TA Dragster is here

2005 Lucas Oil Top Alcohol TV package

May 24, 2005

Red River Raceway Div 4 Lucas Oil series.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR: ROUND 1

1) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 14.766, 89.26 def. 6) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Camaro, broke

2) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.040, 237.88 def. 8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '03 Camaro, 6.140, 224.88

4) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Olds, 5.990, 247.75 def. 5) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.360, 222.18

3) Richard McClain, Lake Dallas, Texas, '03 Firebird, 6.010, 228.69 def. 10) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '00 Camaro, 10.947, 69.29

SEMIFINALS

Jones, 5.985, 241.37 def. McClain, broke

Burck, 6.042, 238.55 def. Lewis, foul

FINAL

Jones,5.889, 242.89 def. Burck, 6.073, 236.71

Bakersfield Lucas Oil TAFC elimination's

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round One
5) Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.845, 252.95 def.
4) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.786, 243.83;

6) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.805, 251.18 def.
3) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.795, 248.13;

2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.893, 237.09 def.
7) Hannes Wernhart, Bakersfield, Calif., '02 Firebird, 6.261, 178.35;

1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.720, 253.23 def.
8) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 10.446, 66.43;

Semifinals
Weaver, 5.834, 248.96 def. Taylor, 5.937, 240.19;
Gasparrelli, 5.786, 249.72 def. Miner, 7.870, 118.07;

Finals
Weaver, 5.873, 248.61 def. Gasparrelli, 12.690, 68.45.

May 16, 2005

Atlanta Southern Nationals TAFC qualifying and elimination's

Final qualifying

1. Frank Manzo Lucas Oil Firebird 5.644 257.97
2. Bob Newberry Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 5.653 255.48
3. Mick Snyder Torco Racing Fuels Firebird 5.749 247.93
4. Jay Payne Valvoline Camaro 5.760 254.28
5. Danny Townsend Parkertech/VIPSports Stratus 5.765 253.47
6. Mark Billington Team Re/Max Avenger 5.785 251.58
7. Billy Gibson Cindrich & Sheetz Firebird 5.786 253.56
8. Chuck Cheeseman Cheeseman Bros. Firebird 5.800 249.95
9. Bobby Martin CAP Avenger Avenger 5.825 246.62
10. Todd Veney Camaro 5.834 249.95
11. Greg Elliott Red Baron Firebird 5.973 238.60
12. Dan Pomponio Pomponio Racing Camaro 5.998 243.37
13. John Sullivan Firebird 9.531 90.62

Elimination's Round 1:

Chuck Cheeseman, Galena OH, '02 Firebird, Right lane, (0.082) 6.305 172.17 def. Billy Gibson, Chaptico MD, '04 Firebird, (0.060) 7.428 136.62

Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus, Left lane, (0.055) 5.772 253.14 def. Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '02 Camaro, (0.059) DQ-Outer Boundary

Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro, Right lane, (0.138) 5.737 243.99 def. Greg Elliott, Bedford IN, '02 Firebird, (0.051) DQ-Outer Boundary

Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls PA, '01 Avenger, Left lane, (0.115) 5.851 246.89 def. Mark Billington, Apopka FL, '01 Avenger, (0.128) 6.168 220.80

Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird, Right lane, (0.117) 5.883 217.32 def. Dan Pomponio, Berlin NJ, '00 Camaro, (0.115) 7.902 117.99

Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo, Right lane, (0.207) 5.820 201.79 def. John Sullivan, Montgomery AL, '02 Firebird, (1.571) 25.967 39.40

Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '02 Firebird, Right lane, (0.020) 5.578 258.71 was unopposed

Round 2:

B Martin, Left lane, (0.064) 5.871 245.14 def. M Snyder, (0.087) 5.976 226.05

B Newberry, Left lane, (0.137) 11.182 73.09 was unopposed

J Payne, Left lane, (0.060) 5.701 246.30 def. D Townsend, (0.041) 5.762 251.86

F Manzo, Left lane, (0.033) 6.844 158.17 def. C Cheeseman, NT-No Show

Semis

B Martin, Left lane, (0.087) 5.847 245.63 def. B Newberry, (0.109) 8.275 111.48

F Manzo, Left lane, (0.012) 5.638 255.87 def. J Payne, (0.074) 5.685 253.14

Finals

F Manzo, Left lane, (0.083) 5.622 254.33 def. B Martin, NT-Broke, could not fire car

Low ET: Frank Manzo 5.578 seconds
Top Speed: Frank Manzo 258.71 MPH

Div. 5, Great Bend TAFC qualifying and elimination's recap

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Final Qualifying
1 52 Kirk Williams, Glenwood IA, '98 Firebird 5.993 243.37 243.37
2 1 Cy Chesterman, Sioux City IA, '02 Firebird 6.025 246.35 246.35
3 41 Jackie Stidham, Chickasha OK, '00 Camaro 6.078 235.47 235.47
4 53 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '03 Camaro 6.121 228.77 228.77
5 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '96 Achieva 6.205 224.06 224.06
6 535 Gage Chaffee, Big Lake MN, '02 Corvette 6.424 225.75 225.75
7 58 Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake MN, '97 Firebird 6.456 194.35 194.35
8 54 Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer CO, '00 Avenger 12.374 65.52 65.52
Eliminations
Round 1
1) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.969, 243.28 def.
8) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.775, 153.63
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.019, 243.55 def.
7) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.792, 192.77
4) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '03 Camaro, 5.972, 238.43 def.
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Achieva, 6.262, 231.68
3) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.958, 242.76 def.
6) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.213, 232.31
Semifinals
Stidham, 5.955, 222.22 def. Chesterman, 6.113, 240.29
Williams, 5.999, 241.80 def. Moats, 7.481, 120.47
Final
Stidham, 6.006, 239.87 def. Williams, 6.043, 240.72

 

May 2, 2005

Div 4 Houston Raceway Park TAFC Results

Final Qualifying

1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.619 seconds, 256.26 mph
2) Richard McClain, Lake Dallas, Texas, '03 Firebird, 5.749, 253.71
3) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 5.750, 247.88
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.794, 244.78
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Achieva, 5.802, 236.63
6) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 5.896, 240.98
7) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.930, 251.39
8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '03 Camaro, 5.984, 234.98

Not Qualified
9) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.052, 220.55
10) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, '96 Daytona, 8.326, 144.36

Round one
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.802, 253.71 def.
9) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 15.635, 77.28

7) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.836, 252.71 def.
2) Richard McClain, Lake Dallas, Texas, '03 Firebird, 5.815, 250.46

4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.780, 248.48 def.
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Achieva, 6.877, 150.66

6) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 5.945, 240.68 def.
3) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 7.780, 119.31

Semifinals
Branch, 5.780, 253.04 def. Stidham, 5.831, 252.38
Jones, 5.780, 253.61 def. Burck, 5.988, 239.31

Final
Jones, 5.783, 252.61 def. Branch, 7.508, 120.88

Las Vegas TAFC coverage is here.

Houston gallery is here

 

April 15, 2005 Houston O'Reilly Nationals

A couple of the big name pre entries did not show at Houston last weekend but that did not mean there were not special performances at the Texas facility. 14 cars made qualifying laps making it a short field for elimination's. The absentees included Frank Manzo (medical reasons, has clearance for Atlanta) and Bucky Austin (new car delays). Bob Newberry had almost a tenth on the field and if he won his round one race against Ron Morrison he would have a bye into the semi. The expected field was supposed to be a strong enough one to perhaps make a run at the newly formed 5.40 club membership, but slightly warmer temperatures and the no shows meant the chance was a little less likely.

