Shutter Speed Racing

Byron Dragway - Diesel Drags w/ Test & Tune and World Record!

10/31/2021

Brett Deutsch

Saturday, at Byron Dragway was a day of firsts! This was my first Byron Diesel Drags Presented by Superior Automotive. Back in the day, I had covered an earlier iteration of this event at Route 66 Raceway. This was also my first witnessing of a World Record.

Brett Deutsch, from Elburn, Il., brought his 1969 C10 Duramax to attempt to break the world record for a non-dragster Duramax vehicle. The time to beat was 7.44 in the quarter mile. On Brett's first attempt, at about the 300 foot mark, the truck broke traction and got a severe tire shake. Brett backed out of it and re-gained control.

On the second attempt, the truck launched well but something wasn't quite right and Brett had to get out of it, again.

On the third attempt, the truck launched really well witnessed by the title photo. It wasn't an easy run as the truck started to drift left. Brett was able to keep control and hit the stripe with a 7.289 at 175.41 mph to break the world record!

Here are more images of the world record breaking day. Congratulations Brett!

Brett's wasn't the only diesel vehicle at Byron Saturday. There was a large contingent diesels putting on a great show.

There were several awards for the diesel vehicles. One of which was for overall fastest. That was won by Adam Twarowski from Warren Mi.

There was also a small Gamblers Race. In the final, it was Robert Hill, Beloit, Wi., vs Gil Odjick, Byron, Il. Both broke out at the stripe, however Robert ran closer to his dial-in to take the win.

Besides the racing trucks, there were several display diesel trucks. This is Austin Ingram's, Bristol Wi., 2016 Super Duty. It had a unique tranmission cover. Austin has two other trucks, an 05 and 08 and is looking for a 97.

And there was Preston Lewis's, Gilberts, Il., 2014 F250.

In addition to the on-track diesel trucks there was a Test & Tune happening.

During the Test & Tune, I saw the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air of Don Dumdie, driven by Brian Dumdie, approach the starting line. I though it was unusual that a normal bracket car would be testing this late in the season. I found Don and he explained that at the Indy Brackets, they broke the crankshaft in the motor. They were all ready to replace that motor in the off-season. To get a jump on next season, they installed the motor and came to test. They are trying to work out some of the bugs in the total car.

There was also a dragster licensing this Saturday. I saw Rob and Dana Highland with the car and assumed their daughter Mikayla was licensing as she is leaving the Junior ranks. Then I saw Jim Schubbe with the car. Now, I didn't know who was in the car because Jim's daughter Kamryn is also graduating to the "big" car from juniors. I caught up with the families and learned that Kamryn was in the car. Her dad, Jim, stated they have a dragster for her to drive in Super Pro bracket racing next season.

All told this was a great race day, with all kinds of action and surprises. Several diesel trucks had catastrophic failures, a world record and a great show put on by the diesels.

This is my last on-track event for 2021. While it was a trying season, at the end I was sad to call it over. Almost every year, by the time you get to October, you are looking for some down time. You've been at a race track almost every weekend from April through October. You are tired mentally, physically and your equipment is tired. However, this season I was forced to the sidelines until July. During the dog days of summer, I was just trying to get back on my game. Saturday was the best I have felt all season. I am looking forward to 2023. I want to thank everyone for their support this year and hope to see many at PRI in December. If not, we will see you next season.

To see all of Saturday's photos please click here.

If you see something interesting and wish to order, please click on the "Ordering" tab at the top of the page or here.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - Fall Bracket Nationals Race Weekend

10/11/2021

0 Comments

This past weekend, Byron Dragway hosted the Fall Bracket Nationals. This was the last bracket race for the 2021 season. Saturday was the Super Pro Box/No Box race. There was one Time Trial pass for all cars, followed by the first round of eliminations. Here is some of the action.

The No-Box cars ran seven rounds before reaching the finals. In the final it was Steve Roehrs, Federic Wi., against Cross Plains, Wi.' Taylor Schlueter. Steve was killing the tree all day with his worst light being a .036 on his bye run. Before that his worse light was a .014. That continued in the final with a .011 to Taylor's .066. Taylor tried to lead at the stripe, however in so doing he broke out, 7.042 on a 7.05 DI. Steve ran a 6.443 on a 6.40 to take the No-Box win a spot in the $4,000 Super Pro final.

