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Friday
Results for Qualifying 1
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - ROCKINGHAM-2 - Notes from round 1 qualifying in Funny Car at the
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals
listing lane, driver name, elapsed time, top speed, and position in order following
run:
Left Lane: Jimmy Rector Runs 5.791/240.85, Now #1
Right Lane: Monty Todd Runs 6.022/229.16, Now #2
12:59 PM It's 63 degrees, 45 percent relative humidity, the barometer 30.26
and steady.
All Rector needed to clinch the 2002 championship was to make a
qualifying pass and collect his 10 entry points. He did a lot more than that, with
a huge pass, right down the groove. Not a bad pass by Todd, either, but he was way
behind at the finish line.
Left Lane: John Vouros Runs 6.061/221.20, Now #3
Right Lane: Mike Etter Runs 7.598/202.21, Now #4
Etter shook very hard. Vouros was a bit slower than Todd at every
incremental timer.
Left Lane: Dale Brand Runs 5.765/239.40, Now #1
Right Lane: Rob Atchison Runs 7.741/120.43, Now #6
Atchison was way out of the groove, near the wall and fishtailing, but he
stayed off the wall and did not cross the out-of-bounds line. Brand answered
Rector's opening shot with an eye-opener of his own, resetting the Rockingham track
elapsed time record.
Left Lane: Philip Hooper Runs 6.218/229.08, Now #6
Right Lane: Laurie Cannister Runs 5.931/241.32, Now #3
Hooper fought with his car all the way down the track, the car determined to
turn right and Hooper not about to let it do so. Good opening run for Cannister,
with a big speed, but she lost a tenth to Brand and Rector in the first 330 feet
and another tenth in the next 330.
Left Lane: Lance Van Hauen Runs 6.327/224.62, Now #7
Right Lane: Ronnie Midyette Runs 8.019/113.42, Now #10
Looked like Midyette lost a blower belt, the engine silent and raw fuel from
the pipes near half track. Van Hauen shook early in the run.
Left Lane: Chris Foster Runs 10.608/99.73, Now #12
Right Lane: Mike Comella Runs 5.931/226.77, Now #4
Foster's car shook and slowed immediately, leaving a short trail of oil on
the launch pad. Comella's car started smoking from the left headers at half track,
then something let go with a big cloud of smoke. There's oil from 1,000 feet on in
the right lane, so both lanes will need some tender, loving care before the next
pair runs.
Left Lane: Fred Tigges Runs 5.832/240.94, Now #3
Right Lane: Dave Ray No Time, Now #14
Ray broke on the burnout. Tigges' car drifted left, out of the groove, and
he did a good job of controlling it and bringing it back smoothly.
Left Lane: James Spencer Runs 6.356/190.19, Now #11
Right Lane: Mark Thomas Runs 5.903/237.59, Now #4
One of Spencer's crew was fiddling with something as the car staged, drawing
the attention of the starting line crew, who instructed him on proper safety
procedures at the line. Thomas shook and drove through it nicely.
Left Lane: Charles Gambino Runs 6.000/232.19, Now #7
Right Lane: Terry McMillen Runs 10.699/74.22, Now #17
McMillen's car shook and headed for the centerline, so he lifted. Nice run
by Gambino, right down the groove.
Left Lane: Joe Comella Runs 6.342/207.69, Now #12
Right Lane: Terry Munroe Runs 6.947/143.76, Now #14
Something let go in Comella's car at about 1,000 feet after a shaky, snaking
run. Munroe shook on the short end and then slowed on the top end, the engine
dead.
Left Lane: Bunny Burkett No Time, Now #22
Right Lane: Tony Bogolo Runs 10.178/81.65, Now #18
Burkett brought the RPMs up and the car rolled the beams. Bogolo shook and
slowed.
Left Lane: Bill Naves Runs 13.376/59.39, Now #21
Naves' car shook very hard, turned left, got up on two tires, and he
lifted.
