinski, John Hurst, Harry Weber Jr., Craig Curtis, Brendan Mills, and Lee Grinnell sitting in the sixteen spot sporting fresh paint on the killer wheelie wagon. Ray Wallis Jr comes up short of what could have been a sixteen car field only race but all run puts him in the ladder with notables Carl Ungaro, Bill Dutka, Josh Solomine and last months series champ Cary Cable Sr. in the under class with a 9.980 @ 129.
Click Here For The Full Qualifying Results via Compulink Race Stats:
The www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Eliminations Round One:
Craig Curtis, Michael Scalfo, and Roy Williams all receive a bye run into the second round. Josh Solimine takes himself out of the running with a -.010 red light in his pairing with "Deadly" Doug Frisch .138 10.039 @ 133. Seth Brown .080 10.166 @ 132 would lose his chance to advance against a strong effort by Carey Cable Sr .158 10.071 @ 132. Both Thomas Wood .055 and Ray Wallis Jr. .044 Ripped up the asphalt launching with Wood's Regal twisting hard, and Wallis' Malibu grabbing for air. Wallis would lose this round 10.249 @ 130 to Woods 10.198 @ 127. Sam Simpson .048 10.008 @ 134 gets beat on a hole shot by the "Grizzly Bear" Lee Grinnell hanging the tires high. Mike O'Sullivan had to play catch up with a .133 and braking out 9.897 @ 118 trying to make up for lost time against the "Yenko" styled Nova of Paul Latturulo .067 10.093. Shawn Abate dropped the red bulb -.068 losing to John Hurst as the 74 Nova was on a good pass .125 10.058 @ 134. Carl Ungaro and Mark Plucinski have seen the winners circle many times; their performance will show as Plucinski leaves with an .020 light to Ungaro's .019. Ungaro would take the win 10.215 @ 119 to Plucinski?s losing effort 10.259 @ 135. "Supercharged" Brendan Mills faced the number one qualifier Mike Romeo in this round, both worthy opponents but unlike Romeo?s past work on the tree, he had a red bulb showing -.143 for the loss as Mills advances under pressurized power .026 11.287 @ 81. "Bad Bill" Dutka poured on the power just a little too much breaking out .032 9.900 @ 123 while Alan Von Ahnen would have the winning number .060 10.135 @ 131. Harry "The Hulk" Weber would advance with a strong .063 light and trapped at 10.296 @ 161 easing off against Thomas Crow's .115 10.510 @ 126. Bobby Stephenson .077 10.200 @ 131 would put Paul Cattone on the trailer early .165 10.207 @ 137.
www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Eliminations Round Two:
Thomas Wood opened this round and promptly feels the hurt of an almost unbeatable run by Michael Scalfo. Though Wood was quicker .047 10.064 @ 123 Scalfo's brilliant reaction time .007 and 10.070 @ 133 was a tough combo to beat. Lee Grinnell ended his day Wheels Up against Paul Lattarulo's Nova. Grinnell suffered a .175 light to Lattarulo's .063; Grinnell would have to chase him down and led him to break out 9.982 @ 133 to Lattarulo?s winning 10.083 @ 131. A favorite to win, Craig Curtis met his match with John Hurst. Curtis .035 and Hurst .045 had a race on their hands, the top end story tells it all with Curtis making up ground and breaking out 9.988 @ 134 to Hurst's final win number 10.012 @ 134. Doug Frisch would have a hard time beating the package that Carl Ungaro had waiting for him. Ungaro cuts a .006 light and streaks to the top end 10.032 @ 128 to beat Frisch's effort of .060 10.030 @ 133. Bobby Stephenson fell prey to last months Index Champ Carey Cable Sr., Stephenson put up a close race .043 10.177 @ 131 but Cable bettered that .025 10.140 @ 132. After last round Brendan Mills tried to get back in good standing with the tree but when trying as you may, it hurts to see that red bulb come on at -.001 to end your day against Alan Von Ahnen's .018 10.214 @ 131. Roy Williams would make Harry Weber Jr's day much easier in this round handing over the win via red light start. Williams went -.033 to Weber?s full pass .046 10.091 @ 132 to finish off this series of eliminations.
www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Eliminations Round Three:
Alan Von Ahnen takes a bye run still showing some good numbers out of the Mustang 10.115 @ 132. Michael Scalfo would take a chance on the tree in his gorgeous 67 GTO only to see the reflection of red light glaring over the brilliant white paint as the sun was setting -.034 10.09 @ 133 to John Hurst's excellent .058 10.074 @ 133. Carl Ungaro again puts together a run most racers wish for each round as it was unbeatable almost; .004 10.098 @ 122 while Paul Latturulo could reciprocate the same conditions in his lane .041 10.069 @ 132. Harry Weber found on his last pass as the car was in the turnoff that oil pressure was low and began hearing some slight noise, you will never see the Harry Weber "Tap Out", lol for any other reason so his round with Carey Cable Sr. would be aborted and Cable heads to the Semis with a test pass 9.989 @ 136 in the cold air now coming in.
www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Semi Finals:
Most had already seen how tight the racing was and no one knew more than the drivers that they needed to cut a good light. This set of pairings both resulted in red light starts for Alan Von Ahnen and Carl Ungaro. Ungaro would have faced Carey Cable Sr. .128 9.989 @ 136 and Ungaro had John Hurst solidifying his performance as he had been all day with an exceptional .035 10.069 @ 134. An all big block Chevy final was to come.
www.C2itenterprises.com 10.0 Index Finals:
Carey Cable Sr. had been right here in this spot last month as the champ of the last index race and well deserved as would John Hurst who now was contending for this final of the season. Both racers are veterans of the winners circle but it's a race and anything can happen. The red light bug would now hit Carey Cable Sr. going -.011 red on the hit and Hurst .021 10.083 @ 133 motors his way to the winners circle where much of the 10.0 class surrounded him for congratulations, this is a fine group of racers and friends and John Hurst's win was a great moment for all involved.