First round saw one big upset that would lead to a bigger story, and that was World champ Cy Chesterman shaking the tires and losing to David Ray (who ran a solid 5.65). Jay Payne struggle in qualifying and had to face Jackie Stidham and Stidham took out the world's quickest TAFC driver 5.66 - 5.69. Newberry, Branch, Jones, Kinsley and Moats all advanced to round two as well.

April 9, 2005

First round elmination's

(W) Shawn Jones (Firebird) 0.092 5.725 248.80
(L) Jimmy Jones (Texas Tremor Camaro) 0.103 5.947 221.27
(W) Tate Branch (Bar's Leaks Camaro) 0.063 5.775 251.86
(L) Gage Chaffee (Operation Interdependence Corvette) 0.091 DQ-Centerline
(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 0.079 5.592 257.63
(L) Ron Morrison (TitanGas.com Camaro) 0.151 5.853 246.84
(W) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.063 5.650 257.28
(L) Cy Chesterman (Chippewa Spring Water Firebird) 0.097 7.410 126.85
(W) Jackie Stidham (Stidham & Wilson Camaro) 0.074 5.665 246.71
(L) Jay Payne (Valvoline Camaro) 0.062 5.697 222.95
(W) Vern Moats (Kendall/SuperWinch Camaro) 0.133 5.721 250.97
(L) Steve Burck (Profax Avenger) 0.096 5.893 240.21
(W) Kebin Kinsley (Camaro) 1.858 15.258 85.50
(L) Kirk Williams (Williams Bros. Firebird) -9.999(R) NT-No Show

In the 1/4's, Newberry got the bye and went for broke in his new Monte Carlo, and came up with a 5.61. Stidham bracket raced his Camaro to a repeat 5.66 and the win over a tire shaking Vern Moats. Shawn Jones also repeated his first round et with a 5.72 and a car length win over Tate Branch (who so baldy wanted to win this race in memeory of his good friend Shelly Howard), and David Ray had over a tenth and a half on Kebin Kinsley at the stripe.

(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs & Albert Monte 0.140 5.619 255.82 was unopposed

(W) Jackie Stidham (Stidham & Wilson Camaro) 0.062 5.660 250.41 (L) Vern Moats (Kendall / SuperWinch Camaro) 0.218 8.850 93.81

(W) Shawn Jones (Firebird) 0.030 5.721 246.71 (L) Tate Branch (Bar's Leaks Camaro) 0.058 5.749 252.80

(W) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.082 5.743 235.27 (L) Kebin Kinsley (Camaro) 0.140 5.842 244.56

Newberry would face the 2004 Div 4 champ Stidham in the semis, and needed all the BNR horspower he could muster in taking a 5.59 to a quicker leaving 5.66 by Stidham. David Ray kept his and car owner Jay Blake's dream alive, as he reached the final with a close 5.74 to 5.79 win over Jones.

(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs & Albert Monte 0.078 5.595 256.45 (L) Jackie Stidham (Stidham & Wilson Camaro) 0.047 5.664 252.95

(W) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.096 5.749 252.95 (L) Shawn Jones (Firebird) 0.076 5.799 245.76

The final was set between one of the legends of the class (Bob Newberry) and a first time finalist in NHRA national event competition (David Ray). Ray got a .036 advantage off the starting line and was never behind in this race, winning with a 5.675 to Newberry troubled 7.22.

What a win for the "Follow a Dream" team and team owner Jay Blake who set out on a goal many years ago to have a Top Alcohol Funny Car and take on the big boys.

