FINAL RESULTS FROM THE NAPA AUTO PARTS IGNITOR PRESENTED BY PETERSON CHEVROLET
Kris Krabill, Tom Gresham and Craig Jensen defended their NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor presented by Peterson Chevrolet this past weekend at Firebird Raceway. Krabill took the win in Nostalgia Funny Car, Gresham won in Super Comp and Jensen repeated in Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley-Davidson.
Krabill, out of Bellevue, Wash., and running for car owner Bucky Austin, faced off with Dan Horan Jr. in a classic 1 vs. 2 battle. Horan led all qualifiers in the No. 1 position with Krabill sitting second coming into eliminations. The pair marched through rounds one and two as both ran 5.80’s in their semifinal match ups. Krabill got the early lead in the final and held off the hard charging Horan who ran quicker with a 5.845 second lap to Krabill’s winning 5.906 at 242.19 mph. Horan recorded the event’s fastest run in the final at 251.46, the second fastest speed in track history (track record 251.60 mph by Jason Rupert).
Gresham, Ore., racer Gresham, took home the trophy and the win in Super Comp when Coltan Hiatt, Fernley, Nev., rolled the beams, leaving early with the red-light foul start and Jensen won the battle of snowmobiles as he faced off with Zane Robinson. Jensen, Chubbuck, had a big lead at the start and held on for the win running 10.165 seconds at 103.56 mph to Robinson’s 11.900 at 104.03.
Jimmy DeFrank had the better reaction time over Brad Rounds to capture the Super Stock title and take the trophy back to California while Tibor Kadar, Peoria, Ariz., won against former Lucas Oil World Champion Brad Burton, Snohomish, Wash., in Stock Eliminator.
The home state racers took several trophies in the bracket classes as Carl Youngstrom doubled up winning in both the Pro and the Heavy classes and was joined by Boise’s Joseph Karnes in the Sportsman category. Youngstrom beat Bruce Compton, Boise, in Pro then outran Glen Phillips, Middleton, in Heavy, while Karnes held on for the win against Ron Wurtz out of Caldwell, Idaho. Brigham City, Utah, racer Chris Hall, upended Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls, to round out the list of winners. Hall drive his ’66 Chevy II to a 10.652 second lap at 124.22 mph to Kidd’s 9.110, 161.52 for the Super Pro title.
In Top Dragster it was Dan Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., with a near perfect .002 second reaction time to defeat Terry Wilcox. Provost went 7.205 at 187.96 mph to Wilcox’s 7.624, 176.96.
In one of the closest finals of the day, Ed Olpin , Pleasant Grove, Utah, drove his ’63 Corvette to the win against David Holmes, Spokane, Wash. Olpin’s 10.159 held off Holmes’ 10.151 in his ’63 Plymouth.
Super Street saw a first time winner in Chris Cannon, Bothell, Wash., who covered the quarter mile in 11.146, 143.51 in his ’68 Camaro in a double breakout win with home state racer Steven Reynolds, Nampa, and his ’71 Nova, while Steve Downs won in the RH Racecars Top Sportsman Series. Downs ran down Robert Strohm, Seattle, clocking in at 7.646 seconds, 172.54 mph.
AA/Funny Car
Kris Krabill, Tacoma, Wash., .096, 5.90, 242.19 def. Dan Horan Jr., Sylmar, Calif., .186, 5.84, 251.46.
Super Comp
Tom Gresham, Gresham, Ore, no time recorded, def. Coltin Hiatt, Fernley, Nev., overstaged, car rolled through beams.
Super Gas
Ed Olpin (pictured above), Pleasant Grove, Utah, .056, 10.15 (10.15 index) 158.14 def. David Holmes, Spokane, Wash., .069, 10.15 (10.15 index) 146.93.
Super Street
Chris Cannon, Bothell, Wash., .036, 11.14 (11.15 index) 143.51 def. Steve Reynolds, Nampa, .030, 11.13 (11.15 index) 131.81.