The The www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Qualifying Sessions:
Since this race format's inception and the addition of points awards as with the 10.0 Index, it's grown with leaps and bounds but has become a tough class t be in most times, bump spots are intimidating but this is what the racers love to see. You almost have a feel for the same racing as Quick 8's but at a slower pace which makes a twelve second driver feel as important as a seven second driver. The appeal is always there for winning this class with stock looking cars and talent behind the wheel. As with most of the races throughout the season, the 12.0 index was full and an all run field was chosen just two cars shy of the thirty two car goal. Ben Wetzel was the number one qualifier and the only one with double "0" digits at 12.002 @ 111, Walt "Hemi" Haas sat second in the single "0"'s 12.016 @ 103 and our "First Lady" of the Index Barbara Lutz holding onto third place 12.018 @ 102. Kevin Walsh was back in the mix running his Plymouth up from Maryland for the festivities, Steve Gurnick, "have gas will race" seems to be his motto as he treks up from Delaware. John Stankunas with his red Chevelle was sparkling and running impressively .Notables included the Harvey's, all three of them making the field David Jr, Dave III, and Jim sitting at number sixteen.
Click Here For The Full Qualifying Results via Compulink Race Stats:
www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Eliminations Round One:
Rich Smith opened the sessions facing Michael Baez to begin the feature. Both had break out runs with Smith .064 11.97 @ 101 over Baez .090 11.878 @ 108. Nick Berti romped on the big Galaxie to a winning time of .021 12.121 @ 97 over Ted Hryzcyszyn .211 12.104 @ 110. John Stankunas put himself out of the running pulling the red light ticket -.060 against Walt Haas .019 12.031 @ 112. Ed Stoltz had the same help from the tree as Donald Riley went red -.280 giving the victory over to Stoltz 11.602 @ 101. James Redner entered into the beams and was faced with a "Deep Stage" foul While Bill Patahous takes a win .188 12.889 @ 73. Ralph Shaw paired with Steve Gurnick both on a good run Gurnick .088 12.207 @ 92 was the winner over Shaw .132 12.311 @ 108. Mathew Meyer also staged in too deep causing a "Deep Stage" foul to incur while Kevin Walsh takes his Road Runner on an excellent packaged winning pass .048 12.003 @ 113. Mike Delorenzo yet quicker than Dave Harvey III took his loss .135 12.011 @ 107 via Harvey's holeshot .019 12.100 @ 104. Steve Demaria .100 12.205 @ 99 took his win against Joe Henderson .103 12.423 @ 107, David Harvey Jr. had Marcus Thompson go red -.063, Harvey drops a .012 12.039 @ 104 on the compulink screen. The closest race of the rounds came when Barbara Lutz faced Jim Harvey. Lutz .055 12.088 @ 107 wasn't enough against Harvey's .045 12.066 @ 107. Lynn Townes, Ben Wetzel, and John Hatch all have a bye run to round two.
www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Eliminations Round Two:
Kevin Walsh usually great on the tree wound up with a "Deep Stage" foul on in his lane giving the race up to Lynn Townes .018 12.165 @ 98. Ben Wetzel .024 12.036 @ 110 had more than Rich Smith on his losing pass .056 12.044 @ 104. Steve Demaria's numbers were good and quicker .081 12.043 @ 111 but couldn't get by the holeshot of Nick Berti .018 12.090 @ 108. Ed Stoltz suffered an extremely slow reaction time to lose and break out .253 11.710 @ 94 against David Harvey III's great set of numbers .025 12.060 @ 104. Bill Patahous would also see the same result as Stoltz with a slow reaction time and trying to make up the number .198 11.863 @ 107 against a formidable David Harvey Jr. .032 12.059 @ 100. The two cagey veterans Steve Gurnick and Walt Haas would up in the second round. Gurnick put together a sweet run .046 12.085 @ 108 to oust another favorite to win Walt Haas .003 12.129 @ 105. John Hatch in his little black convertible Mustang .058 12.190 @ 110 went home early against Jim Harvey .029 12.107 @ 101 t end this session of rounds.
www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Eliminations Round Three:
Steve Gurnick singles his way into the Semi finals by way of a bye run. David Harvey Jr. put together an almost unbeatable package of .004 12.061 @ 98 against the losing Ben Wetzel .026 12.051 @ 110. Nick Berti also forced the breakout by dropping a .003 12.012 @ 11 on the books as David Harvey III had no choice but to try and run him down .041 11.965 @ 108. Lynn Townes was quicker .037 12.045 @ 105 but Jim Harvey had his holeshot .011 12.057 @ 110 to get him to the next round.
www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Eliminations Semi Finals:
This round included some tight drivers lining up as the sun set on the asphalt of Atco Raceway. No red lights in this round, just four drivers looking for that final seat at the end of the night as the chill in the air came in so did the performance rise that comes with it. Both Nick Berti and Steve Gurnick had their game plan set. Berti .016 would take the tree over Gurnick .027 but the Galaxie of Berti had a little too much power upstairs breaking out 11.972 @ 110 and Steve Gurnick plays his cards right taking the win away from Berti's brute of a ride with an 11.974 @ 108 shining on the boards. The brothers Harvey knew they would have to meet up, but no love lost as a win light is family fun talk for the one who takes it. Jim Harvey would end up on the losing end as the Camaro had some extra power to make up for the .048 light he cut against a solid .027 by David Harvey Jr., both racers broke out as David Harvey Jr. 11.969 @ 102 would come out the winner over Jim Harvey 11.928 @ 110.