(W) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.054 5.675 254.66 (L) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 0.090 7.220 132.06

Houston gallery is here

National standings

01 Jay Payne 211 3/1
02 Tate Branch 169 2/1
03 Steve Gasparrelli 159 1/2
03 Dennis Taylor 159 1/2
05 Bob Newberry 149 2/0
06 Mark Billington 128 1/1
07 David Ray 127 2/0
08 Doug Gordon 117 1/2
09 Frank Manzo 116 2/0
10 Bret Williamson 95 1/2
11 Jackie Stidham 85 1/1
12 Shawn Jones 83 1/1
13 Steve Burck 74 1/1
13 Jimmy Jones 74 1/1
15 Cy Chesterman 73 2/0

 

Final TAFC Qualifying

1 5 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.613 256.94 256.94 2 6 Tate Branch, Artesia NM, '02 Camaro 5.708 244.96 251.30 3 1 Cy Chesterman, Sioux City IA, '02 Firebird 5.735 256.36 256.36 4 41 Jackie Stidham, Chickasha OK, '00 Camaro 5.779 249.58 249.58 5 53 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.800 248.75 248.75 6 484 Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale TX, '02 Camaro 5.804 244.47 244.47 7 455 Jimmy Jones, Cleburne TX, '99 Camaro 5.864 253.28 253.28 8 550 Shawn Jones, Albuquerque NM, '02 Firebird 5.901 195.85 195.85 9 52 Kirk Williams, Glenwood IA, '98 Firebird 5.905 230.49 247.79 10 46 Steve Burck, Corpus Christi TX, '98 Avenger 5.906 242.19 242.19 11 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.948 252.66 252.66 12 1224 David Ray, Plaistow NH, '01 Avenger 6.061 250.23 250.23 13 535 Gage Chaffee, Big Lake MN, '02 Corvette 6.291 231.28 231.28 14 47 Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City OK, '97 Camaro 6.809 143.93 143.93

 

April 8, 2005

Houston O'Reilly Nationals

TAFC Qualifying

1. Bob Newberry Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 5.718 249.49 2. Jackie Stidham Stidham & Wilson Camaro 5.779 249.58 3. Cy Chesterman Chippewa Spring Water Firebird 5.798 253.56 4. Vern Moats Kendall/SuperWinch Camaro 5.800 248.75 5. Tate Branch Bar's Leaks Camaro 5.851 251.30 6. Jimmy Jones Texas Tremor Camaro 5.864 253.28 7. Shawn Jones Firebird 5.901 195.85 8. Steve Burck Profax Avenger 5.906 242.19 9. Jay Payne Valvoline Camaro 5.948 252.66 10. Kirk Williams Williams Bros. Firebird 5.967 247.79 11. David Ray Follow A Dream Avenger 6.061 250.23 12. Gage Chaffee Operation Interdependence Corv 6.291 231.28 13. Kebin Kinsley Camaro 6.533 170.21 14. Ron Morrison TitanGas.com Camaro 6.809 143.93

 

Sorry for no recap or story from Tuscon but due to the weekend tragedy, I left the results to DRC and NHRA

Tuscon Arizona Lucas Oil event

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
First Round
5) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.983, 244.47 def.
4) Mark Woznichak, Riverside, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.949, 240.47

6) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.926, 237.21 def.
3) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.982, 239.65

2) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.797, 245.27 def.
9) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 TransAm, 7.175, 139.06

1) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.886, 243.85 def.
8) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 6.009, 232.35

Semifinals
Miner, 5.974, 239.82 def. Gordon, 5.936, 242.84
Gasparrelli, 5.872, 245.00 def. Taylor, 5.909, 238.43

Final
Gasparrelli, 5.794, 245.67 def. Miner, broke

Final Qualifying

1 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '02 Firebird 5.761 248.93
2 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '03 Firebird 5.810 244.34
3 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.845 235.27
4 703 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.848 245.32
5 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '04 Camaro 5.867 245.18
6 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.935 236.13
7 739 Hannes Wernhart, Bakersfield CA, '02 Firebird 5.951 235.84
8 7590 Ross Stickler, Chandler AZ, '03 Corvette 6.033 233.28

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 74 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '03 TransAm 6.044 236.92
10 750 Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Camaro 6.097 238.26
11 7150 Rian Konno, Rosemead CA, '02 Firebird 6.145 193.93
12 7338 Shawn Rizzone, Fontana CA, '96 Olds 6.479 202.97
13 771 Charles McLaws, Winslow AZ, '97 Firebird 6.489 209.59
14 707 Jeremy Johnson, Flagstaff AZ, '01 Avenger 7.479 144.80