Super Stock
Jimmy DeFrank, Thosand Oaks, Calif., .012, 8.89 (8.87 dial) 149.27 def. Brad Rounds, Reno, Nev., .027, 9.34 (9.32 dial) 141.66.
Stock
Tibor Kadar, Phoenix, Ariz., .022, 10.41(10.35 dial) 119.25 def. Brad Burton, Kirkland, Wash., .054, 11.01 (10.98 dial) 117.21.
Top Sportsman
Steve Downs, Edgewood, Wash., .052, 7.64 (7.62 dial) 172.54 def. Robert Strohm, Seattle, Wash., .004, 8.06 (7.95 dial) 152.90.
Top Dragster
Dan Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., .002, 7.20 (7.15 dial) 187.96 def. Terry Wilcox, Sumner, Wash., .038, 7.62 (7.59 dial) 176.95.
Sportsman Bike/Sled
Craig Jensen, Chubbuck, .084, 10.16 (9.90 dial) 103.56 def. Zane Robinson, Pocatello, .258, 11.90 (11.78 dial) 104.03.
Super Pro
Chris Hall, Brigham City, Utah, .011, 10.65 (10.66 dial) 124.22 def. Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls, .006, 9.11 (9.12 dial) 161.52.
Pro
Carl Youngstrom, Caldwell, .013, 9.48 (9.47 dial) 130.30 def. Bruce Compton, Boise, .042, 10.65 (10.61 dial) 121.76.
Heavy
Carl Youngstrom, Caldwell, .196, 13.88 (12.50 dial) 87.30 def. Glen Phillips, Middleton, -.006 foul, 14.12 (12.57 dial) 100.53.
Sportsman
Joseph Karnes, Boise, .038, 12.80 (12.70 dial) 107.48 def. Ron Wurtz, Caldwell, .099, 12.49 (12.44 dial) 104.11.
Best Appearing Car – Dan Lafferty, Dragster
Best Engineered – Mike Williams, `09 GXP
Note: With 8 participants on hand, Comp eliminator racers chose to move the Boise race eliminations early in the day to the Spokane, Wash., LODRS event, following Sunday morning showers on the final day of eliminations at Firebird.
DAN HORAN NAILS POLE IN FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING AT THE IGNITOR
Reigning Boise Bakersfield Blitz champ Dan “the Man” Horan from Sylmar, Calif., posted the top performance in Funny Car qualifying at the 44th Annual NAPA Ignitor at Firebird. Horan recorded a 6.01 elapsed time at 245.49 miles per hour. Horan was followed by Kris Krabill, Tacoma, Wash., who claimed second at 6.04-238.22. the field is rounded out by Richard Townsend, Roger Garten, Robert Overholser, Wally Giavia, Mark Hentges and Devery Howard.
Two new NHRA national records were established and backed up on Saturday John Buczynski and Adam Bowdish.
Racing continues Sunday morning at 9 am, followed by AA/Funny Car eliminations at 2 pm. Adult admission is $22 and kids 12 & under are free.