Right Lane: Neal Parker Runs 6.279/223.69, Now #11
There was no driver data on file when he ran, but the announcer read the name
"Neal Parker" on the side window and the car is the "Excavator," so it looks like
Parker is moving up from Top Dragster/Pro Outlaw into Funny Car - and that's why
he's on a solo pass. He made a clean pass.
Friday
Order for Qualifying 1
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after one round of
qualifying in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual
CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Dale Brand Co-Line Welding Firebird 5.765 239.40
2. Jimmy Rector Holbrook Performance Camaro 5.791 240.85
3. Fred Tigges Tigges Racing Camaro 5.832 240.94
4. Mark Thomas Ethanol Performs Avenger 5.903 237.59
5. Laurie Cannister Girl Power Camaro 5.931 241.32
6. Mike Comella Avenger 5.931 226.77
7. Charlie Gambino Gambino Concrete Corvette 6.000 232.19
8. Monty Todd Camaro 6.022 229.16
9. John Vouros CompetitionPlus.com Firebird 6.061 221.20
10. Philip Hooper Camaro 6.218 229.08
11. Neal Parker Camaro 6.279 223.69
12. Lance Van Hauen Jerry Roling Chevy Firebird 6.327 224.62
13. Joe Comella SSI Firebird 6.342 207.69
14. James Spencer Valvoline Trans Am 6.356 190.19
15. Mike Etter Nerves of Steel Firebird 7.598 202.21
16. Rob Atchison PrideFC Firebird 7.741 120.43
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Ronnie Midyette K&W Racing Camaro 8.019 113.42
18. Tony Bogolo Custom Detail & Truck Wash Ac 10.178 81.65
19. Terry McMillen Amalie Oil Avenger 10.699 74.22
20. Bill Naves Cutlass 13.376 59.39
21. Chris Foster Foster Racing Avenger DQ
22. Terry Munroe Munroe Auto Body Firebird DQ
Friday
Results for Qualifying 2
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - ROCKINGHAM-2 - Notes from round 2 qualifying in Funny Car at the
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals
listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order
following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run:
Left Lane: Terry Munroe Runs 6.159/207.30, Now #22
No Prior Run
Right Lane: Dale Brand Runs 5.780/239.87, Now #1
Best prior run: 5.765/239.40, Was #1
7:16 PM It's 52 degrees, 82 percent relative humidity, the barometer 30.20
and steady.
Munroe went about 1,500 feet on this one, the car snaking down
the lane. Brand showed he's not a one-run driver with another stout effort, with a
0.959 69-foot time to get it started.
Left Lane: Rob Atchison Runs 5.928/236.22, Now #6
No Prior Run
Right Lane: John Vouros Runs 5.880/234.09, Now #4
Best prior run: 0.000/239.40, Was #65
Atchison drove down both sides of the groove on this one, the car making a
couple hard moves in the first half of the run. Nice run by Vouros, especially on
the top half of the run.
Left Lane: Dave Ray Runs 6.026/227.88, Now #11
No Prior Run
Right Lane: Fred Tigges Runs 5.953/216.13, Now #3
Best prior run: 5.832/240.94, Was #3
Both cars were on fire (or appeared to be) as they crossed the finish line -
flames clearly visible under Tigges' car and lots of sparks under Ray's. The
safety crew was on the scene quickly and yook care of the situation.
Left Lane: Tony Bogolo Runs 5.899/239.70, Now #5
Best prior run: 10.178/81.65, Was #20
Right Lane: Charlie Gambino No Time, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.000/232.19, Was #9
Bogolo was shooting at Joe Comella's 6.342. He more than did that. Gambino
improved to a 5.995, but his car was out of the groove, very close to the wall, and
he crossed the boundary line, DQing the run.
Left Lane: Monty Todd Runs 9.406/87.82, Now #11
Best prior run: 6.022/229.16, Was #11
Right Lane: Philip Hooper Runs 7.476/125.63, Now #14
Best prior run: 6.218/229.08, Was #14
Two aborted runs, Todd shaking early and Hooper getting severely out of shape
near half track.