Steve Roehrs foreground, Taylor Schlueter background

After seven rounds of eliminations, the Box final came down to Tim Vincent, St. Charles, Il., against Stephen Liss, West Bend Wi. In a very close race, it was Tim Vincent taking the win light. Tim was slightly better on the tree .042 to Stephen's .047. However, it was Stephen running closer to his dial-in 5.095 on a 5.09 DI to Tim Vincent's 5.080/5.07. Tim won by .0001. It doesn't get much closer than that!

As darkness closed in on the track, Tim Vincent and Steve Roehrs turned their cars around quickly to run for the winner's $4,000 Big Check! At the tree Tim was slightly quicker with a .018 RT to Steve's .024. At the stripe, Tim took the win light with a 5.069 on a 5.06 DI. Steve broke out slightly with a 6.423 on a 6.43 DI.

It was a long day of racing, but the racing was quite spectacular. It appeared, everyone was pushing everything to the limit.

Sunday

The day broke with a lot of rain clouds stretching as far as the eye could see. The forecast was not looking particularly good. Because of the threat of rain and the addition of classes to the schedule, Staff decided to start earlier than announced. They were in the "Hurry-up Mode". About half way through Pro Eliminator time trials, it started to rain. The action was stopped, but the rain didn't. After several hours, the rain let up and track drying started. The sun was out briefly and as the track was nearly dry, the clouds rolled in and it started raining with lightning and thunder this time. After a period of time, it was clear that there weren't enough daylight hours left in the day to get the track dry to start racing again. The decision was made to call a rainout that would not be made up. The Byron Staff did everything humanly possibe to get this race in, but Mother Nature had a different thought. This concluded the Bracket racing season.

Here are a few images from the racing prior to the rain.

I want to thank the entire Byron Staff for allowing me to cover the Big Bucks Bracket 2021 season. Due to my early season health issues, I wasn't able to get out until around mid-season. I hope I was able to capture some of the racer's memories. I will probably be out for the Diesel Drags in late October so I hope to see everyone there.

There are two albums covering this weekend and here are the links:

For Saturday click here.

For Sunday click here.

If you see something that interests you, it can be ordered by clicking here or on the Ordering tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

Rockford Speedway - National Short Track Championship-Day 2

10/4/2021

0 Comments

Rich Bickle

On Saturday evening I arrived at the Rockford Speedway a little later than normal due to working a race at the Byron Dragway. The Heat races were nearing the end. When I was allowed into the infield, I needed to reconfigure my equipment from drag racing to stock car racing.

The first of six feature races was the Midwest Dash Series. This was a 50 lap race starting 20 cars. The race was slowed on Lap 1 when the #50 car crashed between turns 3 and 4. The cars were put under caution on Lap 5 for light rain and restarted after a short delay. The attrition rated was high for this race as there were only seven cars running at the end. Loves Park's George Sparkman #5 won the race.

Next up was the Sportsmen Class with 15 cars racing in the 30 lap feature. There were several cautions as the racing was quick and furious. On Lap 28, Robert Hansberry of Beloit, Wi. took the lead and brought home the checkers.

In the third feature of the night was a new class for me that I had not seen run. This was the 602 Late Model Series. This Series is a late model chassis with outlaw style body and a crate engine. Tonight, there were only 7 cars starting the 35 lap race. On Lap 3, four cars were involved in a dust-up between turns 1-2. All the cars were able to continue. At the end of the race, it was Onslow, Iowa's Dennis Miller taking the win. Dennis hadn't raced at Rockford in 21 years. Welcome back, Dennis.

The fourth feature was the first of the two Rich Bickle Invitation 45's for the Super Late Models. There were 16 cars taking the green with Ricky Bilderback #2 leading the pack. On Lap 11, Bilderback unexpectedly spun. It was suspected something broke. This gave the lead to Austin Nason who cruised to the victory.

Next up were the Hobby Stocks with a 20 lap feature and 14 cars starting. On Lap 6, an unusual thing happened when a car drove straight off the track, down the ramp to the pits without slowing down! I never found out who the driver was. The racing was tight throughout the race and in turn 4 the #52 got into the #33 of Jimmy Robinson causing a spin. The #52 took the checkered flag, however the win was awarded to Jimmy Robinson from Beloit, Wi.