Qualifying from the: 44th Annual NAPA Ignitor Opener presented by Peterson Chevrolet
AA/Funny Car Qualifying
1. Dan Horan, Sylmar, Calif., ’72 Mustang, 6.016 seconds, 245.49 Miles per hour
2. Kris Krabill, Tacoma, Wash., ’78 Firebird, 6.048, 238.22
3. Richard Townsend, Oakdale Calif., ’69 Camaro, 6.168, 228.25
4. Roger Garten, Fallbrook Calif., ’72 Mustang, 6.194, 231.42
5. Robert Overholser, Clovis Calif., ’77 Firebird, 6.242, 235.66
6. Wally Giavia, Klamath Falls Ore., ’78 Challenger, 6.439, 190.31
7. Mark Hentges, Federal Way Wash., ’79 Arrow, 6.494, 219.99
8. Devery Howard, Garden Grove Calif., ’74 Satellite, 6.834, 203.80
Super Stock
1. Cody Lane, North Bend Wash., ’08 Cavalier, 8.533 seconds, 9.89 index, -1.037 under index
2. Rick Patton, Edmonton Alberta, ’02 Camaro, 8.852, 9.84, -.988
3. Tom Nolan, Lacombe Alberta, ’09 Pontiac, 9.534, 10.50, -.966
4. Jim Isherwood, Mission B.C.,’ 67 Plymouth, 9.506, 10.45, -.944
5. Sean Cour, Brush Prairie Wash., ’09 Cobalt, 9.722, -.928
Stock Eliminator
1. Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver Wash., ’96 Corvette, 10.520 seconds, 11.53 index, 1.010 under index
2. Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud Colo., ’64 Plymouth, 10.282, 11.27, -.988
3. Bob Gullett, Calgary Alberta, ’68 Chevy II, 11.232, 12.19, -.958
4. Will Kelly, Walla Walla Wash., ’70 Barracuda, 11.345, 12.29, -.945
5. Steve Cozakos, Marysville Wash., ’69 Chevy, 11.387, 12.29, -.903
Top Dragster
1. Jon Bradford, Tucson AZ, dragster, 6.195 seconds, 223.10 mile per hour
2. Paul Snell, Sandy UT, dragster, 6.541, 207.46
3. Ryan Carlson, Maple Valley WA, dragster, 6.709, 202.29
4. Robert McMahan, Lodi CA, dragster, 6.772, 199.07
5. Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, dragster, 6.840, 198.32
Top Sportsman
1. Derek Menholt, Billings Mont., ’68 Camaro, 6.848 seconds, 202.20 miles per hour
2. Gary Miserva, Sherwood Park Alberta, ’07 Stratus, 7.106, 194.72
3. Doug Watts, Syracuse Utah, ’08 GTO, 7.111, 194.51
4. Mike Williams, Tilley Alberta, ’09 GXP, 7.173, 192.63
5. Rod Hymas, Standard Alberta, ’69 Camaro, 7.203, 191.12
Sportsman Bike/Sled
1. Jake Wood, Eagle ID, ’01 Artic Cat, .013 reaction time
2. Tim Osmus, Middleton ID, ’98 Artic Cat, .013
3. Scott Grondahl, Nampa ID, ’11 BMW, .015
4. Jeff Havens, Yakima WA, ’95 Suzuki, .021
5. Paul Vaughn, Pocatello ID, ’96 Polaris, .028
WALLY GIAVIA NAILS FRIGID 6.43 TO LEAD NAPA IGNITOR FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING
Wally Giavia grabbed the early pole in AA/Funny Car qualifying at the 44th edition of the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor presented by Peterson Chevrolet. During the opening round of qualifying, eleven Nitro Fuel Coupes attempted to negotiate some of the coldest race conditions in recent memory. With ambient temperatures in the upper 40’s (and a track temp in the low 60’s), all racers fought shake, wheel spin and a multitude (intermittant showers) of challenges during the session. Giavia made a nice straight 800′ pull, netting the top spot at 6.43-219.31. With rain showers off `n on throughout the marathon Funny Car session, Kris Krabill ended up second at a 6.55 and a reasonably stout 224.60 mph, which stood for top speed of the event. All racers made one run during the afternoon program, which started after nearly a half inch of rain fell overnight and during the morning hours. The track crew spent the better part of three hours drying the raceway out followed by the beginning of time trial runs shortly after 1:30 pm.
Racing continues on Saturday at 9 am. AA/Funny Car qualifying continues at 1 and 5 pm, finals Sunday afternoon.
Qualifying from the: 44th Annual NAPA Ignitor Opener presented by Peterson Chevrolet
AA/Funny Car Qualifying
1. Wally Giavia, Klamath Falls, Ore., 6.43, 190.31.
2. Kris Krabill, Tacoma, Wash., 6.55, 224.60.
3. Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash. 6.71, 213.57.