Left Lane: Mark Thomas Runs 5.788/240.51, Now #2
Best prior run: 5.903/237.59, Was #6
Right Lane: Chris Foster Runs 8.925/100.87, Now #21
No Prior Run
Nice run by Thomas, clean and mostly straight. Foster shook, smoked the
tires, headed for the wall, and shut it down.
Left Lane: Ronnie Midyette Runs 5.957/237.34, Now #10
Best prior run: 8.019/113.42, Was #20
Right Lane: Lance Van Hauen No Time, Now #17
Best prior run: 6.327/224.62, Was #16
Van Hauen's car lurched and there were sparks from the bellhousing, the car
slowly rolling out to about 500 feet. Meanwhile, Midyette made a good run to bump
Van Hauen from the field. Then the cleanup started.
Left Lane: Laurie Cannister Runs 5.802/244.07, Now #4
Best prior run: 5.931/241.32, Was #8
Right Lane: Bunny Burkett Runs 6.063/232.15, Now #14
No Prior Run
Time for the ladies. Cannister streaked away on a very solid run. Burkett's
car headed for the right wall - must be a car magnet over there - she managed to
stay in bounds and off the wall to record a time good enough to get in the field
(for now, anyway)>
Left Lane: Mike Etter Runs 6.628/180.24, Now #21
Best prior run: 7.598/202.21, Was #21
Right Lane: James Spencer Runs 7.031/148.40, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.356/190.19, Was #20
Spencer's car was smoking from both headers before the launch. When he
launched, the smoke cleared up, but the car headed for the wall. He pedaled once
and then the car made a hard move back to the left, but he missed everything.
Left Lane: Neal Parker Runs 6.191/226.13, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.279/223.69, Was #17
Lots of clutch dust on the launch, but Parker got back in, on the
bubble.
Left Lane: Terry McMillen Runs 6.266/225.82, Now #18
Best prior run: 10.699/74.22, Was #23
McMillen's car made two hard moves toward the centerline, one just off the
starting line and another at half track.
Left Lane: Bobby Martindale Runs 6.433/200.35, Now #22
No Prior Run
Last car of the session. Martindale's car labored down the track after a
fairly respectable 0.949 690-foot time, losing a lot to the field beyond the
half-track marker.
Friday
Order for Qualifying 2
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 2 rounds of
qualifying in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual
CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Dale Brand Co-Line Welding Firebird 5.765 239.87
2. Mark Thomas Ethanol Performs Avenger 5.788 240.51
3. Jimmy Rector Holbrook Performance Camaro 5.791 240.85
4. Laurie Cannister Girl Power Camaro 5.802 244.07
5. Fred Tigges Tigges Racing Camaro 5.832 240.94
6. John Vouros CompetitionPlus.com Firebird 5.880 234.09
7. Tony Bogolo Custom Detail & Truck Wash Ac 5.899 239.70
8. Rob Atchison PrideFC Firebird 5.928 236.22
9. Mike Comella Avenger 5.931 226.77
10. Ronnie Midyette K&W Racing Camaro 5.957 237.34
11. Charlie Gambino Gambino Concrete Corvette 6.000 232.19
12. Monty Todd Camaro 6.022 229.16
13. Dave Ray Butler Steel Bldgs Mustang 6.026 227.88
14. Bunny Burkett Holbrook Performance Avenger 6.063 232.15
15. Terry Munroe Munroe Auto Body Firebird 6.159 207.30
16. Neal Parker Camaro 6.191 226.13
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Philip Hooper Camaro 6.218 229.08
18. Terry McMillen Amalie Oil Avenger 6.266 225.82
19. Lance Van Hauen Jerry Roling Chevy Firebird 6.327 224.62
20. Joe Comella SSI Firebird 6.342 207.69
21. James Spencer Valvoline Trans Am 6.356 190.19
22. Bobby Martindale Mad-Dash Daytona 6.433 200.35
23. Mike Etter Nerves of Steel Firebird 6.628 202.21
24. Bill Naves Cutlass 13.376 59.39
25. Chris Foster Foster Racing Avenger DQ
Saturday
Results for Qualifying 3
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - ROCKINGHAM-2 - Notes from round 3 qualifying in Funny Car at the
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals
listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order
following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run:
Left Lane: Monty Todd Runs 6.019/232.71, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.022/229.16, Was #12
Right Lane: John Vouros Runs 5.873/234.74, Now #6
Best prior run: 5.880/234.09, Was #6
1:43 PM It's 68 degrees, 42 percent relative humidity, the barometer 30.19
and steady.