In the final feature of the night, it was the second of the 45 lap Super Late Model races. Due to the Bilderback retirement in the first, 15 cars started this second race. On Lap 3, Rich Bickle drove to the lead followed by Austin Nason #14. Austin continually pressured Bickle #45, however Rich was able to hold him off and take the win and the combined overall win.

Rich Bickle has become a midwest racing legend and this was a very popular win!

This night's racing had it all! A lot of good racing and a fitting way for a Champion to end his career at Rockford.

This concludes my reports from the NSTC as I have another assignment on Sunday. It had been nearly two years since I had been to Rockford Speedway and it was fun to be back.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - Power Wheel Standing Championship Sunday

10/4/2021

0 Comments

Chris Pearce

Sunday morning was a very wet one. Overnight there was a downpour, twice. The Byron staff was out drying the track and again very early in the morning. They did yeoman's work to get the track prepped for racing. Finally, Mother Nature helped as the sun popped out and the track was finally dried and prepped to race.

Midwest Index Shootout was the first out for their first round of eliminations.

This was quickly followed with first round eliminations for Midwest Top Sportsman.

At this point, Mother Nature took back what it had given us earlier and the clouds rolled in and the rain fell. Byron staff immediately got to work trying not to lose the track, too badly. After several hours, as the rain tapered off, they gained ground. When the rain stopped, they were on the way to a dry track.

Due to the lateness of the day, it was decided to call the support series races complete and move forward with the main event, The Wheel Standers! There would be two rounds with two runs per round

The field of fifteen cars lined up and Jeff Wild came out first. He set the benchmark for the rest of the field at approximately 270 feet.

Here is some of the action:

In the first round, 7-time Champion Brian Ambrosini, in the orange Gremlin had a nitrous problem. In the pits, they scrambled to get ready for the second round. As it approached the line, the crew noticed something leaking from underneath the car and they immediately had to shut the car down. It turned out to be a bad oil fitting. They had to retire from the event.

This left the door wide open for Chris Pearce in the "Chinto". In 2020, in this same event, Chris ended up on his roof. Before this event, he announced this would be his last go around for the Wheel Standing Championship. At the tree, he gave it his all and put the "Chinto" on its back bumper and traveled 410 feet to win the the event and his second championship!

Second place was taken by Jeff Wild and third went to Jason Schubert.

Here are the full results of the event.

wheel_stand_results_2021__1_.pdf

Track Bites

When Dave Pearce announced this was his last go around, he invited all the fans to sign the hood of the "Chinto" so he could take them along on the ride.

Launching Larry with the Bad Fish Barracuda had been practicing all month for this event. Apparently, he decided since he was at the track he might as well run with the Midwest Index Shootout. He obviously had to tone it down a little.

For a day that threatened a rain out, the fans showed their support and came out in droves!

This was a day that Mother Nature tried to stop, but with the hard work of the Byron staff, they won the day! Byron 1 Mother Nature 0!! It was a great day.

To see all the images of Sunday's action, please click here.

If you see something of interest, it may be ordered by clicking here or on the "Ordering" tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - World Power Wheel Standing Championship Weekend-Saturday

10/4/2021

0 Comments

Launching Larry Jeleniewski

This past weekend was the World Power Wheel Standing Championship Presented by Don's Auto Parts & Machine Shop . The Saturday portion of the event consisted of Midwest Index Shootout and Midwest Top Sportsman qualifying for Sunday and some of the entered wheel standers testing. With the anticipated bad weather not making it's appearance, the Series decided to run Gamblers races. The Midwest Index Shootout would run two race classes and the Top Sportsman, one.

Here are some pics of the qualifying and the gamblers races.

In the Midwest Index Shootout Gamblers Race it was Rob Moore and Ed Frost winning their classes (at least that was what I was told).

In Top Sportsman, it was Troy Finner racing in the final against Bob Romano in Rick Zirk's car. Troy took home the $1200 prize with the win!

Track Bites

Steve Malek was on property with his Plymouth Xtreme Bird Pro Mod.

Steve made several passes, setting his best time a Byron Dragway!

In the grandstand, Chauncey was celebrating his bachelor party with friends at the racetrack. Congratulations on his upcoming nuptials and to his beautiful Bride!