4. Dan Horan, Sylmar, Calif., 7.00, 143.31.
5. Roger Garten, Fallbrook, Calif., 7.39, 128.05.
6. Robert Overholser, Clovis, Calif., 7.39, 130.64.
7. Devery Howard, Garden Grove, Calif., 8.69, 129.27.
8. Chris Davis, Spokane, Wash., 9.20, 96.81.
9. Richard Townsend, Oakdale, Calif., 9.24, 91.69.
10. Brad Thompson, Bakersfield, Calif., 9.82, 93.54.
11. Scott Stanger, West Point, Calif., 10.20, 84.75.
Super Stock
1. Rick Patton, Edmonton AB, ’02 Camaro, 8.897 seconds, 9.84 index, -.943 under index
2. Tom Nolan, Lacombe AB, ’09 Pontiac, 9.568, 10.50, -.932
3. Jim Isherwood, Mission BC, 9.580, 10.45, -.870
4. Les Norton, South Jordan UT, ’10 Dodge, 9.493, 10.30, -.807
5. Jackie Alley, Eagle ID, ’69 Camaro, 9.654, 10.45, -.796
Stock Eliminator
1. Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud CO, ’64 Plymouth, 10.282 seconds, 11.27 index, -.988 under index
2. Steve Cozakos, Marysville WA, ’69 Chevy, 11.405, 12.29, -.885
3. Bob Gullett, Calgary AB, ’68 Chevy II, 11.328, 12.19, -.862
4. Mick Alley, Eagle ID, ’69 Camaro, 10.412, 11.27, -.858
5. Tibor Kadar, Phoenix AZ, ’64 Fairlane, 10.434, 11.27, -.836
Top Dragster
1. Jon Bradford, Tucson AZ, dragster, 6.307 seconds, 211.21 mile per hour
2. Paul Snell, Sandy UT, dragster, 6.592, 208.67
3. Ryan Carlson, Maple Valley WA, dragster, 6.723, 201.29
4. Robert McMahan, Lodi CA, dragster, 6.842, 197.28
5. Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, dragster, 6.870, 198.54
Top Sportsman
1. Doug Watts, Syracuse UT, ’08 GTO, 7.111 seconds, 191.51 miles per hour
2. Gary Miserva, Sherwood Park AB, ’07 Stratus, 7.141, 190.96
3. Derek Menholt, Billings MT, ’68 Camaro, 7.295, 191.28
4. Daryl Hemley, Burley WA, ’02 Cavalier, 7.370, 194.80
5. Jake Neibauer, Billings MT, ’63 Corvette, 7.382, 185.68
Sportsman Bike/Sled
1. Jake Wood, Eagle ID, ’01 Artic Cat, .013 reaction time
2. Tim Osmus, Middleton ID, ’98 Artic Cat, .013
3. Scott Grondahl, Nampa ID, ’11 BMW, .015
4. Jeff Havens, Yakima WA, ’95 Suzuki, .021
5. Paul Vaughn, Pocatello ID, ’96 Polaris, .028
RYAN COOK NIPS RAYCE KIDD FOR SUPER PRO TITLE ON DAY TWO OF SEASON OPENER
Ryan Cook, Idaho Falls, defeat Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls, during the second day of the Stinker Stores Season Opener at Firebird. In an all Dragster final, Cook recorded at 7.94 elapsed time at 162.68 miles per hour to stop Kidd who finished at 7.69, 170.22 who claimed runner-up for the second consecutive day in the Super Pro category.
In Street Truck, Kristi Shawver from Meridian doubled-up by winning both Saturday and Sunday with her `75 Chevy fleetside pickup.
In addition, kids of all ages participated in the first Easter Egg Hunt in eight years, which was very well received by all in attendance (pictured above).
Results from the Stinker Stores Season Opener
Super Pro
Ryan Cook, .004, 7.94 (7.94 Dial) 162.68, def. Rayce Kidd, .022, 7.69 (7.69 dial) 170.22.
Semi-Brad Pattan.
Quarter-Chris Jaggers, Mike Coltrin.
Eighth-Jim Tattersall, Trevor Murdock, Steve Reynolds, Ed Cutler.
