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SPEEDWORLD
The 2012 WFA season opener is in the books! In conjunction with the
NHRA Heritage Series event at Speedworld in
The week started early with Rob Winefsky representing the WFA for a television news broadcast and a pre-race display by the Simple Pleasure team. With the severe storm warning it was decided to run the entire event on Saturday, so several teams were out testing on Friday. The start of the new season was showing promise with several 6-second test passes.
Beautiful weather on Saturday had everyone excited to go racing. First round, four teams dropped into the 6.70 range lead by newcomer Kevin Knowles followed closely by Phelps, Maroney and Bowen. In his first competition round, Knowles went and showed the teams up by running low ET of the event and setting a new WFA speed record of 214 mph and taking home the RBS Low Qualifier award. He was quickly humbled as he proceeded to go for a ride into the sand trap! There was no damage to car or driver. In the lane next to him, 'Crazy' Chris Phelps cut an amazing .0031 RT to get out front first and take home the Torco Racing Oils Quick Reaction time money. Should we stop now? Rounding out the top 8 was Jerry Hall in his Subway wheelstander, carrying the wheels for 300 ft.
The storm must be rolling in as second round brought out all the new-season blues. From minor bugs to major blown-up engines, several teams struggled. Phelps, Knowles and Bowen were able to overcome the direct headwind and still manage to run in the sixes at over 200 mph. Although the second round was not as exciting as the first, the top eight cars were rounded out by the “Arizona Blow Dryer” of Art Nolte and defending WFA Series Champ Dean Oberg (who struggled all weekend with mechanical issues).
The final was set. With Knowles and Phelps at the top of the pack all weekend, it was shaping up to be a gunfight in the final. Unfortunately Phelps destroyed his wing in a freak accident while returning from the previous pass when his chute fell off the wing and the rear tire ran over it, pulling down the shrouds to severely bend the wing. Chris had to accept the reality that he would not be allowed to run over 200 mph, but decided to roll the dice and chance it anyway. Good thing he did, as Knowles handed him his birthday present when he couldn’t back up from the burnout. Congratulations to the Ghost Rider Voodoo Racing team for taking home the trophy. Special thanks to Speedworld Dragstrip for their hospitality and great track prep.
It’s official. We will be part of the Heritage race at Speedworld. Yes, this will be a points race. This year we will not have reserved parking. Parking will be first come first served as directed by the track. Please try to be parked by Friday Night. We won’t know Saturday run times until the weekend of the event. Car and Driver plus (4) crew free with paid membership dues prior to event. Additional passes or unpaid members will pay heritage gate fees.
Thursday – Parking
Friday – Parking, Tech, $50 test & tune
Saturday – (2) passes during the day. First pass will be for points only. Second pass will be a payout round. No runs Saturday night. If you make an additional pass Saturday night, you will not qualify for payout on Sunday.
Sunday – (1) pass and a final for payout.
http://speedworlddragstrip.com/site/
623-388-2424
Don’t forget, new 2012 rules will be in affect. If your combination doesn’t meet the rules and you want to participate, please contact me.
You can download the latest rulebook here:
http://www.wfaseries.com/WFA%20Rules%202012.pdf
Dues can be paid with credit card here:
Final Pre Entry List as of 3/12/2012:
Jim Maroney
Jerry Hall
Robert Winefsky
Hal Rishton
Mark Forbes
Curt Legerski
Dean Oberg
Greg Gutierrez
Mitch Bowen
Kevin Knowles
Sheldon Lofgreen
Mike Hoyt Sr.
Ed Middlebrook
Chris Phelps
Hamby Family
James Generalao Jr.