www.C2itenterprises.com 12.0 Index Eliminations Finals:
Again a final is set where both racers are veterans of a winners circle at Atco Raceway, David Harvey Jr. and Steve Gurnick have seen that spot many times. Temps had dropped quite a bit and a match between these two racers would be close and a 50/50 split on most betters tables. Steve Gurnick's Chevy powered Mustang against the little all Mopar Valiant would be a sweet end to the night. Gurnick is late .061 to Harvey's .022, a race ensues but Gurnick is just too fast losing while breaking out 11.986 @ 109 and Harvey taking the stripe and the victory named as new 12.0 Index Season Finale' champ 12.076 @ 97. Congratulations on a long day of impressive rounds to David Harvey Jr.
Sunday Wrap Up:
Though the morning was warming and crisp to begin the racing, the Atco surface was a bit clean after the rains the day earlier as it came around fast and the cars also enjoyed the hook. The unusually warm November day was pleasing from a spectators point as the race was run under near perfect conditions. The skies turned from azure blue to a beautiful harvest orange as the sun sets on Atco in the fall with barbeques firing away in the pits the racers had their final meet and race of the season in a laid back manner of enjoying the company and the competition as night fell. The pits emptied racers and teams headed to the Winners Circle Lounge for some libations and recaps of their own season. As I left, the loud click of the main power source sent a chill up my spine as I packed up my gear and set on my way home. As this was only my third race of the year, I was fully satisfied again at the contagious race fever that was felt in my blood. My year ends on a high note with some major thanks to Jack Stiles for help me out personally with added photos and Seth from GoneDragRacing for the sideline access and Atco Raceway?s fine staff on both the track and the tower. Here's to a great off season for all in the Northeast.
Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Shootout, Atco Raceway:
The Air Up There !!
We'd all like to think that optimum power is made with adding accessories like a blower, supercharger, or nitrous. Others don't exactly feel the same way when it comes to RAW Horsepower. The Ram Racing Naturally Aspirated Shootout is a fitting example of all motor power in street vehicles that can run with more than enough cars with the aids just mentioned. This years Season of Rich Maitre's RAM Racing events started out with some veterans and newcomers that will definitely leave a mark in the N/A events scheduled. Long shots showed their muster at the opening round of qualifying and even the best were slightly off their regular et's with the added weights and tire limits leaving it to the hands of the tuners to get it right, and keep it right under the tremendous amount of power that would need to move these cars down track at a rate you've never seen from all motor cars at most races.
Most cars here are in the range of at least 2 horsepower per cubic inch, and some climb much farther up that scale reaching almost 2.3 hp. At the announcement to move into the lanes by RobWS6, the high compression, RPM ready machines fired to life with the sweet sound of all motor power pumping out the exhaust. Rich Maitre and his team had already teched in the cars with ease and quickness that is usually found at Ram Racings events, a formidable yet well oiled system that Rich Maitre can stand by anytime with the quality people behind him. Almost a family styled event, Ram Racing brings the power to the track with nothing but weight factors and limits on heads and tires, more or less anyone at anytime can be competitive here. A new class that will look to be one of the more intense versions of Naturally Aspirated Racing is the Drag Radial class, again no power adders, but you wouldn't know it from the performance of the cars in this category. Without delay, gDR now brings you the opening bell of the 2005 naturally aspirated series.
Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated 10.5 Racers:
1..Bruce Maichle 8.85 @ 153 : 1979 Firebird, 515 BBP, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Non Conventional BOPA Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,400
2..Jay Schonberger 8.96 @ 147 : 1984 Regal T Type, 400 SBC, 2X4BBL, Sheetmetal Intake, Non Conventional Heads, Clutchless 5spd, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,450
3..John Langer 8.97 @ 151: 1969 Firebird Trans Am, 477 BBP, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Non Conventional BOPA Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,150
4..Frank Lupi 9.00 @ 149 : 1987 Firebird, 407 SBC, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 2,950
5..Keith Chubbs 9.12 @ 150 : 1966 Nova, 555 BBC, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 28" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,250
6..Larry Rhodes 9.26 @ 145: 1968 Camaro, 406 SBC, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Non Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder bar, 29.5" tire, Wheelie bars, Required Weight 3,100
7..Jay Beeler 9.30 @ 156 : 1967 Camaro, 555 BBC, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,300
8..Eric Heidingsfelder 9.42 @ 143 : 1980 Malibu, 434 SBC, Conventional Heads, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Auto, Ladder Bar, 28" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,000
9..Phil Romano 9.58 @ 138 : 1965 Chevelle, 415, SBC, 4BBL, Cast Intake, Non Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,150
10.Joe Mannifield 9.78 @ 138 : 1969 Camaro, 585 BBC, 4BBl, Cast Intake, Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 28" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,350
11.Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis 9.99 @ 152 : 1969 Camaro RS/SS, 632 Henry Jackson BBC, 2X4BBL, Cast Intake, Non Conventional Heads, Auto, Ladder Bar, 29.5" tire, No Wheelie Bars, Required Weight 3,625
First Qualifier:
This was more or less a feeling out like a boxing match between the tuners and the poor air that had befallen Atco Raceway in the early hours. A damp muggy climate with an atmosphere of around one thousand feet above sea level had the racers back on their heels. Early weather predictions would be way off of what the racers found as they reached the track, not the warm sunny day that had been in the forecast. None the less, most found a sweet spot and after their first pass, again the next round would have a totally different feel towards the tune while the weather again switched completely. The baselines were set and all was good for the racers as the field had come together and all were well within reach of a win if they stayed on their game.
