First Annual HangoverFest a Chilling Success

By James Hines. Photos courtesy Cordova Dragway Park

The 1st Annual HangoverFest was held New Years' Day at historic Cordova Dragway Park, home of the 6th Annual Amalie Oil Nat'ls.(May,17-19 2002) The "race or watch for $10" saw over 100 cars and 170 fans brave the 15-degree weather for an afternoon of fun and excitement.

Three separate eliminators were held: Trophy, Gamblers, and a race within a race as 15 racers from a local watering hole competed in "The Peacock's Winternationals."

Everyone through the gate was treated to free aspirin and a free commemorative ice scraper to mark the occasion. For those not racing, $1.00 Bloody Mary's were available at the concession stand, along with lots of warm food and hot chocolate. The V.I.P. section of the tower was also opened to the fans as a place to warm up if needed.

"We thought of doing this a couple of months ago" stated Scott Gardner, owner of Cordova, " With the turn out and enthusiasm of the racers and fans this will definitely be on our schedule for 2003."

"With spring so far off, this was a great way to spend New Years' Day" said Tom Kleeme, 2001 track champion, who traded in his pro bike and super modified dragster for the warmth and comfort of his '93 Cadillac.

The best pass of the day belonged to Ben Fowler who drove his '93 Mustang to an amazing 12.073 at 113.62 mph on a swept and hand blown, 26-degree racing surface.

Tracy Reeder, past class champion, drove his GMC "Jimmy" in the best overall performance of the day, taking the win in the gamblers eliminator and runner-up honors in trophy.

For all the results and the 2002 schedule, visit CDP on the web at www.cordovadrag.com.

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