Two good runs to open the show. Neal Parker is on the bump
spot, by the way, at 6.191.
Left Lane: Mike Etter Runs 6.412/229.86, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.628/180.24, Was #23
Right Lane: Philip Hooper Runs 6.117/230.41, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.218/229.08, Was #17
Hooper edged in, bumping Parker. That put Terry Munroe on the bubble at
6.159.
Left Lane: Laurie Cannister Runs 5.828/243.11, Now #4
Best prior run: 5.802/244.07, Was #4
Right Lane: Dale Brand Runs 6.418/165.82, Now #1
Best prior run: 5.765/239.40, Was #1
Two of the heavy hitters squared off here and this time Cannister got to the
line first because Brand was fighting shake in the first half of the run.
Left Lane: Rob Atchison Runs 6.146/235.27, Now #8
Best prior run: 5.928/236.22, Was #8
Right Lane: Chris Foster Runs 6.185/228.73, Now #17
No Prior Run
Foster shook hard and drove through it, coming up just short. Same for
Atchison, but he was already in.
Left Lane: Terry McMillen Runs 6.323/218.94, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.266/225.82, Was #19
Right Lane: Joe Comella Runs 6.188/226.13, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.342/207.69, Was #21
No help here...
Left Lane: Mark Thomas Runs 5.867/240.94, Now #2
Best prior run: 5.788/240.51, Was #2
Right Lane: Michael Keenum Runs 6.305/216.62, Now #21
No Prior Run
Keenum completed his licensing runs last night. He did a creditable job
here, getting the car cleanly down the lane with what looked like a dead cylinder
on the right side. Nice run by Thomas, a tenth slower than last night, but
second-quickest so far this session.
Left Lane: Dave Ray Runs 6.018/231.08, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.026/227.88, Was #13
Right Lane: Charlie Gambino Runs 6.079/224.81, Now #11
Best prior run: 6.000/232.19, Was #11
Nice run Ray to step one rung up the ladder. Gambino's car skated left and
skirted the centerline most of the way down the track, scaring the reflectors but
not touching any of them.
Left Lane: Ronnie Midyette Runs 6.599/156.94, Now #10
Best prior run: 5.957/237.34, Was #10
Right Lane: James Spencer No Time, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.356/190.19, Was #23
Spencer's car went to the left on the launch and kept going to the left,
taking out the 330-foot timing reflector and getting very large in Midyette's side
window. Midyette flinched and lifted, avoiding a collision. Spencer finally got
the car to go back to the right, just in time to take out both half-track reflector
blocks.
Left Lane: Terry Munroe Runs 5.942/228.96, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.159/207.30, Was #16
Right Lane: Bunny Burkett Runs 6.092/210.97, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.063/232.15, Was #14
Munroe's car went to the left on the launch and he made most of the run with
the left wheels out of the groove. He did a great job of driving and moved way off
the bump spot as a reward. That put Phillip Hooper on the bubble at 6.117. Good
run by Burkett, but no improvement.
Left Lane: Bobby Martindale Runs 6.104/226.66, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.433/200.35, Was #25
Martindale followed right down Munroe's tracks and bumped Hooper, replacing
him on the bubble. But he lost an engine in the lights, leaving a trail of oil
through the shutdown area.
Left Lane: Mike Comella Runs 9.406/101.74, Now #9
Best prior run: 0.000/200.35, Was #33
Comella shook hard and shut it down.