Pro
Tom Davis, .172, 11.34 (11.33 dial) 118.04, def. Stan Deming, -.017 foul, 10.63 (10.58 dial) 112.23.
Semi-Bruce Compton.
Quarter-Alex Steen, Dan Wilder, Marcia Randall.
Eighth-Larry Hale, Mike Drummond, Tom Bittick, Richard Fassett, Vern Chitwood.
Sportsman
Luke Jacobson, .124, 12.50 (12.49 dial) 105.62, def. Blaine Sterling, .120, 12.06 (12.09 dial) 104.82.
Semi-Joseph Karnes.
Quarter-Chad Rohde, Zeke Johnson, Jerry Trolard.
Eighth-Margaret Smith, Gary Kruger, Tyler Rush, Otto Porter, Derryl Winters.
Sled/Bike
Scott Grondahl, .097, 9.92 (9.90 dial) 139.75, def. Dave Allen, -.009 foul, 8.70 (8.60 dial) 165.38.
Semi-Jacob Wood, David Kletzien.
Quarter-David Wood, Craig Jensen, Chad Hofert.
Nostalgia
Carl Youngstrom, .128, 10.25 (10.23 dial) 128.71, def. Glenn Watts, .040, 10.82 (10.71 dial) 126.29.
Semi-Sarah Mason, Jeffrey Langan.
Quarter-Susan Wikfors, Doug Wikfors, Denise Clark, Bill Muchow.
Junior Dragster
Justin Hof, .028, 7.91 (7.90 dial) 81.59, def. Chandler Steen, -.010 foul, 8.06 (8.00 dial) 80.71.
Semi-Levi Burke, Casey Compton.
Quarter-Layne Fiscus, John Burke Jr., Hannah VanderMeer.
Outlaw Street
Joseph Karnes, .030, 12.51 (12.58 dial) 108.36, def. Carl Youngstrom, -.051 foul, 10.24 (10.25 dial) 129.66.
Semi-Sharlene Lancaster.
Quarter-Travis Bowins, Dan Hurlbert.
Street Bike
Alex Smith, .116, 12.08 (12.07 dial) 112.19, def. Liz Micheletty, -.133 foul, 10.16 (9.87 dial) 142.00.
Semi-Whitney Carlson.
Quarter-Gerard Stanberry, David Kletzien.
Street Truck
Kristi Shawver, .164, 13.15 (13.15 dial) 99.81, def. Perry Hammons, -.025 foul, 15.35 (15.40 dial) 89.53.
Semi-Terry Downard, Dustin Davis.
Quarter-Chad Foruria, Maggie Watts, Ryan DuBois.
Super Shifter
Glen Phillips, .133, 12.45 (12.49 dial) 109.47, def. Judd Trolard, .041, 14.59 (14.69 dial) 90.22.
Semi-Richie Pedraza.
TYLER RUSH DEFEATS SISTER RACHEL AT SATURDAY’S SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY STINKERS
Tyler Rush defeated sister Rachel in the Sportsman eliminator final at the Stinker Stores Season Opener at Firebird. The defending track champion ran 13.11 elapsed time at 94.63 miles per hour with his `78 Chevy pickup to defeat a 12.76-107.11 by the `79 Camaro of his sister Rachel during the opening point’s race.
Sunday opens at 9 am followed by eliminations at 2 pm. Adult admission is $12, 6-12 are $3 and 5 & under are free. A major Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 1:15 pm for three different age divisions.
Results from the Stinker Stores Season Opener:
Super Pro
Chris Jaggers, .024,, 8.12 (7.97 dial) 137.38, def. Rayce KIdd, -.002, 7.75 (7.68 dial) 157.23.
Semi-Sean Shaffer.
Quarter-Mark Kidd, Christopher Northup.
Eighth-Eddie Franek, Aaron Marcum, Marissa Kidd, Steve Reynolds.
Pro
Seth McLean, .056, 11.97 (11.96 dial) 111.39, def. Sue Reynolds, -.300 foul, 11.80 (11.40 dial) 103.62.