On Saturday, the weather report was full of doom and gloom for a rainy day. What actually happened? Hardly a drop of rain fell. Byron was able to complete the program with the addition of Gamblers races. It only proves that you must come out to the track!

To see the rest of the day's action action, please click here.

If you see something of interest it can be ordered here or by clicking on the Ordering tab a the top of the page.

0 Comments

Rockford Speedway - 56th National Short Track Championships - Friday

10/4/2021

0 Comments

Friday night was the opening race sessions for the 56th annual National Short Track Championships. This year there was a format change. In the past the Sunday main event was a 200 lap super late model race. This year as a salute to Rich Bickle retiring, there will be twin 45 lap features Saturday night. This is the Rich Bickle Super Late Model Invitational with sixteen drivers competing. Friday night had five Feature races. Before the Features could run, there had to be the Heat races to decide the final starting order. These are the winners of those races.

The first of the feature races were the Bandits. This was a 25 lap race with 20 cars starting. The race ended the way it started with Machesney Park's #2 John Riggs leading all the laps and taking the checkers.

After the Bandits, it was the American Short Trackers turn. This was a 30 lap Feature with 17 cars taking the green. Kyle Stark, #19, from Marshall, Wi. took the lead on the first lap and led the rest of the way to take the checker flag.

Next up were the Late Models. This feature was 40 laps with 18 cars starting. On the pace laps, long time Rockford competitor, Jon Reynolds Jr., had an oil line come loose and went to the pits. Fortunately, with some fast work, they were able to get it fixed and Jon re-joined the field before the start. He did have to start at the rear. On lap 28, Roscoe's Austin Nason, #14, took the lead and won a hard fought battle with second place Josh Thiering.

Following the Late Models, it was the Roadrunners turn. This was a 25 lap Feature with 13 cars taking the green. Turn 2 seemed to be giving a couple drivers problems with two cautions there. In the end it was Loves Park's Austin Fowler taking the victory.

The last race of the evening was a 20 lap race for the Season Championship for the Sixers. Twenty-four cars started and at the finish it was Matt Moore from Tomah, Wi., taking the race win.

And it was Kody Parks taking the season Championship.

On the first night of the Rockford Speedway's 56th National Short Track Championships, I want to congratulate all the winners.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - Big Bucks Bracket Racing

8/25/2021

0 Comments

Because of the Saturday rain delay it was a late night followed by an early Sunday morning at Byron Dragway. The weather forecast called for zero rain. With four classes and two sub-classes of one, there was a large contingent of race cars. After the time trials, the Street Eliminator class was the first out for eliminations.

In Street Eliminator there were sixteen cars entered and not saying it was easy, however Rob(ert) France, in his '07 Trailblazer, marched through three elimination rounds in workmanlike fashion to secure a place in the finals against Ted Thompson in his '12 Mustang. In the second and third rounds, Ted had reaction times of .002 and .003, respectively. In the Final, Ted with the slower car, launched first with a respectable R/T of .057 however that was beaten slightly by Rob with a .051. Starting almost a second and a half behind, Rob chased Ted down beating him to the stripe running closer to his dial-in of 12.57 with a 12.662 to Ted's 14.25/14.386.

Both were entered in Sportsman, but were eliminated in that class' third round.

Rob France

In Sportsman, with twenty-five cars entered, there was stiff competition by a large group of experienced, winning drivers. Through four rounds of competition, Jeff Toepper stood out with consistent reaction times (.049, .052, .077,.057) to make the Finals against Tom Higgins. Tom was not as consistent with the tree and this continued in the Finals when he went red by -.091. This handed the win to Jeff.

Jeff Toepper

In Pro Eliminator, like Sportsman, there many past champions and experienced drivers waiting to take on all. Through five rounds of eliminations, the competition was fierce. Two cars stood out as they consistently cut down the tree. Both cars were green Camaros, Gary Biela and Troy Bogner. These two last met in a final at Route 66. It has been Gary's only win. Today, was slightly different when Troy cut a .018 and Gary redlighted (-.025).