Left Lane: Neal Parker Runs 6.160/224.14, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.191/226.13, Was #20
Parker improved, but could not get back in. One more shot, during tonight's
"Night of Fire."
Saturday
Qualifying Round 3 Order
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 3 rounds of
qualifying in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual
CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Dale Brand Co-Line Welding Firebird 5.765 239.87
2. Mark Thomas Ethanol Performs Avenger 5.788 240.94
3. Jimmy Rector Holbrook Performance Camaro 5.791 240.85
4. Laurie Cannister Girl Power Camaro 5.802 244.07
5. Fred Tigges Tigges Racing Camaro 5.832 240.94
6. John Vouros CompetitionPlus.com Firebird 5.873 234.74
7. Tony Bogolo Custom Detail & Truck Wash Ac 5.899 239.70
8. Rob Atchison PrideFC Firebird 5.928 236.22
9. Mike Comella Avenger 5.931 226.77
10. Terry Munroe Munroe Auto Body Firebird 5.942 228.96
11. Ronnie Midyette K&W Racing Camaro 5.957 237.34
12. Charlie Gambino Gambino Concrete Corvette 6.000 232.19
13. Dave Ray Butler Steel Bldgs Mustang 6.018 231.08
14. Monty Todd Camaro 6.019 232.71
15. Bunny Burkett Holbrook Performance Avenger 6.063 232.15
16. Bobby Martindale Mad-Dash Daytona 6.104 226.66
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Philip Hooper Camaro 6.117 230.41
18. Chris Foster Foster Racing Avenger 6.185 228.73
19. Joe Comella SSI Firebird 6.188 226.13
20. Neal Parker Camaro 6.191 226.13
21. Terry McMillen Amalie Oil Avenger 6.266 225.82
22. Michael Keenum Shoals Thunderbird 6.305 216.62
23. Lance Van Hauen Jerry Roling Chevy Firebird 6.327 224.62
24. James Spencer Valvoline Trans Am 6.356 190.19
25. Mike Etter Nerves of Steel Firebird 6.412 229.86
26. Bill Naves Cutlass 13.376 59.39
Saturday
Qualifying Round 4 Results
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - ROCKINGHAM-2 - Notes from final, round 4 qualifying in Funny Car
at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World
Finals listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in
order following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to
run:
Left Lane: John Vouros Runs 5.962/232.51, Now #6
Best prior run: 5.873/234.74, Was #6
Right Lane: Rob Atchison Runs 5.954/236.26, Now #8
Best prior run: 5.928/236.22, Was #8
7:57 PM Two solid runs to open the final qualifying session. The bump is
Bobby Martindale's 6.104, by the way.
Left Lane: Bunny Burkett Runs 7.971/121.83, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.063/232.15, Was #15
Right Lane: Terry McMillen Runs 6.188/227.54, Now #19
Best prior run: 6.266/225.82, Was #21
Both cars headed for the wall on the launch and both drivers had to lift to
stay off the concrete. That left Burkett a vulnerable 15th and McMillen outside
the field.
Left Lane: Chris Foster Runs 6.088/229.20, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.185/228.73, Was #18
Right Lane: Dave Ray Runs 6.973/144.41, Now #13
Best prior run: 6.018/231.08, Was #13
Ray missed the right wall by about a coat of paint. Foster went right down
the groove to bump Martindale, replacing him on the bubble.
Left Lane: Michael Keenum Runs 6.517/206.95, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.305/216.62, Was #22
Right Lane: Mike Comella No Time, Now #9
Best prior run: 5.931/226.77, Was #9
Comella's car headed for the wall and he brushed it, DQing the run. Keenum
continues to get seat time...
Left Lane: Philip Hooper Runs 8.768/107.44, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.117/230.41, Was #18
Right Lane: Ronnie Midyette Runs 6.206/204.17, Now #11
Best prior run: 5.957/237.34, Was #11
If you like flames, you can have red (Hooper) or blue (Midyette). Hooper's
car headed for the wall and he had to lift. Midyette pedaled once about 200 feet
out, probably shake.
