Words by Bret Kepner
Photos by Mike Garland
8/30/06
The world’s oldest drag racing event, the O’Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing, celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a spectacular performance by Tony Pedregon who not only added his name to possibly the most star-studded winners list in the sport but pocketed an extra $3,000 from Cordova Dragway Park owners Scott and Laura Gardner by becoming the first Funny Car pilot to eclipse 300 miles per hour at the fabled facility.
Despite huge threats from the Mother Nature, the three-day event finished on schedule through the impressive efforts of both the Cordova Dragway Park staff and the cooperation of more than 400 competitors from across the country. Rain surrounded the track during Friday’s first day of professional and sportsman action but CDP remained dry for the duration. On Saturday, heavy rainstorms drenched the area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but, with the postponement of sportsman racing until the following day, the professional categories were completed in front of a packed house. The 53 years of history behind the event kept the fans flowing into the CDP parking lot despite the precipitation. Sunday’s sportsman championship actually became a two-race affair; the Saturday program was completed in its entirety followed immediately by the scheduled Sunday event, and both were completed in under 12 hours!
As always, the World Series was again a reunion of thousands of fans and competitors who have witnessed the simultaneous growth of the sport and the event. Amidst the most diverse assemblage of machinery, from modern Top Fuelers to Nostalgia Funny Cars and every conceivable sportsman division, the two most honored guests were once again Dave Jamison, who has attended every World Series with the exception of the 1955 edition, (and who also competed in Super Comp Eliminator), and the only man to have been in attendance at every World Series, event founder and Cordova Dragway Park creator, Bob Bartel.
AA/FUNNY CAR ELIMINATOR
The track record had been owned by Dale Creasy, Jr. at 290.32 mph since the 2000 World Series and only threatened by John Lawson’s upset victory in 2004 during Tony Pedregon’s first appearance ever at Cordova. Likewise, Pedregon was faced with a 5.05
Although the first qualifying session was preceded by a lengthy discussion concerning the order in which the fuel coupe assemblage could take shots at the bonus cash, lots were drawn which found Tony paired with brother Cruz in the opening pair. In a remarkable display of talent by both Tony and crew chief Dick Venables, Tony’s Quaker State Oil Monte Carlo thundered to a 4.935-second blast at 300.53 miles per hour right out of the trailer to secure not only the track records and special payoff, but the low qualifying position, as well.