Troy Bogner

In Super Pro No Box, there was a large contingent of race cars all vying for the right to challenge the Super Pro Box cars in the Final, Final for the big check. After six rounds of eliminations it came down to Shane Pope, Mt. Morris, Il., in his '74 Ford Pinto against Chad Cannon, Winnebago, Il., in his '00 Camaro. Shane had the slightly slower car so he left first. With a .011 light to Chad's .036, he led all the way in a close race running closer to his dial-in, 6.86/6.867 to Chad's 6.39/6.402.

In Super Pro Box, there was a mix of "door" cars vs dragsters. Throughout the seven elimination rounds, there was a consistent match up of the two. In the final, Collin Estes in his '14 Miller was matched against Ed Niemiec in his '00 Corvette. Ed, in the Corvette, left first and was pushed by Collin to the stripe. Ed broke out slightly handing the win to Collin, 5.38/5.378.

In the Final, Final, again, it was a dragster vs a door car. Shane Pope in his 74 Ford Pinto was the slower car and left first by a second and a half. Collin Estes in his '14 Miller dragster, after a reaction time of .005, chased down Shane, who then broke out, 6.85/6.832. Collin took the "Big" check!

Track Bites

In the Pro Elimination class, prior to the final, the two drivers, Gary Biela and Troy Bogner agreed to split the purse and then went racing. At the Winner's Circle, Gary was not going to intrude on his friend Troy's celebration. After the initial Winner's Circle, both cars were maneuvered into the Circle and both crews joined together.

Troy Bogner had a long two days. On Saturday, he raced at Cordova International Raceway getting down to three cars. Then drove home, got up early driving to Byron and winning!

During the event, I saw long time motorcycle race Greg Darm racing a 2018 Mustang. I spoke with him and he stated that he saw the motorcycle racing class shrinking and decided to switch to four wheels selling his motorcycle equipment.

Here is a little of Sunday's action.

I want to congratulate all of Sunday's winners for putting on a great show!

To see all Sunday's images, please click here.

If you see something interesting and wish to order please click here or on the Ordering tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - We Got It In - Big Bucks Bracket w/ High Stakes Gamblers Race

8/24/2021

0 Comments

Looking at the weather report Friday night for Saturday in the Byron area, it did not look good to be able to race Saturday. The report showed rain starting at 7:00 am and ending sometime around 5:00 pm. I prepared my gear as if there was going to be racing, however I thought if that forecast held there was no way. I woke early and looked at the weather report on my phone and it was totally different. There was some rain forecast for late afternoon, but there was a chance that could miss the track. I got to the track a little earlier than I had in the recent past and the racing started on time with Super Pro No Box leading off. Bob Disch, Verona, Wi., in his 71 Chevy Vega had a triple .000 reaction time to claim a bye into the second round, if necessary.

Bob Disch

Unfortunately for Bob, he lost to Mark Nettesheim in the second round. Mark marched through the field, but it wasn't easy. He won his first round when Jim Ilosvay redlighted. In the third round, he was up against Troy Boeke. Troy had a bad 1.00 reaction time to Mark's 0.26. That was the race. In the fourth round, it was a battle of Camaros when Mark won a double breakout against Chad Cannon. Mark was 0.006 closer to his dial-in than Troy. Mark raced through another round and then a bye into the Final against Mark Rosenbaum in the 1964 Corvette. Even though the Corvette ran closer to his dial-in, Mark Nettesheim cut down the tree with a 0.003 reaction time to take the "Holeshot" Super Pro No Box win!

Mark Nettesheim

In Super Pro Box, Scott LaBudde just mowed down the tree all day. Through seven rounds of eliminations, his reaction times were as followed: .012, .008, .004, .007, .011, .014 (w/Bye), and .028 to get to the final. His opponent in "Box" Final was Greg Antonioni, who took a slightly different route by redlighting in the first round and taking a "buy back" option. In the Final, Scott had the better reaction time (.022/.036) running a 4.745 on a 4.74 while Greg broke out by .007.

IIn the runoff Super Pro runoff of Box vs No Box for the big check it was Scott LaBudde vs Mark Nettesheim. Mark, in the slower car, left first with a .034 reaction time to Scott's .064. With Scott closing fast, Mark pushed it just a little to hard and broke out .007. Scott was going to be hard to beat with a 4.736 on a 4.73 dial-in.