Left Lane: Joe Comella Runs 6.336/213.27, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.188/226.13, Was #20
Right Lane: Monty Todd Runs 6.027/213.16, Now #14
Best prior run: 6.019/232.71, Was #14
Another hard move toward the wall on the launch, this time by Joe Comella.
With the air temperature down to 57 degrees, the track may be getting too cold for
great traction.
Left Lane: James Spencer Runs 6.266/227.31, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.356/190.19, Was #24
Right Lane: Mike Etter Runs 6.076/228.31, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.412/229.86, Was #25
Spencer made his best run of the weekend, but he'll be a spectator tomorrow.
Etter pulled out his best on his final shot and bumped Foster, replacing him on the
bubble.
Right Lane: Neal Parker Runs 5.973/233.16, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.191/226.13, Was #22
The Camaro is a bit sleeker than the record-setting Fiat altered he drove in
Pro Outlaw and Top Dragster, but it's probably easier to drive. It's also
quicker - he improved on each run, this one dipping into the fives and moving well
into the field. That bumped Etter, putting Bunny Burkett on the bubble. She's
safe, but racing the #1 qualifier in round one isn't anyone's idea of a dream
weekend.
Right Lane: Terry Munroe Runs 7.236/119.06, Now #10
Best prior run: 5.942/228.96, Was #10
Munroe was hoping to move into the top half of the field, but his car made a
hard move toward the wall at half track and he lifted.
Right Lane: Laurie Cannister Runs 5.784/242.50, Now #2
Best prior run: 5.802/244.07, Was #4
Cannister was already qualified near the top of the field, so all she was
looking for here was the #1 spot, or improving enough to get on the other side of
the ladder from the #1 qualifier. Okay, she achieved "Plan B," making a nice,
smooth run, right down the groove, moving into second place.
Saturday
Qualifying Round 4 Results
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Final order after 4 rounds
of qualifying in
Funny Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual
CARQUEST Auto
Parts World Finals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Dale Brand Co-Line Welding Firebird 5.765 239.87
2. Laurie Cannister Girl Power Camaro 5.784 244.07
3. Mark Thomas Ethanol Performs Avenger 5.788 240.94
4. Jimmy Rector Holbrook Performance Camaro 5.791 240.85
5. Fred Tigges Tigges Racing Camaro 5.832 240.94
6. John Vouros CompetitionPlus.com Firebird 5.873 234.74
7. Tony Bogolo Custom Detail & Truck Wash Ac 5.899 239.70
8. Rob Atchison PrideFC Firebird 5.928 236.26
9. Mike Comella Avenger 5.931 226.77
10. Terry Munroe Munroe Auto Body Firebird 5.942 228.96
11. Ronnie Midyette K&W Racing Camaro 5.957 237.34
12. Neal Parker Camaro 5.973 233.16
13. Charlie Gambino Gambino Concrete Corvette 6.000 232.19
14. Dave Ray Butler Steel Bldgs Mustang 6.018 231.08
15. Monty Todd Camaro 6.019 232.71
16. Bunny Burkett Holbrook Performance Avenger 6.063 232.15
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Mike Etter Nerves of Steel Firebird 6.076 229.86
18. Chris Foster Foster Racing Avenger 6.088 229.20
19. Bobby Martindale Mad-Dash Daytona 6.104 226.66
20. Philip Hooper Camaro 6.117 230.41
21. Terry McMillen Amalie Oil Avenger 6.188 227.54
22. Joe Comella SSI Firebird 6.188 226.13
23. Michael Keenum Shoals Thunderbird 6.305 216.62
24. Lance Van Hauen Jerry Roling Chevy Firebird 6.327 224.62
25. James Spencer Valvoline Trans Am 6.356 190.19
26. Bill Naves Cutlass 13.376 59.39
Sunday
Results for Elimination Round 1
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 1 eliminations in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
W/L Driver RT ET Speed
(W) Dale Brand (Co-Line Welding Firebird) 0.479 5.821 238.43
(L) Bunny Burkett (Holbrook Performance Avenger)0.551 6.424 190.65
12:30 PM Brand may finish second in the championship this year, but he's
focused on winning this race. This was the first time Brand and Burkett raced
each other this season. It wasn't close, Brand away on time and very quick once
again, Burkett late and losing ground rapidly.
