Great Job in Atlanta by the Alky Cars

Unfortunately, I was only able to go on Friday, but it was a great show (probably the best in Southern Nationals history)by all of the TAD and TAFC teams. A 5.60 bump in TAD with 22 entrants was worth the price of admission all by itself. Also, we just about had a full 16 car FC field, with many quality runs on Friday. I wish I had been able to come on Sunday as eliminations (especially FC) could not have been any better.

It was good to meet some of you guys (Len Cottrell, Will Hanna, Jason Cannon's dad, the Snyders, Marty Thacker, Dave DeAngelis, Dave Smith, etc).

There were alot of good, quality runs made by almost every team. Dave DeAngelis ran 2 5.55's and then gave Ashley Force a great first round race. If you think about the budget differences between the two teams (Ashley's team probably spends more in one day than Dave's team does all year), it is amazing how close it was. Of course Mike Gunderson came out in the first qualifying run and ran 5.35, which was over a tenth faster than #2 at that point in the race. Mick Snyder ran two 5.77's, both of which looked great. It is amazing to think that he leaves the line using a transbrake. Mike Bell came all the way from Hawaii (or is it Iowa) and ran incredibly consistant all weekend with a 5.71 best. Bruce Mullins ran 5.9's all event - very clean looking runs. Chuck Cheeseman was not running as consistantly as normal, but his 5.69 was an awesome pass. Paul Gill and Paul Lee were running great, staying right up there with the three "hitters" for most of the weekend. Of course, David Wells and Marty Thacker were the fastest blown alky dragsters, both dipping into the 30's, which were the fastest BAD times that I have ever witnessed.

Good luck throughout the rest of the year guys and thanks for a great race. It is irritating that NHRA does not treat you guys better because there is no way anyone could say that the alky classes don't deserve top notch treatment and more purse, not only at the national events but also at the divisional races.

TJ Turner

 

thanks for the mention , tj. its a shame i had ignition problems that made the car run like it had a govenor on it all weekend, at least it came home in one piece.

 

Bruce, you going to Indy?

 

Bruce - what do you think you would have run without the ignition problems? Also, you have a great looking car - come on down to Div 2 anytime.

 

thanks for the envite , i wish div.2 was closer to home. bristol is the closest at 6 hours. the other divisionals are 10 - 15 hours from home. i don't want to say how fast i think it will go , it ran low 80's at maple grove in the fall on a safe tune up, and i think it has more left.only time will tell. i don't think indy is doable on the budget i have. mabey columbus definatly e-town will tell us more.