March 20, 2005

Only 15 cars showed up for the 36th running of the Gatornational's, and by the time elimination's were underway, only 12 cars were in the lanes. Bobby Martin and Bobby Martindale (wow, that is weird) both were broke but the strangest deal, came from the #1 qualifier Frank Manzo. After Saturday's final qualifier Franks did not feel well and went to the local hospital. He was not cleared to run on Sunday morning. Sunday morning at 9:30 am,Newberry, David Ray (with a career best by a bunch) and Cy Chesterman were the 5.50 winners in round one.

Here are the numbers from round one.

First round

(W) Mark Billington (Team Re/Max Avenger) 0.120 5.682 254.59
(L) Vern Moats (Kendall/SuperWinch Camaro) 0.154 5.769 250.06

(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 0.173 5.580 259.06
(L) Bobby Martin (CAP Avenger Avenger) -9.999(R) NT-No Show

(W) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.113 5.565 258.24
(L) Jim Sickles (Meyers RV Super Stores Avenger)0.082 5.774 243.57

(W) Tate Branch (Bar's Leaks Camaro) 0.077 5.704 255.82
(L) Jeff McCulloch (McCulloch Engines Camaro) 0.065 6.248 217.23

(W) Mick Snyder (Toroco Racing Fuels Firebird) 0.108 5.701 247.25
(L) Danny Townsend (Parkertech/VIPSports Stratus0.068 5.750 254.23

(W) Jay Payne (Valvoline Camaro) 0.080 5.673 250.48
(L) Billy Gibson (Cindrich & Sheetz Firebird) 0.094 5.820 245.76

(W) Cy Chesterman (Chippewa Spring Water Firebir0.099 5.578 257.73
(L) Bobby Martindale (Mechanicsville Dodge Dayto-9.999(R) NT-No Show

(L) Frank Manzo (Lucas Oil Firebird) 1.196 NT-No Show
was unopposed

In the 1/4's, only Newberry kept up the performance, but he had a tough one against the 2004 world champ Cy Chesterman. A 2/100ths hole shot by Chesterman and a 5.606 to Newberry's .069 rt and a 5.574 gave a 1/100th's of a second victory to the Division one driver. Billington got a bye due to the Manzo no show and single the round before. Snyder got by Houston Div winner Tate Branch, and Jay Payne moved on to the semi finals (he won his first pro mod race this weekend) with a win over the newest hitter David Ray.

In the semi finals, Billington advanced to the final round with an upset over Payne and Newberry got an easy win over A tire shaking Mick Snyder.

The final saw a distinct under in Mark Billington take on the 5.50 machine that was Bob Newberry. The 'Newb' had too much power this weekend, and took a car length and a half win over Billlington 5.59 to 5.73.

No first inductee to the "5.40 club" but thanks to David Smith, Securenym.Inc and Northern Thunder racing for helping to sponsor the program.

Round two

(W) Mark Billington (Team Re/Max Avenger) 0.093 5.897 244.29 was unopposed

W) Jay Payne (Valvoline Camaro) 0.111 5.826 230.94 (L) David Ray (Follow A Dream Avenger) 0.061 8.807 99.61

(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline / Childs & Albert Monte Carlo) 0.069 5.574 257.58 (L) Cy Chesterman (Chippewa Spring Water Firebird) 0.049 5.606 259.74

(W) Mick Snyder (Toroco Racing Fuels Firebird) 0.113 5.682 250.76 (L) Tate Branch (Bar's Leaks Camaro) 0.015 5.789 253.73

Semi Finals

(W) Mark Billington (Team Re/Max Avenger) 0.141 5.753 253.09 (L) Jay Payne (Valvoline Camaro) 0.122 5.837 251.18