In the High Stakes Gamblers Race, there was four rounds of competition before Nick Mistrata and Blake Vangsness faced off. Nick had the best reaction (.027/.043). Blake, with the slower car, pushed hard to stay ahead and broke out by .012. Nick ran a 4.797 on a 4.78 to take the win.

Track Bites

Earlier we talked about the weather. Mother Nature did give us a hit of rain in the late afternoon. It was a brief downpour that measured at .41 inches of rain. BJ and the staff fought a lot of standing water with high humidity for nearly 2 1/2 hours to get the track back into racing condition. It was a lot of hard work but the racing was completed.

Blake Vangsness usually drives a Chevy Nova. I took this picture last year and at the request of his Dad, Jeremy, I did a little work on it.

Last week, Blake licensed in a dragster. It seems, the Nova has a transmission problem that is going to take some time to repair. In his first time in competition in the dragster he took it the High Stakes Gamblers Final. Dana Highland asked me to find a picture to commemorate this day for Blake that she could give him. I could think of nothing better than final race against Nick Mistrata.

Don Schomer from Oswego driving his Ford Maverick was double entered in No Box and went seven straight races before losing in the Third and fourth rounds. Not to bad a day.

Here is more of Saturday's action.

Saturday, Mother Nature did try to play games, but but was defeated by the hard working Byron staff. All should be congratulated on a great effort to complete this day's racing. Sunday will be another full day of racing with no bad weather in the forecast.

To see all the day's action please click here.

If you see something of interest, it can be ordered by clicking here or on the "Ordering" tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - Midwest Super Comp Series, Two Wheel Speed, Midwest Index Shootout Series, Buick Club and TT

8/17/2021

0 Comments

Dave Livesey (Chris Lancaster car)

Sunday was another beautiful day to go racing. We have had a great run of wonderful weather weekends! This Sunday was day 2 of Midwest Super Comp and Two Wheel Speed. They were joined by the Midwest Index Series, the Buick Club and a TT.

The Midwest Super Comp Series was represented by seventeen cars, down two from Saturday. Through four rounds the competition was stiff. When it came to the finals it was Dave Livesey against Joey Fuesting. Joey was a little anxious at the line and redlighted by -.050. This gave the win to Dave. In Dave's five rounds of competition, he had a hole shot win over Mark Meier in the first round, two double breakout wins (rounds 2 & 3) and a redlight win in the finals. There are days you would rather be lucky than good!

In 890 Bike, it was another final between Chris Panko and Joe Robbins. Both had a .042 reaction time however, Joe broke out with a 8.876 on the 8.90 index giving the win to Chris.

Chris Panko (Andy Bailey in background)

In SS Bike 950, it was Gil Odjick against Joe Robbins, making another final. Gil had a great reaction time (.015) and continued to the stripe to beat Joe.

Bob Odjick

In Street Bike ET, there were three rounds until the final. In the final, it was Ted Thompson against Bob Wesley. Ted had lost in the first round, however he took advantage of a "Buy Back" to reach the final. At the start, Bob redlighted handing the win to Ted.

Ted Thompson

In Drag Bike, for a second day in a row, it was the Mike Krueger. Mike won the race with a singles pass. It was agreed by Mike and Ted Thompson not to have a race off with Mike taking the overall win.

Mike Krueger

On Sunday, the Midwest Index Shootout Series ran six classes of cars. Below is the class winner and Winner's Circle photo:

Anthony Parks - Street Brawler
Keith Deluca - Street Intimidator
Brian Payne - Street Heat
Jon Reynolds - Street Limited
Lee Kapustka - Pro Avenger
Marty Thornton - Pro Dominator

The Buick Club was represented by eight cars. Dan Rocco was the winner in a bracket style race.

Dan Rocco

Here are some more of the images from the day's action.

This was another great day of racing. The staff fought through several "oil downs" and should be congratulated for their hard work.

To see all the images from the day, please click here.

If you see something of interest, it can be ordered by clicking here, or on the "Ordering" tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

Byron Dragway - Midwest Super Comp, Two Wheel Speed & Test/Tune

8/16/2021

0 Comments

Chad Lamont

Saturday morning broke to a beautiful day. I had some morning business to attend so arrived at the dragway around 11:30am. There was a slow start to racing activities, so I really didn't miss much of the on-track racing. This day's racing consisted of Midwest Super Comp and Two Wheel Speed with a Test & Tune in between.

