Sunday was one of the best race days of the season. First, Mother Nature really went out of her way to make up for the rain she dumped on us when this race was originally scheduled back in May. Second, because this was the last Rockett Brand Racing Fuel Bracket race of the season, the Championships were decided. Also, the final points were decided in all classes with the resulting team representing Route 66 for next month's Indy established. Third, it was the National Dragster Challenge with the Wally presented in the five classes.
Today, was a special birthday, his 21st, for Vince Capogniro. Vince's Dad, Mario was crew chiefing for his son today. Happy Birthday, Vince!
First up for the day, was the two rounds of qualifying for all classes, including the Junior Drag Racing League cars. During the qualifications, there were ten perfect .000 lights. There were two from the same family when Tori Trench (photo above) got one on her bye pass and brother TJ Trench, also got one. In Eliminations, TJ red lighted with a .002. I would say he was on it!
Here are some images from the early qualifications.
When eliminations began with championships and points on the line, the racing got real serious. There was some great racing with smoking burnouts, wheel stands and a few more perfect lights. The first final to be completed was Junior Sportsman. With the Best Reaction Time, Cooper Hamelen had the bye and Brooke Becker defeated Braden Bowden. In the final, Brooke Becker took the win light over Cooper.
High School was the next class to be completed and this ended up being another family affair, with Tyler Lawson defeated his brother Connor. Not only was Tyler the winner, but also High School Track Champion.
In Pro Bike, it was Greg Darm taking home the Wally. In order to ensure his son also made it to Indy, they used the strategy of his son, Jonathan (Vickers), withdrawing at the line and Greg rolling across the line to take the win.
In the Junior Modified Class it was Nick Cannon edging out Tori Trench for the win. With her perfect light earlier in the day, she took home the Best Reaction Time trophy. There is one more race left to determine the Championship for both Sportsman and Modified.
In the Sportsman Class, it was Tony Lyons over Steve Quickel. Three time winner Paul O'Keefe red lighted earlier for the first time all season.
In the Pro ET Class, it was Ricky Pena going to his fifth final in a row to pick up his second win of the season over Ryan Alley. I asked Ricky why he didn't sign up for points this year. He stated that early on he hadn't planned in racing at Route 66 as much as he did this year. He stated he had a great season and a lot of fun, so no regrets!
In Super Pro, it was Mike Rozin winning for the second time this season. If you recall, earlier in the year, Mike had won on his Dad's birthday. This time he takes home the Wally! In addition, with the win, he leapfrogged Dominic Bowden to take the Championship.
Here are some images from the Eliminations:
Our Track Champions in action:
Congratulations to all our winners and especially our Track Champions. At the end of the day and season, the only thing left was to sign up for Indy!
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