FAST TIMES FOR DOUTHAT BIKE

Wendel Douthat's Suzuki funnybike had some pretty good numbers at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

As you can see, tuner John Weimer set the bike to just "walk" off the starting line. Typical national contender funnybike 60-ft times are in the 1.08-1.10 range with 330-ft times in the high 2.40's. Douthat was conservative and didn't start to lock up the clutch until about 200 feet out. The tune-up (boost control setting, ignition timing, etc.) was very mild, so those "in the know" realize that this bike has lots of untapped potential. Kawasaki has ruled the funnybike roost for years...maybe it's time for a Suzuki to challenge. (Photo by Matt Polito)

DRAG STRIP TO BE BUILT AT CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY
Now it’s official: NHRA President Tom Compton and California Speedway President Bill Miller have announced plans for a new quarter-mile drag strip to host NHRA’s Street Legal racing program.

According to an NHRA press release, the new strip is “designed for street cars to race in a controlled environment,” and will be located on the south side of the speedway in Parking Lot 1, behind the main grandstands. A concrete launch pad will be constructed in Lot 1, along with a temporary starting stand and timing system. In addition, temporary concrete barriers will be brought in to line the course.

The racing is currently scheduled for September 8-9, September 22-23 and October 6-7. The speedway plans a winter racing schedule beginning in mid-January and a summer schedule as well.

MAJOR DRO SCREW-UP, EDITOR ON DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION

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