(W) Bob Newberry (Valvoline/Childs & Albert Monte Carlo) 0.129 5.581 257.21 (L) Mick Snyder (Toroco Racing Fuels Firebird) 0.050 16.008 49.15

Final round

(W) Bob Newberry 0.106 5.591 256.26 (L) Mark Billington 0.049 5.734 253.73

 

In qualifying, the first event of the year that had a strong potential for the first 5.40 lap in History, with cool condition's and a stellar line-up of cars with four of the top five running cars in attendance, the first member of the SpeedZone Magazine "5.40 club". Friday's lone session (due to weather) produced a 5.56 best by Manzo. On Saturday, a number of teams improved and Manzo was included as he ran a career best 5.523 that was the 3rd quickest run in history.

Here is the final order from Gainesville

March 19, 2005

Gainesville final TAFC qualifying

1. Frank Manzo Lucas Oil Firebird 5.523 261.02 2. Cy Chesterman Chippewa Spring Water Firebird 5.560 260.94 3. Tate Branch Bar's Leaks Camaro 5.564 257.58 4. Jay Payne Valvoline Camaro 5.574 260.04 5. David Ray Follow A Dream Avenger 5.650 253.87 6. Mick Snyder Toroco Racing Fuels Firebird 5.650 250.83 7. Bob Newberry Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 5.664 255.82 8. Vern Moats Kendall/SuperWinch Camaro 5.697 252.80 9. Mark Billington Team Re/Max Avenger 5.773 252.88 10. Bobby Martin CAP Avenger Avenger 5.788 225.96 11. Danny Townsend Parkertech/VIPSports Stratus 5.796 248.13 12. Jim Sickles Meyers RV Super Stores Avenger 5.818 242.32 13. Billy Gibson Cindrich & Sheetz Firebird 5.943 243.04 14. Jeff McCulloch McCulloch Engines Camaro 6.181 225.00 15. Bobby Martindale Mechanicsville Dodge Daytona 9.576 90.94

Friday qualifying Gainesville

1. Frank Manzo Lucas Oil Firebird 5.568 261.02
2. Jay Payne Valvoline Camaro 5.574 260.04
3. Cy Chesterman Chippewa Spring Water Firebird 5.752 260.94
4. Mick Snyder Toroco Racing Fuels Firebird 5.775 245.03
5. Mark Billington Team Re/Max Avenger 5.831 250.41
6. Bob Newberry Valvoline/Childs&Albert Monte 5.936 225.56
7. Billy Gibson Cindrich & Sheetz Firebird 5.943 243.04
8. Jim Sickles Meyers RV Super Stores Avenger 5.943 241.54
9. Bobby Martin CAP Avenger Avenger 5.965 225.16
10. David Ray Follow A Dream Avenger 6.058 245.90
11. Vern Moats Kendall/SuperWinch Camaro 6.318 236.34
12. Danny Townsend Parkertech/VIPSports Stratus 6.921 142.60
13. Tate Branch Bar's Leaks Camaro 9.442 95.24

Houston TAFC coverage

March 13, 2005 Sorry for the missed report on TAFC from Friday.

In TAFC, Most pundits of the class would put hitter Tate Branch, or 2004 Div 4 champ Jackie Stidham as the two favourites. But how about Richard McClain? He came into the race this weekend #4 in Div 4 points, but was not really considered a major threat. All he did was lay down his career best in two consecutive runs to nail down the #1 spot. His previous best was a 5.95, and he went 5.82 in round two and then nailed down an awesome 5.76 to take over #1. Branch is #2 with a 5.79 and another surprise came from Brandon Lewis who ran a career best also, a 5.838 to sit #3. Last year's div champ Jackie Stidham broke on Friday and packed up his rig.

Here is the match ups for Sunday.

