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Good-guys have AWESOME finale!!!
11/10/03
 ithout
question the 5th annual U.S. Fuel and Gas Championships
at the famed Famoso track was incredible to
say the least. How about new records for both
Top Speed and Low E.T. for FED (Front Engine
Dragsters)? First Jim Murphy in the Murphy,
Beebe, Berger and Company WW2/OSH Hardware T/F
car setting an all time E.T. record of 5.711,
while "The Sheriff" and his Utah based Posse,
Jack Harris drove to an all time Top Speed for
the breed at 259.29 mph! Murphy defeated AA/FD
President Mike Fuller and his veteran shoe Bill
Dunlap in the final.
Not only the Top Fuel teams that were at this historic event, but congratulations from the www.dragracingonline.com crew at this awesome race! Top fuel notes; the quickest ever side by side Kent Terry in his Champion Speed Shop Backed Chevrolet 5.87, defeating Jack Harris's quicker 5.86. Harris got beat three times at this event, as he kept coming back in via the break rule. The Fuller/Dunlap team had to replace a hurt blower and a few pistons, and it was almost four times. How many times should a team be able to return via the "break rule"? Was the Sheriff told by NHRA NOT to go over 260 mph?
Bullhead City, AZ's only fueler, Bill Wayne in his Lucas Oil backed, was the quickest A/FD on the property, but did he win? No, give that award to veteran chassis builder Ron Attebury. Attebury, the former driver of the "Jungle Jim" Top Fuel dragster was Mr. Consistent with his dark burgundy dragster running a string of 6.50's but when Bill Wayne left too early in the final round, Attebury claimed the crown. Low E.T. went to Bill Wayne at 6.44, while Ron Attebury was Top Speed of the event at 215.98 mph. Sean Bellemuer was at the wheel of his family-owned A/Fuel dragster for the very last time as he will be the full time driver of the Mastercam T/F car next year. Drivers for Frank and Ruthi Hedge for 2003 include Tim Gibson, Bob Hallock, Troy Green, Jon Barrett, and Sean. Look for these guys to really step it up in 2004.
With just too many classes to list one by one congratulations go out to all of the winners: Top Fuel - Jim Murphy, A/Fuel - Ron Attebury Junior Fuel - Scott Parks, AA/Gas - Ed Moss, A/Gas - Mark Mahood, B/Gas - Kevin Riley, C/Gas - Robert Patten, D/Gas - Mike Williams, Nos 1 - Don Taros, Nos 2 - Bob Lander,
Nos 3 - Craig Wallace, Hot Rod - Sandy Mendia, JR Fuel (A) winner Mike Chrisman, JR Fuel (B) Don Enriquez, AA/GS Jim Taylor 37 Chevy, A/Gas (A) Steve Castelli (Hot Rod Willys), A/Gas (B) Don "the Toad" Chemello 65 Nova, B/Gas Kevin Riley, C/Gas J Cameron 69 Camaro, D/Gas, Mike Williams, and Hot Rod Eliminator Eric Christianson's Ranchero.
Nostalgia Funny Cars were on hand too, not in eliminations, but hands down best effort for Dan Horan JR. and Dale Pulde in their Mustang as Dan Horan really hooked up with a best pass of 6.19. Pulde e-mailed me earlier in the year stating, "this car will go 6.20's when we get her dialed in". The U.S. Fuel and Gas Nationals was the return of 240 Gordie Bonin at the wheel of a NF/FC as he drove Jeff Gaynor's potent 1970 Cuda, but had some problems, as he didn't really fit in the Cuda. They will retuurn in 2004 and with Big Mike Demarest turning the wrenches; watch out for these guys. Expect to see them at one or more of the 2004 warm up races. Mark my words; this is going to be the most exciting class in 2004. Rumors have Good-guys picking up the class next year. We will have an in depth interview with Gary and Marc Meadors next month here on Getting Nostalgic-December. It will include their thoughts on present day and the future of Nostalgia Racing. Look forward to this, it should be really interesting since Goodguys are the only real successful ones to have Nostalgia races.
Now looking at that side, I've been in touch with Butch Headrick, who has taken over the ANRA. Butch admits that it isn't going to be easy, as the ANRA has been tried twice before without success. He really wants to pattern his races toward the sportsman racer, which is a nice idea, but will it draw any spectators? No, I think not. Butch, you've got to have a headliner, like AA/FA/s, Nostalgia Funny Cars, or Top Fuel. Right now he is leaning toward a couple of races at Palmdale (LACR) and maybe Fontana. He is willing to listen to any constructive thoughts you may have at (racerj@aol.com). Good luck Butch, we will be there at www.dragracingonline.com.
AA/FA's, where would they be seen? Hopefully the IHRA were happy with the match race type showing that they got and will either sign them up or maybe the FED's, but right now, those wonderful cars basically do not have a class to run in with the demise of the Pro Nitro races. Maybe they will organize and go on their own. I know Dave Hough (Nanook) & Ron Hope (The Rat Trap) have some dates but all of these wonderful cars need to be seen by true drag racing spectators. AA/FA's FOREVER!
Stay tuned to Getting Nostalgic in December and in 2004 as your voice of Nostalgia racing. We may even have a sponsor for 2004! Take care; sorry I'm a couple days late with this column, been sick with the flu. No fun!
See ya...
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