Semi-Tom Davis, Jim Coryat.
Quarter-Richard Fassett, Steve Pyburn, Liana Compton.
Eighth-Zak Pedraza, Rick Sayers, Jeffrey Langan, Mike Drummond, Carl Youngstrom, Tom Bittick.
Sportsman
Tyler Rush, .053, 13.11 (13.05 dial) 94.63, def. Rachel Rush, .095, 12.76 (12.70 dial) 107.11.
Semi-Margaret Smith.
Quarter-Mike Ritz, Troy McDonald.
Eighth-John Johnson Jr., Ron Wurtz, Adam Wurtz, Don Bruce, Jerry Trolard.
Sled/Bike
David Kletzien, .023, 9.60 (9.51 dial) 130.75, def. Craig Jensen, .052, 10.04 (9.72 dial) 129.83.
Semi-Zak Pedraza.
Quarter-Chase Bittick, Liz Micheletty, Rich Pedraza.
Nostalgia
Doug Wikfors, .012, 11.44 (11.44 dial) 112.74, def. Carl Youngstrom, .123, 10.28 (10.17 dial) 130.30.
Semi-Marcia Randall, Ken Clark.
Quarter-Jeffrey Langan, Dusty Howsden, Wiley Hinkle, Bill Muchow.
Junior Dragster
Levi Burke, .104, 9.21 (9.20 dial) 71.98, def. Casey Compton, .405, 7.98 (7.97 dial) 82.38.
Semi-Paul Sheridan.
Quater-Jacob Geier, Justin Hof, John Burke Jr.
Outlaw Street
Ryan Resinkin, .101, 11.15 (11.17 dial) 119.69, def. Joseph Karnes, .042, 12.57 (12.60 dial) 109.06.
Semi-Mike Ritz.
Quarter-Carl Youngstrom, Stephanie Meimann.
Street Bike
David Kletzien, .076, 9.47 (9.51 dial) 148.49, def. Gerard Stanberry, .088, 9.53 (9.60 dial) 144.55.
Semi-Dave Allen.
Quarter-Chad Hofert, Liz Micheletty.
Street Truck
Kristi Shawver, .178, 13.37 (13.19 dial) 90.39, def. Rocky Nelson, .618, 13.51 (13.56 dial) 96.38.
Semi-Terry Downard, Ashton Davis.
Super Shifter
Carl Youngstrom, .066, 13.83 (13.80 dial) 97.42, def. Nicholas Rayl, .170, 13.73 (13.80 dial) 102.37.
Semi-Judd Trolard.
20TH ANNUAL SPRING WARM UP & SWAP MEET ENJOYS SUNNY DAY
The 20th Annual Swing Warm Up & Swap Meet presented by American Classifieds started off on Friday with temperatures in the 60’s under cloud free skies. Saturday dawned beautiful with plenty of sunshine and some breezy conditions as the day progressed.
The event attracted both a good showing of racers who tested throughout the late morning and afternoon, along with a big turnout of vendors in both the upper and lower pit areas. Additionally, the turnout of buyers, crew members and fans was amazing from a little after 7 am until the day came to an end around 4:30 pm. For all of you who attended this year, we say thanks for your support on behalf of every member of the New family and the Firebird track staff.
The full day of testing featured quite a cross-section of racers. Competitors gearing up for the big Stinker Season Opener on April 19-20, including all those planning to run in Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Sled/Bike, Outlaw Street, Nostalgia, Street Truck, Street Bike and Sport Compact. The Opener will also be the opening double header weekend for Junior Dragster teams.