1) Richard McClain, Lake Dallas, Texas, '03 Firebird, 5.762 seconds, 250.46 mph vs.
Bye

2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.798, 230.96 vs.
7) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '97 Camaro, 6.341, 171.23

3) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Oldsmobile, 5.838, 247.97 vs.
6) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.311, 206.92

4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.959, 193.38 vs.
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 6.015, 238.81

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR Final qualifying
1) Richard McClain, Lake Dallas, Texas, '03 Firebird, 5.762 seconds, 250.46 mph
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.798, 230.96
3) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Oldsmobile, 5.838, 247.97
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.959, 193.38
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 6.015, 238.81
6) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.311, 206.92
7) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '97 Camaro, 6.341, 171.23

Phoenix Lucas Oil Event

TAFC was as usual tough here in Division 7. Not having a second and third qualifying session made it that much more difficult and testy to say the least two or three of the toughest hitters in Division 7 were left out of the field after suffering various problems in the only run made Friday afternoon. Major players Marc White and Mark Woznichak and the newest player on the div 7 scene Hannes Wernhart had to watch from the sidelines after not running the soft 6.55 that was set after the one run on Friday. Steve Gasparelli have the track figured out as he went 5.69 to nail down the low qualifier money.

In elimination's, all four top qualifiers advanced including Kirk Kuhns who is back in a Funny Car after years away from the class. He will do double duty this season running his Pro Mod as well. All four ran solid 5.70's in round one with Brett Williamson and Shawn Jones the only lower half cars giving their competitors a run for their money (numbers are below).

In round two, Dennis Taylor and Kirk Kuhns were close on the scoreboard et, but the race was over at the starting line, as Kuhns deepstaged and then hesitated with a tardy .3 rt that ended any chance he had. Gordon got a three hun jump on Gasparelli, but he slipped, slid and pedaled all the way down track a half second slower than a similar effort by Steve in the other lane. It was 6 something for both cars. That set up two of the toughest hitters on the left coast for probably too many side by sides to count. Taylor had lane choice for the final and picks the left one. Dennis takes a couple off the starting line and extends it through the 1320 for a 5.71 to 5.74 victory.

Taylor wants desperately to get the division title he lost at the last race of 2004, and a win here puts him in the drivers seat heading into Tucson in a few week time.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round One
4) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.740, 250.41 def.
5) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '04 Firebird, 5.882, 247.02

3) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.714, 244.92 def.
6) Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton, Calif., '97 Cutlass, 9.580, 91.96

1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.783, 250.27 def.
8) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 TransAm, 6.320, 184.30

2) Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.711, 252.24 def.
7) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.800, 244.29

Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 6.252, 230.17 def. Gordon, 6.957, 237.88
Taylor, 5.803, 247.25 def. Kuhns, 5.839, 247.11

Finals
Taylor, 5.717, 247.07 def. Gasparrelli, 5.744, 250.18

Final qualifying order

1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.694, 251.86
2) Kirk Kuhns, Yorba Linda, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.709, 250.88
3) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.730, 246.30
4) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.757, 249.67
5) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '04 Firebird, 5.945, 246.75
6) Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton, Calif., '97 Cutlass, 6.226, 234.53
7) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 6.294, 235.72
8) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 Trans Am, 6.558, 162.92

Not qualified
00000009) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '02 Firebird, 6.923, 141.94000000000 10) Mark Woznichak, Riverside, Calif., '02 Camaro, 7.197, 134.27
11) Rian Konno, Rosemead, Calif., '01 Firebird, 8.961, 94.86
12) Hannes Wernhart, Bakersfield, Calif., '02 Firebird, 10.584, 71.01
13) Bil Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 10.962, 42.29

March 6, 2005

Phoenix Div 7 event is complete. Dennis Taylor takes out rival Steve Gasparelli. Will have full results posted Monday.