Second Qualifier:
Setting your spot in the ladder was number one priority, this is drag racing and anything can happen in the rounds, so finding your side of the ladder was your best bet at this point if you felt outgunned. Bruce Maichle would be sitting atop this mountain of all motor runs with the number one spot, a good number but this firebird has seen many a day that it could run well below this in some of the most prominent series around. Maichle's 8.85 @ 153 would be a good starting point for those behind to shoot for. Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis rounded up the group with a far from normal 9.99 @ 152, Scott Curtis had the MPH but lacked a strong ET; this was proving to show the potential of all the cars involved. The wicked half track wheel stand by Eric Heidingsfelder was proof that all the power was there and the track was coming around, the immaculate Malibu hooked hard and planted itself almost vertical for a good 300ft. coming down hard although the loose front end wouldn't let it stop bouncing until the eight mile. All of the judges had scorecards with tens on them raised high for Eric?s feat of traction and brute power.
Eliminations:
John Langer opened the rounds paired against another second generation F Body, Joe Mannifield 9.79 @ 138 was right on target, but the Firebird of John Langer was too, John Langer 8.99 @ 151 duplicated his qualifier and had the r/t and to go with it. Langer moves into the next round. After coming back from the wild wheel stand Eric Heidingsfelder 9.30 @ 144 had made an allowable pass as not to be a threat to the person next to him and set a very good time on the board with his match against a tough Keith Chubb?s. Chubb?s 9.06 @ 151 would get by in a close race with a .210rt to Heidingsfelder's 9.30 @ 144 and .045rt, this one was close and Chubb?s will see the track again. The two awesomely clean Camaros of Larry Rhodes 9.31 @ 145 and Jay Beeler 9.30 @ 145 would put Beeler into the next round on an overpowering pass by Beeler. Frank Lupi 9.05 @ 150 stayed on his mark to down a stumbling on the tree Phil Romano 9.60 @ 138, Romano just gave too much up on the bulb. Jay Schonberger's heavily weighted down SB T Type Regal 99.13 @ 150 matched the heaviest car of the ladder Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis 8.94 @ 154 in reaction times. Both made this an incredible drag race as the Camaro would pick up almost a tenth or more from qualifying to put the Regal out of the show. Bruce Maichle 8.77 @ 155 would use this run for lane choice and the honors of Low ET and Top MPH of the event. The car is very exciting to watch on a single bye run.
Quarter Finals:
The big inch Camaro of Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis 8.93 @ 154, would hold the whole track against Keith Chubb?s 9.08 @ 151 in another side by side race to see who had the grunt on the top end. Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis ended with the win light and a steady ET and MPH that looked promising for these two for the next round. John Langer 8.93 @ 154 picked up well, he and his opponent Frank Lupi 9.37 @ 148 must have been looking for the K Star Automotive cut the tree money, a foul by Lupi would show he was trying and John Langer would get the money for his .037rt and the win. Bruce Maichle 9.15 @ 154 needed a quick pedal job within 100ft to re hook the Firebird and get around a tough Jay Beeler 9.26 @ 146 for the green win light.
Semi Finals:
Things here would take a strange twist. Most semis are tough and for the most part the hardest race of the day, not giving up the hard work in the finals or eliminations, but the ladder would end with one of the two fastest cars having to oust the other. John Langer 18.19 @ 52 would motor on as the starter hit the tree for john to leave for the win, Bruce Maichle "no Time" would need to shut off as water was found leaking under the right front of the car. His crew caught this in time before Bruce had a chance to hit the throttle and become a statistic of a race day incident, good job by his guys making sure he was safe to race another day. They later found a leaking head gasket would be the culprit. Even worse the Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis 10.34 @ 89 would only need to top Langers previous ET for lane choice in the finals. It may have happened now or in the finals as the car left a little sluggish and a huge smoke plume engulfed the view of the bad black Camaro around half track. It was a terrible sight to see this car go down with a completely blown motor on a free pass. Both cars were nearly identical in ET so far. John Langer the gentleman he is gave the team enough time to see if anything could be done to make a killer final somehow, but it wasn't going to happen for team Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis.
Finals:
With Bill Verzilli / Scott Curtis not able to make the calland take the runner up spot, a very patient John Langer 24.26 @ 31 would make a stroll down winner?s lane despite our best efforts to get him to do a NASCAR infield style on track 360 for the fans , to be crowned The Ram Racing's Naturally Aspirated 10.5 Champ of Atco Raceway 2005. Congratulations to John Langer, the one to beat in the next of the series.
Ram Racing's Naturally Aspirated Drag Radial Session:
Qualifying:
The Drag Radial boys took to the track a bit before the 10.5 racers; all ready to run their first time out in this part of the venue Ram had built for them, again, weight's and tires were the defining limits on these cars and stock suspension. For most it was a while on Ram Racings message board gong over their thoughts on the tire proposals to make sure nobody was at a disadvantage. The talks paid off and the qualifying was what was to be expected from a performance stand point. Nobody should really be a dominant force in any drag radial since they are extremely unpredictable. Todd Geisler headed the pack with the 10.25 @ 130 shot while Steve Gurnick rounded up the bunch at the end 11.99 @ 111. Most were rippling the radials with good horsepower in both sessions, bite was there and the suspensions were taking a hit from it.
Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Drag Radial Racers:
1..Todd Geisler 10.25 @ 130 : 1979 Malibu, 454 BBC, 4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,405
2..Kurt Butler 10.45 @ 132 : 1967 Nova SS, 434 SBC, 2X4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,402
3..Jeff Kinsle 10.46 @ 128 : 1968 Firebird, 468 BBC, 4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,414
4..Lee Grinnell 10.63 @ 124 : 78 Ford Fairmount Wagon, 408w, C4, 28-11.50X15 QTP's or M/T 325-50X15 ET Radial,Required Weight 3,249 - Swarr Auto.com / S & W Race Cars
5..Mike "TNT" Thompson 10.77 @ 124 : 1977 Camaro, 406 SBC 4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,243
6..Alan Vanahnen 10.83 @ 122 : 1979 Mustang, 357 SBF, 4BBL, C4, Required Weight 3,096
7..Larry Santucci 11.33 @ 121 : 1970 Nova, 467 BBC, 4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,426 - Raz Performance
8..Brian Riley 11.80 @ 116 : 1970 Nova, 408 SBC, 4BBL, T400, Required Weight 3,249
9..Steve Gurnick 11.99 @ 111 : 85 Mustang, 350 SBC, T350, BFG drag radial, Required Weight 3,075 Finishline Performance / Zuppo's Auto Service / J&E Performance
Round One:
Lee Grinnell would be the first to pull into the lanes to take on the gorgeous green 72 Nova of Brian Riley. Grinnell?s Fairmount wagon 10.73 @ 122 virtually overpowered Riley's Nova 11.86 @ 116 at all points to lead into a next round for Grinnell. Alan Vanahnen's slick little stang outran the traction limited 67 Nova. A large top end charge by Butler couldn't make up for the loss on the short end as Vanahnen's 10.82 @ 122 was more than Butlers 10.83 @ 133 Top Speed of the meet could handle. Mike "TNT" Thompson took a single run as Steve Gurnick's Mustang made a loud snap on the hit. No time for Steve as Mike Thompson 10.82 @ 123 moves into the next round. Jeff Kinsle would face Larry Santucci. Santucci is a tree killer most of the time, but an unfortunate -.005 light would give the green to Kinsle 10.46 @ 128 and another round to follow for him. Todd Geisler would take his bye run for a test and tune, 10.25 @ 129 would do that for him.
Round Two:
Alan Vanahnen would open this round with a bye run, and make it work for his next round also lighting the boards with a 10.83 @ 122. Jeff Kinsle would be extremely late on the tree by almost three tenths to Mike Thompson, Kinsle's 10.41 @ 129 was more than strong enough to go around Thompson 10.91 @ 124 for the win. Number one qualifier Todd Geisler would make this interesting against the Fairmount wagon of Lee Grinnell, Geisler got caught sleeping badly on the tree and Grinnell was off on a good light. Geisler would have to run down the wagon and did so at the stripe ousting Grinnell with a 10.26 @ 130 to Grinnell?s loosing 10.57 @ 127.
Semi Finals:
Jeff Kinsle would take his sweet Firebird on a solo bye run and try to find some more ET in it for the next person inline for his finals debut, A 10.50 @ 128 said the power was there but not the ET. Alan Vanahnen's Mustang just didn't have enough for the Blue Malibu. Todd Geisler would take the win from Vanahnen 10.9 @ 122 to 10.25 @ 130.
Finals:
Setting up this final would draw two completely different types of cars, the box Malibu and the sleek Firebird both running under Chevy Big Block power. Since the earlier rounds, these guys took on a new fierce attitude in this final. Todd Geisler and Jeff Kinsle both had the serious face of a racer after a title at a national event. Burnouts over and staging quickly, a little strategy may have gone on in the final. Todd Geisler was out late with a .259 light to Jeff Kinsle?s .230; both racers ran door to door for the full length of the track. In the end Jeff Kinsle's 10.40 @ 129 couldn't stop the charge of Todd Geisler's 10.21 @ 130 win light and Low ET of the meet. A double whammy, Low ET and Winner of the first ever Ram Racing's Naturally Aspirated Drag Radial Champ, Todd Geisler, Congratulations on an outstanding session of racing !!
Summary:
In many of our experiences with organizations either large or small, Ram Racing stands heads above the crowd in creating a functional race combined with outstanding performance. Rams commitment to this venue is unsurpassed at giving everyone a different look at a race series that has all the elements to keep you in the stands and wanting more. Their professionalism reaches levels high above while keeping that family feel to each and every race. From the quick tech in, elaborate information of the racers, afternoon barbecue to the final trophy shots, I can tell you personally it is a fun day and exciting for anyone into the pure power of motor only racing. The hospitality is something you need to experience.
Conclusion:
It wouldn't be right not to mention all the people behind this venture. First would be Ram Racing's Rich Maitre and Tina. RobWS6 in the tower for his first time and his excellent commentary, Arnie Cohen Videos, this long list of sponsors and supporters of Rams event: Atco Raceway, Henry Jackson Racing Engines ,F.A.S.T. Motorsports, Corteco, Maximum Race Engines, Holley, JESEL Valvetrain Innovations, Manley Performance, Skip Gladstone Racing, Alderman Automotive Machine, Booze Brothers Racing, Rhodes Custom Auto Works, Ultimate Converter Concepts, K-Star Automotive, Victory 1, Dave's Transmission, REV, Standard Abrasives, Chester County Asphalt, and of course ourselves here at goDragRacing.com
Visit Ram Racing For More Details About These Fine People: Click And View The N/A Website and Forums Here
Our sincere Thanks to the Staff of Ram Racing and its racers. Atco Raceways awsome crew, and owners for the excellent track access as always. The fans of Naturally Aspirated racing that made this a superb event for all involved.
Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Shootout 2004 Series Cecil County
All Motor Drag Racing
Comments abound at many "Heads Up" races that we cover most of the time, by racers, enthusiasts and fans like; "What will it do on motor alone"? Being that almost all of the cars these days are running some sort of "Power Adder" this question or comment wasn't even in the language for the day at Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Shootout. The concept is simple almost to the point of going back to the oldest style of Pro Stocks in the earlier years. All motor, no adders and some breaks or limits for the combination you brought with you.
Rich Maitre's race embodied the pure motor vs. motor in various configurations, the only real factor being weight and tire size. Intakes, heads, and carburation were only small factors in the breaks, simple right? Bring a car running nothing but motor, make the weight, and a heavy right foot off a Pro tree.
The racers did it this Memorial Day weekend at Cecil County Dragway. Pioneering his way through some barriers, Rich Maitre put on an excellent show and promoted this event well. The gates opened to a crystal clear morning at the track in his second venture into this series. Sponsors had already come aboard early and everything was in order for a smooth fun filled day including a barbecue and the hospitality of friends that want to see this race move into a higher echelon of racing series.
Ram Racings N/A Racers:
1..Bob Hanlon 8.965 @ 152. PA. 1983 Mustang Pace Car, 360 SBF, 4bbl, Conventional Heads, Cast intake, Ladder bar, Manual Trans, 28" Tires, No Bars. Required Weight 3,050lbs.
2..John Langer 8.981 @ 152. PA. 1969 Trans Am Firebird, 477 BB Pontiac, 4bbl, Cast intake, BOPA Heads, Ladder bar, Auto, 30" Tires, Wheelie bars. Required Weight 3,150lbs Moroso / Competition Engineering Fab Shop
3..Ed Dobias 8.987 @ 150. OH. 1979 Camaro, 360 SBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Non Conventional Heads, Ladder bar, Auto, 30" tires, Wheelie bars. Required Weight 3,000lbs
4..Bill Verzilli 9.03 @ 151. NJ. 1969 RS/SS Camaro, 632 BBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Big Chiefs, Ladder bar, Auto, 30" Tires, Wheelie bars. Required Weight 3,550lbs Ram Racing / Henry Jackson Racing Engines
5..Ron Rhoades 9.05 @ 150. DE. 1968 Camaro, 410 SBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Conventional Heads, Stock Suspension, Auto, 30" Tires, No bars. Required Weight 2,850
6..Henry Jackson 9.21 @ 148. NJ. 1967 Chevelle SS, 598 BBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Non Conventional Heads, Stock Suspension, Auto, 30" Tires, No bars. Required Weight 3,450lbs Henry Jackson Racing Engines
7..Larry Rhoades 9.24 @ 147. DE. 1968 Camaro, 406 SBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Non Conventional Heads, Ladder bar, Auto, 30" Tires, Wheelie bars. Required Weight 3,100lbs
8..Eric Heidingsfelder 9.41 @ 143. DE. 1980 Malibu, 434 SBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Conventional Heads Ladder bar, Auto, 28" Tires, No Bars. Required Weight 3,000lbs
9..Jay Beeler 9.61 @ 139. PA. 1967 Camaro, 555 BBC, Dual 4bbl's, Sheet metal intake, Conventional heads, Backhalf, Auto, No Bars. Required Weight 3,475lbs
10.Brian Klecko 10.13 @ 133. PA. 1977 Chevy Nova, 360 SBC, 4bbl, Cast intake, Conventional Heads, Backhalf, Auto, 30" Tires, No Bars. Required Weight 2,850
11. Brian Morrison registered N/T. PA. 1966 Chevy II, 418 SBC, 2 4bbl's, Sheet metal intake, Conventional Heads, Stock Suspension, Auto, 28"Tires, No Bars. Required Weight 3,125lbs
Qualifying started early as the sun was warm but some cool dense air was going to aid anyone in this event. With two full time shots, many had put up personal best's for this style of racing like Bob Hanlon Shifting his way to an 8.965 @ 152, John Langer 8.981 @ 152, and an oh so close Ed Dobias' 8.987 @ 150, taking the number one, two, and three spots respectively. How cool is that having a Ford, Pontiac, and Chevy in the top three spots within a tenth of each other. Brian Morrison came late but was added to the field, and Ed Dobias found out he couldn't make the show after the previous runs due to some problems. Bill Verzilli came extremely close to the eight's with a 9.03 @ 151 showing the big grunt mph on the top end with the Henry Jackson Powerplant. Stock looking cars, running all motor and small tires got a big notice from the stands and the racers there for a test and tune that morning.
After a short intermission the Ram Racing Shootout was underway with the racers called into the lanes. It seemed like time stopped for Round One as the test and tune racers looked on from the perfect vantage point. Bob Hanlon didn't waste his bye run and tested the track out running a 9.05 @ 152; Brian Klecko followed Hanlons lead and laid down a 10.01 @ 133 in his Nova. In a Big Block Chevy Battle Bill Verzilli stayed on track for the win with a 9.11 @151 to a losing effort by Jay Beeler 9.79 @ 128. The two stunning Chevys of Eric Heidingsfelder, and Ron Rhoades staged but as the beams broke, one bulb was red on the leave giving the win to Ron Rhodes 9.03 @150 and no time for Eric Heidingsfelder. A reaction time was going to decide the next match up as both cars in this race were within a couple hundredths, but the dreaded red came back again as Larry Rhoades no time left too soon and Henry Jackson motored on to the win with a 9.30 @ 147. The little box Nova was mystery at this point with no qualifier for him; John Langer needed to leave nothing for certain in this round. Brian Morrison whom is a Drag Radial racer is used to a little slip from the tires. He hooked hard on the 10.5's and went straight up like it was on a lever, came down harder and pulled off to the side quickly as John Langer moved into the second round with the win with a 9.02 @ 152 to a broken Brian Morrison 16.44 @ xx. Brian Morrison gets the amazing wheelstand award for the day but we are sorry about the damage he incurred.
