Athey formerly campaigned in IHRA's alcohol funny car division before changing this season to Pro Modified. The team did not qualify at the Holley Spring Nationals at Rockingham, NC.

"Without a doubt, this is the toughest class out here. And we all know that just about everybody is going to have one DNQ for the season," Athey said.

Athey, nicknamed "Many Ponies", is the grandson of a former Mohegan Indian chief and works as an executive host at the Mohegan Sun Casino, located in Uncasville, Conn. The casino sponsors the car, which is owned by Johnny Rocca, also a native American and a member of the Southern Band Tuscarora.

The Mohegan Sun reportedly had net revenues last year in excess of $713 million. (Don Gillespie photo)

NEWBERRY QUALIFIES #1 AND FINISHES #1

"We've raced here since the track was new," Funny Car driver Bob Newberry explained. "We know the air conditions and the track conditions and that was an advantage."

That knowledge certainly was an advantage as the Schenectady, NY racer got the low qualifying time of 5.819 and waded through the field to get the final round win over Mark Thomas. Newberry ran 6.026/236.59 in the final, but used a .415 reaction time to get the win over Thomas' much quicker 5.954/239.74.

Newberry defeated Rob Atchinson, Dale Brand and Laurie Cannister to get to the finals. There were a total of 42 entries in the Pro Mod class.
(Jeff Burk file photo)

CANNISTER SETTLING IN AFTER MOVE TO FUNNY CAR
Last season Laurie Cannister was Pro Outlaw champion in a dragster and this year she is behind the wheel of a Camaro Funny Car. It's taking some adjustment, but everything is beginning to go the right direction.

In the season opener at Rockingham, Cannister failed to qualify; this time she qualified number four in the field and made it to the semifinals before being defeated by Bob Newberry. Cannister defeated veteran Bunny Burkett in the first round with a 5.854/238.26 and then beat John Vouros with a 5.877/238.34 in the quarterfinals.

MATTIOLI WINS FOR INJURED McCLURE
First-time rider Tony Mattioli got the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson title. Mattioli got the benefit of mechanical problems with the bikes of Johnny Mancuso and Steve Stordeur to get to the final round, but in the final he soundly defeated Doug Vancil. Mattioli ran 6.825/197.57 to Vancil's 6.981/157.19.

Bike racer Jim McClure, who was injured in a racing accident last month in Florida, is serving as crew chief for the team while he recovers. McClure, from nearby Williamsburg, Va. considers VMP his home track.

"I knew that bringing in Jim would help us," said Mattioli, "and my feelings were correct."

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