Gallery is here

March 1, 2005

Gainesville Lucas Oil event rained out after final qualifying (Another impressive TAFC field for Div 2)

Rescheduled to March 26

Final TAFC qualifying

1 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '04 Camaro 5.625 253.23 253.23
2 292 John Alberigi III, Ft. Lauderdale FL, '99 Thun 6.233 222.38 222.38
3 201 Kyle Green, Holly Springs NC, '03 Firebird 8.132 111.09 111.09
4 22 Mark Billington, Apopka FL, '01 Avenger 14.858 54.18 54.18

2004 TAFC archives are here

Feb. 13, 2005 2005 TAFC Winternational Sunday results

First Round elim's

739 Hannes Wernhart .100 5.755 235.02 def. 73 Bret Williamson .122 5.775 245.36

43 Steve Gasparrelli def. .051 5.857 249.21 703 Mark Woznichak 0.056 6.837 139.37

6143 Mark Hentges def. .136 6.054 199.97 735 Bob Gallio .063 8.866 104.61

727 Ron August Jr .076 6.888 147.15 def. 9 Doug Gordon .059 9.640 59.23

3 Frank Manzo .186 5.618 256.16 def. 762 Bil Gallio no time

308 Marc White .106 5.626 254.38 def. 56 Bernie Harrington .140 No Time

2 Jay Payne 62 0.095 5.734 239.61 def. John Weaver 0.048 9.544 108.13

6515 Brian Hough 0.086 5.584 255.29 def. 4 Dennis Taylor 0.093 5.728 238.60

Round two

Manzo .056 5.582 257.04 def. Wernhart .087 5.622 253.52

Hentges .163 5.653 255.00 def. August Jr No Show

Hough 0.054 5.559 256.84 def. White 0.077 5.614 256.31

Gasparrelli .071 5.590 256.65 def. Payne .137 5.596 258.27

Semi finals

Manzo .056 5.551 258.81 def. Hentges .071 DQ-Centerline

Hough .035 5.589 257.09 def. Gasparrelli .058 17.387 59.35

Final round

Frank Manzo .031 5.530 259.81 def. Brian Hough .022 5.567 257.63

 

 

1 3 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Firebird 5.553 259.86 259.86 2 308 Marc White, Glendale Hts. IL, '02 Firebird 5.610 256.26 256.26 3 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.616 259.11 259.11 4 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.665 258.32 258.32 5 6143 Mark Hentges, Fife WA, '02 Firebird 5.685 239.27 239.27 6 703 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.695 252.28 252.28 7 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.697 254.57 254.57 8 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.709 233.08 233.08 9 739 Hannes Wernhart, Bakersfield CA, '02 Firebird 5.711 239.61 239.61 10 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.756 248.29 248.29 11 78 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '01 Firebird 5.833 250.32 250.32 12 735 Bob Gallio, Anahiem CA, '02 Camaro 5.847 239.78 239.78 13 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.852 245.05 245.05 14 62 John Weaver, Orting WA, '00 Firebird 5.909 240.59 240.59 15 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.934 244.16 244.16 16 762 Bil Gallio, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 6.256 227.27 227.27 ------------ Not Qualified ------------ 17 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '03 Firebird 6.587 177.91 177.91 18 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 6.953 173.01 173.01 19 750 Kurt Kuhns, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 11.418 75.28 75.28

 

Thursday Qualifying round #1 (TAFC)

Round one of qualifying for the first national event of the year at the fabled Pomona race track went close to expected form with the top three on the ladder three of the best in the business. The two finalists from the 'Finals' three months ago, Jay Payne (Winner) and Brian Hough, are one and three, and they sandwich the "Lucas" Funny Car driven by Frank Manzo. All three are in the 5.60s but Jay run may of been a 5.50 based on the 239mph speed. Or was it a timing glitch. They appeared to have glitches in the left lane (all the nitro coupes ran right lane only). North West's newest TAFC son Mark Hentges ran a wild launch and he hit the 60ft cone disqualifying his run. Marc White Doug Gordon and Dennis Taylor all struggled as well.

Here is the field after Thursday's lone session. Two more round on Friday, but the weather is not forecasted to be good for the next couple days so we will hope.