Moving into Second Round Action the racers started to find a groove. Brian Klecko 10.22 @ 132 didn't have enough for the winning time from Bill Verzilli 9.14 @ 150. One of the more deciding matches would have been this one as John Langer 9.03 @ 152 was on a rope again, while Ron Rhoades fell off a bit from his previous times in an off pace 9.14 @ 149 loss to the Pontiac. Talk about an amazing upset, well that would have been the race of the day with the Jehrico shifted Stang paired with the big Chevelle. Henry Jackson's stock suspension BBC was already behind from the start losing to "Bangin Bob" Hanlon 8.99 @ 152 on an .059 light to Henry Jackson's .171 reaction time and 9.19 @ 148 package.
Semi Finals had the big-motored Camaro staged with the little inch Mustang as Bill Verzilli 9.17 @ 150 took the loss to Bob Hanlons 9.02 @ 152. Never at a loss for controversy in a race scenario, the question came up of what to do with John Langers Firebird that was unable to start. John rolled the car into the beams on his bye run, which made for a little drama in the pits. Rich Maitre made the decision that John's car did break the beams under its own power. John's battery failed to start the car and a neutral safety switch was to blame, but was capable of running in the next round. The finals would pit the Pontiac against the Ford.
As all racing was paused, and the Finals Competitors were announced to move into the lanes, the top of half of the track was filled with curious test and tune drivers out of their cars awaiting the outcome of this race they had witnessed all day.
Spectators were also along the fence feeling the grip of the Shootout. The smoke cleared from the burnout's, John Langer was first into the lights, Bob Hanlon staged as he did all day with a sort of rhythm. Both cars left with the wheels in the air and strong past the sixty foot, the times lit on the top end John Langer 9.03 @ 151 crossed the line first but left a red light a quarter mile back handing "Bangin Bob" Hanlon the win with a slower 9.05 @ 150. Congratulations to Bob Hanlon on his second Ram Racing Naturally Aspirated Shootout Championship, and first of 2004.
In all it was a well rounded event with everyone having an immensely enjoyable day at the races with Ram Racing, Corteco Gaskets supplied full gasket sets to hand out to participants and various stickers and goodies, Ram Racing T-Shirts and the barbecue was an added bonus. Jet Hot Coatings had coupons also for the racers for any needs they have. Jimmy Biggs was also on hand with footage recorded and to be aired soon as he gets more spots for his "Holeshot TV". Thanks Jimmy !!
When you visit an event of like this there's always something that will catch gDR's eyes in the days racing that we like to spotlight. Todd Gieslers Malibu being one, I've seen it on various websites and never saw the car in person until today, what a gorgeous car and fast. Todd is a frequent visitor here and on Malibu Racing.com and we have some great pictures of this car in action. There's no disputing that we like loud vicious race cars and what better to fill that need for the day than the "Cape Codder" Alcohol Funny Car driven by Skip Gladstone. They were on hand to sort out some bugs and wow the fans with some out of shape passes from all that power. A young lady "Kia" approached me about pictures of her car, little did I know it happened to be a Super Pro Dragster the "Little Kahuna". We gladly shot the rail and she was kind enough to pose for gDR at the fence. Neil Owens was making some test passes after the Pro Race a week ago, You just have to mention this Pro Stock Class 2002 Firebird, it plain out hauls.
Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Shootout 2004
It's All About Air !!
Reaching into new venues is not an easy task these days in the drag racing arena, Rich Maitre jumped into this late last year getting together with cars and drivers that had one goal, and that was to run a series that was all motor. You would also think there wouldn't be many takers for this as everybody wants to go fast with power adders. This was an assumption that would be proven wrong in its debut last year at Maple Grove when Ram Racing teamed up with The Northeast Pro Street Shootout and wowed the crowd with the fastest Naturally Aspirated cars in the area. Rich had combined some simple rules to keep a level playing field by adding minor limitations, such as tire size, weight limitations, and intake configurations. After the first maiden run of the series it looked as if Rich Maitre was into something he has been looking for many years now come into its own. After a bitter winter and little racing in the Northeast Rich Maitre took his talents to the phone, E Mails, and countless hours with friends and racers to produce this years Ram Racings Naturally Aspirated Shootout. The response Rich had gotten from everyone was nothing that wouldn't be expected after such a fine showing the previous year. New sponsors came aboard and the outlook was so positive that this was going to keep Rich's fantasy ride moving in the right direction. The Ram Racing Naturally Aspirated shootout would now be hosted at one of the most well known tracks and is considered one of the fastest also on the East Coast. Cecil County Dragway was his choice and much to the pleasure of the racers as the track is well within a short drive for most of them. Rich had stayed in touch with me until the night before and I was pretty much awake for the whole night looking forward to this season series opener and getting to see the best there is do it without the aids that we usually are accustomed to.
I jumped onto I95 with an unusual anticipation quite early, upon entering the track I found Rich and his wife Tina already set up and in complete control of the day?s event in the area Cecil County had provided. Ram Racing's registration had some very cool stuff for those that came by such as the newest T Shirts, full gaskets set from Corteco, and a lunchtime chicken barbeque. I had my usual 4 cups of coffee although it was a beautiful and very warm day and promptly moved down to trackside to get as much of the racing as I could on film, which was my part in this deal. Cecil County's regular program ran as usual, the stands and pits were filled with the racers and fans awaiting the first round of qualifying. As the Shootout contestants pulled into the lanes a huge curiosity was abound on the looks of the racers that were awaiting the regular schedule. Many that know Cecil County, the placement of the lanes is a great view for everyone that normally can't see the action going on like at other tracks. I was in the perfect spot to hear the comments made from the racers in the lanes and had a little time to talk with them; I didn't find anyone that wasn't impressed with the quality of the format and the diverse nature of cars that were going to proceed with the qualifying runs.
