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Richard Parks |
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Gone Racin� |
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Gone Racin� to�39th Annual NHRA Auto Club Finals |
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The 39th NHRA Auto Club of Southern California Finals was held on November 6-9, 2003, at the Pomona Raceway Drag Strip in Pomona, California. There was some doubt that the venerable NHRA drag race would be run at all. Horrendous mountain wild fires had raged for nearly two weeks prior to the event, causing the cancellation of CART�s final race of the season at Fontana Raceway. Rain, the bane of car racers everywhere, mercifully reared its head and brought the raging fires under control, only to threaten to bring the Finals to a halt. But the skies held their moisture, and the NHRA officials sped up their schedule, bringing the season ending race to a successful end. Excitement prevailed everywhere and the pent up frustration of the weather only encouraged the fans and racers to enjoy every moment. Shirley Muldowney ended her professional career with a first round win, in a side by side race, nearly losing by going over the center line, but bringing her car back and winning a close race at the finish line. This consumate lady of class and professional skill will be deeply missed on the racing circuit as a driver, but with luck, drag racing fans will see her again as a team owner or spokesperson for the sport. John Force, in pain from a recent accident that gashed both hands and required the Emperor of the Funny Cars to have 40 stitches in his hands, climbed back in his funny car and gave it his most courageous effort. Gripping the wheel in great discomfort, with bandages unraveling, Force kept alive a streak of qualifying that goes back to the 1980�s. Climbing out of his car, with smoke billowing, he kept his hands coiled, grimacing with pain but undaunted by the effort. |
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The championships had been mostly decided by the time the Finals had rolled around, but the enthusiasm of the crowds was unabated. We met Norm Weekly and the crew members of the Frantic Four in the pits. He explained how they are putting forward a proposal to exhibit their car, and promote the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at every race at next years NHRA tour, and perhaps for the other drag racing sanctioning groups. The Frantic Four is looking for sponsorships to help them make their dream come true. Other nostalgic groups included the 1320 club, founded to honor Doris Herbert and the Drag News, the Cal-Rods car club, and other early day racing clubs. Rosalie Noble waved hello from the DRAW tent. The dedicated volunteers of DRAW assist injured drag racers with their expenses while they are recovering and keep in contact with these racers while they are rehabilitating. There is no finer group in all of drag racing. The manufacturers Bazaar stretched out endlessly in the pits and drew a large crowd of spectators. This is the place to come to get your questions answered and pick up that special part that you need. The pits are expanding with bigger rigs, and more tents, and it is an all day effort just to walk around and see all the activity there. It is a place that should not be overlooked. Not only can you watch as the crews furiously take an engine apart, and then reassemble it, miraculously in just minutes, but get a photo and an autograph from your favorite racer. Don�t forget the comp classes in the back of the pits. They come from all over the country, and offer the race fans some of the most competitive racing ever. |
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The open house at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on Friday drew a large crowd of fans and racers. Always a favorite of mine, it starts around 5pm, just after the day�s racing ends. Kenny Bernstein, who had returned to active racing after the injury to his son, Brandon, won his fourth race in five starts to end the season for Budweiser on a torrid note. Larry Dixon Jr, the master of consistency, won the Top Fuel Title. Tony Pedregon won the yearlong Title in Funny Car, and then announced that he is thinking of leaving John Force Racing to form a team with his brother, Cruz Pedregon. Greg Anderson capped a very successful season in Pro-Stock to win that overall Title. Geno Scali won the Title for Pro-Stock Bike. The NHRA racing season came to an end Monday night at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood where the Awards Ceremony was held. Similar in style to the Oscars, the NHRA Awards Ceremony is faster, better paced, the drivers and emcees are hilarious to listen to, and best of all, open to the public. Reservations are required, and it is formal attire. A standing ovation was given to the Queen of Drag Racing, Shirley Muldowney, and she regaled the audience with her story and her gratitude for those who helped her along the way. |
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Gone Racin� is at [email protected] or visit their website at www.oilstick.com |
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