It’s pretty difficult to mention everyone that made laps, but here’s a few of those who put down solid passes throughout the day. Noteworthy from the sea of practice passes included laps from Super Pro racers like Cody Hiatt, Steve Reynolds, Larry Saunders, Christopher Northup, Stan Keller, Brad Pattan, Duston Wurtz, Trevor Murdock, three members of the Clark racing team, Camille Shaffer, John Cox, and many others. From the Pro ranks, it was good seeing Melissa Jarboe, Tim & Kristi Shawver, Randy Williamson (who blew the door off his Vega on one run at mid-track), Larry Lamberson, Steve Pyburn, Carl Youngstrom, Joe Witherspoon, Brent Borchers, Bruce Compton, John Lindbloom, Sue Reynolds, Dan Wilder, Phil Sielaff, and a number of other notables making laps. The bikes and sleds were out in force, too, as were a number of Sportsman racers In addition, the test day also attracted all kinds of sport compact, street machine, truck, and other entries.
A handful of racers were out making license runs, too. The hard luck award for the day went to the first appearance of the season for Emmett’s Alan Clarke. Driving his primered Nova in only its second event, the car had shifter/tranny issues about mid-track, locking up the rear wheels. It did a broad slide at about the eighth-mile mark, slightly brushing the wall, but he vows to return soon.
Finally, we want to pass along our thanks to everyone on the Firebird track crew. From the front gates to the food & souvenir service staff and everyone involved with race operations, we’re grateful for your enthusiasm and hard work. It was two very busy days of activities and all `n all – it was unquestionably another first-rate event.
Look forward to seeing everyone at Season Opener, which will feature a big Easter Egg Hunt around 1 pm on Sunday, April 20th. Bring all the kids as we are planning three different hunts for the older kids, middle-aged kids and the toddlers (three separate areas). Furthermore, there will be several grand prizes for those who find the “golden” eggs.
LOTS OF NEW FACES AND RETURNING VETERANS ATTEND SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO TEST
Two weeks in a row, mother nature has thrown an interesting twist into the day. No different than the first day for Testing, the morning of the second Open Test Day brought plenty of wet weather as overnight showers produced a rather damp facility to start the day. Over three hours of track drying commenced a little after sunrise. Fortunate enough, a few sun breaks and a decent amount of wind helped dry things out shortly after the anticipated start of 11 am.
Lots of racers took advantage of the prime Spring-time air. Some air guages reported the computers reading 300-400′ corrected above sea level. And aside from a little headwind, the cars, trucks, bikes, sleds and juniors were flyin’! Licensing attempts were plentiful as quite a number of racers made passes with either new rides or completely updated equipment. It was amazing to see all the new upgrades and paint jobs. Everyone is really buzzing for the start of the Boise Muffler Gold Cup Championship Series, which kicks of on April 19-20.
Pictured above, both Steve Reynolds and Lisa Thomas made a number of 9-second runs with their pair of Nova/Chevy II rides.
One final chance to test will take place on Saturday, April 12th – should be more fun in the “sun” at the western home of the house of hook.
CHALLENGING WEATHER DOESN’T SLOW UP STRONG FIELD OF RACERS AT FIRST TEST DAY OF SEASON
Unpredictable weather can throw a monkey wrench into anyone’s best-laid plans. Sunday, March 30th, was just that. As most know, the New Crew and their staff very rarely toss the towel in early. In fact, they typically go well beyond the call of duty in trying to make a race or test day happen no matter how much work it might take. During the first day of testing the season, Mother Nature tried to impede the plans of many. Altogether, several tenths of rain fell overnight and off `n on during the early morning, it finally dried out enough to kick things into gear. Fortunately enough a lot of hard work and effort saw testing get underway around 12:30 pm for quite a wide variety of race teams.
The day started off wet, very wet. After four-plus hours of track drying with temperatures in the mid-40’s, everything was ready go. The only hitch to the day was all the winds that were helping push the cold front out of the valley.
We just want to say thank you to all of the Firebird staff and crew for working overtime to make this event even happen. Altogether, they dried the track off `n on for the better part of five hours. It was nothing shy of a Herculean effort. We also want to convey our appreciation to all those racers, crew and their families who stayed for the full meal deal.
There were quite a number of new rides that also appeared at the one-day event.
Next up: the second opportunity to go Pre-Season Testing on Sunday, April 6th. We’ll see you there!