(W) Laurie Cannister (Girl Power Camaro) 0.482 5.854 241.32
(L) Monty Todd (Camaro) 0.507 6.051 227.84
This was the first meeting between Cannister and Todd this season. Cannister
will finish the season in third place in the points, well ahead of Mark Thomas.
She showed why she's that high in the points with an excellent effort, Todd a
little late and not able to keep pace with Cannister, who did not falter.
(W) Jimmy Rector (Holbrook Performance Camaro) 0.491 5.902 237.30
(L) Chris Foster (Foster Racing Avenger) 0.576 9.326 86.24
Rector clinched the 2002 championship by showing up here and making a
qualifying attempt. Then he parked the car to focus on tuning Mitch Stott's Pro
Mod car. Here, however, his focus was on winning this race, in what was supposed
to be his first matchup with Charlie Gambino this season. Except Gambino didn't
show up, so Foster, the second-alternate, showed up instead. It probably didn't
matter, Rector making a somewhat snaking run for the win while Foster was back at
the starting line, shaking hard.
(W) Mark Thomas (Ethanol Performs Avenger) 0.494 5.876 238.89
(L) Mike Etter (Nerves of Steel Firebird) 0.580 6.429 231.20
This was supposed to be the first meeting between Thomas and David Ray this
year, Ray an infrequent player this season, but Ray was also a no-show, so
first-alternate Etter showed up. As with Rector, Thomas was on time and ran hard,
while Etter was shaking at the starting line. Etter drove through it, but by then
Thomas was long gone.
(W) John Vouros (CompetitionPlus.com Firebird) 0.487 5.892 232.47
(L) Ronnie Midyette (K&W Racing Camaro) 0.470 5.937 235.35
Vouros and Midyette have faced each other twice during this season, each
winning once. Midyette leads Vouros by 61 points for eighth in points, but Vouros
came up the winner in a very close drag race. Midyette had a slight edge at the
green, but Vouros made it up before the 60-foot timer and then held on for the win.
Vouros' incremental margins: J 60ft(0.019), 330 ft(0.008), 660ft(0.020),
1,000ft(0.026). MOV: 0.0283 seconds (approximately 10 feet). Vouros faces Thomas
next round, Thomas with lane choice.
(W) Tony Bogolo (Custom Detail & Truck Wash Achi0.509 6.092 228.19
(L) Terry Munroe (Munroe Auto Body Firebird) 0.198(R) 5.971 227.00
Munroe left way early, wasting a nice run. Bogolo faces Cannister next
round, Cannister with lane choice.
(W) Rob Atchison (PrideFC Firebird) 0.472 5.934 235.97
(L) Mike Comella (Avenger) 0.519 5.996 234.78
This was the first time Atchison and Comella raced each other this year.
Atchison took the advantage at the start and then held it through the finish line,
Comella's car way out to the right of the groove, flirting with the wall most of
the way down the track. Atchison faces Brand next round, Brand with lane
choice.
(W) Philip Hooper (Camaro) 0.654 6.514 182.60
(L) Neal Parker (Camaro) 0.459 (Broke)
Hooper was in as fourth alternate, replacing Fred Tigges, who hurt his car
during qualifying and didn't have the parts to fix it. Parker shook hard and shut
it down, his car rolling slowly down the track, crossing the centerline at half
track. He stopped, then took off again, so it's possible his steering wheel came
off on the launch. Meanwhile, Hooper made a nice, clean, soft pass for the win and
a meeting with Rector next round. Anything can happen; he wasn't even supposed to
get this far.
