WFA – Albuquerque, NM – Race Report
Saturday, July 30th 2011
Fourteen teams made the haul to the Albuquerque plateau. The 8500 ft density altitude had teams scrounging for blower pulleys. Side-by-side burnouts followed by the loud whine of superchargers, kept fans on their feet.
First round once again found Dean Oberg’s Fiat on top with a 6.93, followed closely by Maroney’s 7.03. Rob Winefsky’s Coyote Express rounded out the top 8. With engines gasping for air, teams struggled to find a tune-up going into second round. Sheldon Lofgreen and Art Nolte’s team continued to entertain the fans with their on-track antics. Wild hair, flashing lights and throwing candy earned them the FantaZ, “Who’s got game?” award, all while consistently finishing in the top 8.
(Bill Robertson photo)
The highlight reel from second round shows Mitch Bowen’s Rust Bucket using all his tactics to intimidate Hal Rishton, by darting into his lane at the 1000 foot cone. Rishton drove around for the win unscathed. The points leader Oberg set the mark first round but was unable to hold off Danny Levitt, Jr’s 6.90 or Maroney’s 6.81 to make the final. Local, John Garcia took home the Torco quick reaction time award with a .006, and Maroney’s 6.81 was good enough to collect the RBS Superchargers low et.
(Bill Robertson photo)
(Bill Robertson photo)
The consolation final paired up number 1 and 2 in points, Dean Oberg and Eric Gates. Although being the consolation, both teams did a superb job of getting down the track with Oberg’s 6.85 taking a close win over Gates.
The final then paired up Twisted Addiction and Blind Faith. Maroney in his first final of the year was there for the taking as, in true fuel altered fashion; both cars had less than perfect runs. Levitt’s hopped-up tune-up was too much for the track as he wowed the fans with his 2-wheeled, wall threatening pass, slowing just enough to allow Maroney’s high gear only, slug to get around for the win.
(Bill Robertson photo)
Special thanks to Robert Costa with Albuquerque Dragway for funding a consolation final. Oberg and Gates are very grateful.
Photos: http://wjrphotography.smugmug.com/
Next Stop Barona!