Midwest Super Comp

The Midwest Super Comp was represented by nineteen cars from Illinois and Wisconsin. After two rounds of Time Trials it was Delvin Shepard, Colona, Il., earning the first round bye. Near the end of the round, the Chris Lancaster dragster, driven by Dave Livesey, had a problem and had to withdraw. Super Comp went a total of four rounds before the final. Chad Lamont earned the Bye into the finals and would face Delvin Shepard. Delvin had been having consistent reaction times, .025-.028, in the previous four rounds. In the finals, for some reason Delvin went red, giving the win to multiple Super Comp Champion Chad Lamont, .035/8.90/8.960/156.15.

Delvin Shepard

Two Wheel Speed

The Motorcycles were racing in four classes, 890 Bike, SS Bike 950, Street Bike ET and Drag Bike ET with Street and Drag Bikes facing off for the overall win.

In 890 Bike, it was Wisconsin Rapids' Chris Panko defeating Joe Robbins when Joe broke out with an 8.890/8.90 to Chris' .050/8.90/8.893/147.46

Chris Panko

In SS Bike 950, It was Joe Robbins, in his second final, against Larry Sargis. Both Joe and Larry broke out with Joe running closer to the index.

Joe Robbins .046/9.50/9.448/135.52
Larry Sargis .052/950/9.441/140.72

Joe Robbins (w/Larry Sargis in background)

Street Bike went three rounds to reach the finals. In the finals it was Rockford's Ted Thompson against Dekalb's Andy Bailey. They had faced off in the first round and Andy had redlighted. He did a buy-back to get back in the race. In the finals, Andy again redlighted handing the win to Ted. Ted had seen the Andy's redlighted and cruised to the stripe.

Ted Thompson

In the Drag Bike final its Lowell, Indiana's Mike Krueger against Sandwich, Illinois' John Niles. John had the slower bike and started first, however Mike was able to chase him down and take the win light.

Mike Krueger .052/8.41/8.761/123.47
John Niles .185/9.77/10.081/126.71

Mike Krueger

The two winners, Mike Krueger and Ted Thompson of the Bike ET classes ran off against each other with Mike Krueger taking the win when Ted redlighted.

Mike Krueger and his Dad

Track Bites

During the Test & Tune portion of the day, I say a familiar Pontiac Firebird normally driven by Morgan Hixon. However, I knew that Morgan had just recently moved to Tampa, Fl. I looked around and saw her Dad, John, crew chiefing ( who drives a copper colored buick in Super Pro), her mother, Mary. I didn't see her sister Savannah! Sav usually is crew chiefing Dad or Morgan. On closer inspection, it was Sav driving. Sav had never driven on a drag strip and driven this car only once prior in a parking lot. Sav made eight passes this day and by the end of the day, you could see by the look on her face that she caught the racing bug! Good job today, Sav!!

Savannah Hixon

In the Two Wheel Speed portion of the event, Frank Criscione had a ride when the bike popped a huge wheely. Frank did a great job of saving the bike. I was able to catch it from two angles.

I ran into Dave Kovar Jr. I have watched Dave race since he was in Junior Dragsters. Now, he is driving in Midwest Super Comp. His car has a beautiful paint job that for the most part, painted himself. The taping of the car took over forty hours.

Here are some more images from the day's events.

I want to congratulate all the day's winners.

To see all the images from the day please click here. If you see something you would like to purchase please click here or on the "Ordering" tab at the top of the page.

0 Comments

<<Previous

Byron Dragway - Diesel Drags w/ Test & Tune and World Record!

Byron Dragway - Fall Bracket Nationals Race Weekend

Rockford Speedway - National Short Track Championship-Day 2

Byron Dragway - Power Wheel Standing Championship Sunday

Byron Dragway - World Power Wheel Standing Championship Weekend-Saturday

Rockford Speedway - 56th National Short Track Championships - Friday

Byron Dragway - Big Bucks Bracket Racing

Byron Dragway - We Got It In - Big Bucks Bracket w/ High Stakes Gamblers Race

Byron Dragway - Midwest Super Comp Series, Two Wheel Speed, Midwest Index Shootout Series, Buick Club and TT

Byron Dragway - Midwest Super Comp, Two Wheel Speed & Test/Tune

Archives

Categories