Sunday
Results for Elimination Round 2
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 2 eliminations in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
W/L Driver RT ET Speed
(W) Philip Hooper (Camaro) 0.671 6.332 225.07
(L) Jimmy Rector (Holbrook Performance Camaro) 0.000(R) (Broke)
2:35 PM This was a first-meeting for Rector and Hooper and Hooper goes away
with a perfect record against the 2002 champion, Rector's car unable to fire.
Rector's team thrashed in front of the tower, but Hooper was unopposed and the
fourth-alternate goes to the semifinals.
(W) Laurie Cannister (Girl Power Camaro) 0.470 5.860 241.76
(L) Tony Bogolo (Custom Detail & Truck Wash Achi0.479 5.909 237.25
Good drag race, Cannister doing a good job of taming her car down as it tried
to go toward the wall. She trailed to half track, then stormed by for the win with
the big top-end power she's been showing lately. Her incremental margins (negative
means she was behind on the track): 60ft(-0.006), 330 ft(-0.015), 660ft(0.011),
1,000ft(0.040). MOV: 0.0584 seconds (approximately 20 feet).
(W) Mark Thomas (Ethanol Performs Avenger) 0.491 5.901 238.05
(L) John Vouros (CompetitionPlus.com Firebird) 0.505 6.264 210.47
These two met just once earlier this season, right here, in the second round.
Thomas won that one.as well. He advances to face Cannister in the semifinals,
Cannister with lane choice.
(W) Dale Brand (Co-Line Welding Firebird) 0.469 5.838 236.34
(L) Rob Atchison (PrideFC Firebird) 0.461 6.055 221.09
Brand and Atchison met just once in earlier races this year, Brand winning
that one. This was a good drag race for the first half of the track, then brand
pulled away for the win and lane choice against Hooper in the semifinals.
Sunday
Results for Elimination Round
3
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 3 eliminations in Funny
Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts
World Finals:
W/L Driver RT ET Speed
(W) Mark Thomas (Ethanol Performs Avenger) 0.464 5.872 237.34
(L) Laurie Cannister (Girl Power Camaro) 0.532 5.828 242.10
4:07 PM Cannister was 2-0 against Thomas in prior races this year and will
finish ahead of the 2001 champion in the 2002 points, but Thomas got a bit of
payback with a huge holeshot victory to end Cannister's season one round short.
Cannister was closing fast, but ran out of race track. Thomas' margins:
60ft(0.027), 330ft(0.051), 660ft(0.052), 1,000ft(0.039).
MOV: 0.0245 seconds (approximately 9 feet).
(W) Dale Brand (Co-Line Welding Firebird) 0.472 5.851 236.09
(L) Philip Hooper (Camaro) 0.544 6.302 213.37
Hooper was the Cinderella story of this race, getting in as the fourth
alternate and advancing to the semifinals. Then the clock struck midnight.
Brand's car made a move toward the wall and ran most of the run down the left side
of the track, but he was still more than quick enough to get the win and earn lane
choice against Thomas in the finals. Give Hooper a big hand, however, he had the
courage to show up and race on Sunday, even if he was a huge underdog.
Sunday
Results for Final Round
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of final, round 4 eliminations
in Funny Car at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto
Parts World Finals:
W/L Driver RT ET Speed
(W) Dale Brand (Co-Line Welding Firebird) 0.430 5.847 235.80
(L) Mark Thomas (Ethanol Performs Avenger) 0.438 6.349 170.86
6:00 PM Despite Brand's great season, he was only 1-2 against Thomas in
prior races this year, Thomas winning at the first Rockingham race and at Norwalk,
Brand winning at Martin. Brand evened the tally here, but it was not a thing of
beauty. Both drivers cut the tree down and then both moved out toward the wall,
Brand was able to tame the beast and get back in the groove smoothly, but Thomas
got very close to the wall and then fishtailed several times when he brought it
back. On paper it looks like an easy win for Brand, but it was not an easy run for
either driver.
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