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FUNNY CAR
And what an interesting mix it was, at Cordova. Illinois
is a bit northwest of where IHRA usually conducts its business, and
UDRA's circuit riders are the usual F/C fare in these here parts. So
the starting lineup was about a half-n-half deal. But what is becoming
the "Big Four" in IHRA Funny Car racing asserted themselves early and
often. Jimmy Rector (5.82), Laurie Cannister(5.84), Dale Brand(5.85)
and Mark Thomas(5.86) led the charts, and all four ran faster than 239
mph. The bump spot fell off to Ray Drew's 6.29, but 12 of the 16 cars
were in at 5.99 or quicker.
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| Rob Atchison qualified solidly into the 16-car
field, but failed to advance past the first round. A blown rear
main seal oiled the track on his burnout and the PRIDE Fighting
Championship driver got the shutoff sign from the IHRA officials. |
The Big Four got after it at the opening bell, with all
four reaching the semifinals. Rector advanced by running 5.84/241.41
and 5.89/239.48 in beating Kevin Newburgh and Mike Comella. Cannister
moved on with laps of 5.82/241.63 and 5.82/240.08 to take out Dan Crownhart
and Terry McMillan. Brand staked his claim with runs of 5.82/237.84
against Wayne Butler, and a tire shaker against Lance Van Hauen, who
was a no-show after suffering engine problems during his first round
win. Thomas completed the quartet by running 5.92/238.09 and 5.89/236.79
to sideline Tony Bogolo and Ronnie Midyette.
Matched up head to head, Rector put out Thomas, winning
by a 5.85/240.08 to 5.93/241.28 count. Brand stopped Cannister, 5.78/241.34
to 5.82/239.74 to complete the championship matchup.
For the gold, it was Rector scoring his third straight
IHRA win, beating Brand by a 5.82/241.24 to 5.90/237.09 score. The win
prompted Rector to exclaim" Nobody can beat Jimmy Rector but Jimmy Rector!"
Strong words, but until someone does so, Rector can talk the talk.
NITRO HARLEY
The bikers were stout enough in qualifying, but they kept
it up once eliminations started. Al four winners ran 6.51 or quicker,
with speeds in excess of 217 mph. Ray Price, Johnny Mancuso, Steve Stordeur
and Doug Vancil all advanced against the bottom half, who put together
varing efforts.
Harley semis saw Price score over Vancil with a 6.43/210.60
go, Vancil well behind with motor woes. Mancuso got a ticket to the
finals by brushing aside Stordeur with a winning 6.43.
Mancuso picked it up in the final round, improving to
a victorious 6.39/221.52 lap to end Price's challenge. Price was late
at the line, and shut it down sonata.
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