Many of the racers had made changes to meet the rules and would be a new venture for allot of them, but out of the blue they all did great right from the first call. Bob Hanlon, last years Maple Grove N/A champ and his "real" 83 Mustang pace car set the tone of the day by getting into the 8's on his first shot with an 8.96 @ 152, followed by John Langers big block Pontiac powered 69 Trans Am with another sub 9 second pass at 8.98 @ 152. Ed Dobias had it right also by hitting the 8's with an 8.98 @ 150 but found later that he had hurt the car and couldn't return. Bill Verzilli, one of my favorite racers to watch stunned me when I saw how well the car moved off the line without the normal 10.5W's he uses and ran through the quarter mile at 9.03 @ 151. Ron Rhoades was equally impressive with a stout 9.05 @ 150 in his gorgeous 68 SBC Camaro. Henry Jackson who is a major sponsor for this race and his legendary 1967 Chevelle SS 598 was not a slouching with a 9.21 @ 148. Larry Rhoades 9.24 @ 147 was not far behind in his sparkling clean 68 Camaro with small block power. Eric Heidingsfelder's 9.41 @ 143 put him in a great spot on the ladder in his show quality 1980 Malibu. Jay Beeler was new at this game and had one of the most intimidating combos out of all the cars ran a traction limited 9.61 @ 139. Brian Klecko's 10.13 @ 133 was nothing to feel comfortable with by any means by the other racers, they all know the potential of this usually big tire car and its full potential. With every ones blessing the little 66 Nova of Brian Morrison was gladly let into the race although there was not enough time to qualify for him. This is why I love this group of guys, they want to race and don't care who they have to run against, and the Memorial Day weekend ladder was set.
With the cars cooled down and the lanes filling for the first round, more spectators started to crowd around the fence to see what was up with these street appearing cars that were into the 8 second zone. John Langer was paired with the untested Nova of Brian Morrison, but John would leave nothing on the table not knowing what the car in the lane opposite was capable of. John Langer took the win bulb with a 9.02 @ 152 while Brian Morrison Found the bite of the slicks to be quite different from that of the drag radials he's accustomed and proceeded to put it straight up in the air on the bumper and back down hard on his first attempt and round loss. Henry Jackson took the win light with a 9.30 @ 147, against Larry Rhoades with a red light on the leave. Eric Heidingsfelder also felt the dreaded red bulb as Ron Rhodes 9.03 @150 was on track to give the next round competitor a fight with some great ET and mph in the heat of the day. Bill Verzilli stayed on track for the win with a 9.11 @151, against the again traction limited Jay Beeler 9.79 @ 128. Two bye runs were left open for Bob Hanlon who tested out the heat soaked track but still managed a 9.05 @ 152, while Brian Klecko followed Halos lead and laid down a 10.01 @ 133 in the 77 Nova.
With the tire limitations starting to come into play the heat from the track made for some interesting second round action, as Bill Verzilli slowed a little but still took the win with a 9.14 @ 150 to Brian Klecko?s loosing 10.22 @ 132 effort. Ron Rhoades also felt the heat of the day as his ET fell off in a match up of two very close cars but John Langer had his act together and stayed the course with a winning 9.03 @ 152 to Ron Rhoades loosing 9.14 @ 149, what an awesome race. Henry Jackson had his hands full with the little Mustang of Bob Hanlon, Bob Hanlon moved into the next round and also put up the only 8 second pas of the round as Henry Jackson?s 9.19 @ 148 wasn't enough for the Blazing 8.99 @ 152 run by Bob Hanlon.
Bob Hanlon was putting on the pressure already with the winning times he had shown in earlier rounds, Bill Verzilli was paired with Bob in the semi final and the 9.17 @ 150 wouldn't be enough to get past the Mustang of Bob Hanlon taking the win and the move to the finals with a 9.02 @ 152. John Langer found himself with a starting problem and of course the controversy comes into play at this time. John had rolled his car into the beams and took his bye run with that and was towed back to the pits, some small questions were raised but the fact was that the rules are clear and nothing was wrong in the eyes of Rich Maitre. All you need on a bye run is to break the beams. Leaving John Langer go to the Finals against Bob Hanlon.
The Little inch Mustang of Bob Hanlon had shown its muster so far during its rounds and John Langer was also equally there in ET and mph. with both cars staged after the burnouts I couldn't help but notice the amount of fans and racers who stayed to see this final. The tree dropped and both were out fast but one would be out faster than the tree as the red bulb was on in John Langer?s lane handing Bob Hanlon the win with a slower 9.05 @ 150 to John Langers quicker 9.03 @ 151. This put "Bangin Bob Hanlon" into the winners circle for the second time out of the two races so far. A very impressive day of racing, fun, and all around sportsmanship was what the Ram Racing Naturally Aspirated Shootout was all about. I was pleased to be a part of it with these extraordinary racers, sponsors, and true fans of "Heads Up" racing.
Plans are already in the works for more from Ram Racing including a major part in the upcoming and promising American Iron Shootout IV, as a guest class. Rich has put many hours into his already long days to make these races possible and it's what he lives for as most of you know him from his head work, NSCA Hot Street competition, and writing in the RPM / NSCA Street Car Shootout magazine.
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