JOHN NEW SWEEPS STAFF BASH TITLE AT LAST BLAST
On a day that featured weather reminiscent of winter, John New collected top honors in the annual Staff Bash contested during the Last Blast event. After a late afternoon rain shower abbreviated the distance to the eighth-mile, John recorded an 11.10 (11.10 dial) in the first round; followed by a 11.10 (11.00 dial); 11.01 (11.03 dial); 11.03 (11.01 dial) and a final round 11.05 (11.02 dial) to defeat Katy Sterling who finished at a perfect 9.15 (9.15 dial) in the title bout. John saved his best for last, nailing a .010 reaction time to win bragging rights for the next year.
The Staff Bash also saw photographer Gary Himes qualify number one after posting a perfect .000 reaction time during the practice session.
The day also featured a strong turnout of test `n tune racers, many of which recorded their best passes of the season as temperatures and atmospheric conditions offered near perfect air and track bite.
NEVADA RACER CROWNED GRAND CHAMPION AT FIREBIRD
Lonnie Grace from Fallon, Nev., swept the overall title and $5,000 Classic Grand Championship four-way runoff at the NAPA Halloween Classic at Firebird. Grace stopped Nampa’s Troy McDonald in a close final. Meridian’s Tim Wallace defeated Jake Neibauer, Billings, Mont., in the Top Gun Shootout final, which pits the event’s 32 quickest race cars.
The Air Firebird Wheelstanding Show scheduled for Saturday night (and was delayed by wet weather until Sunday) was won by Jamie DenBesten, Lyman, Wyo., Mick Alley, Eagle, and Scott West, Billings, Mont., in spectacular skyscraping form.
Classic Grand Championship Runoff
Lonnie Grace, Fallon, Nev., .022, 8.60 (8.60 dial) 156.38 def. Troy McDonald, Nampa, .051, 14.44 (14.49 dial) 95.27.
Semi-Carl Youngstrom; Troy McDonald.
Super Pro
Lonnie Grace, Fallon, Nev., .009, 8.68 (8.65 dial) 142.38 def. Jim Cox, Weiser, .026, 9.42 (9.39 dial) 140.80.
Semi-Dave Poulsen, Logan, Utah; John Shaffer, Boise.
Quarter-Randy Bullington, Kuna; Mark Kidd, Twin Falls; Shawn Corbitt, Rock Springs, Wyo.
Eighth-Jason Mercer, Kelowna, B.C.; Jeff Higgins, Boise; Brent Hodson, Selah, Wash.; Shayne Schaefer, Boise; Mark Barnhart, Emmett; Mike Schoenfeld, Kent, Wash.; Meghan Molinari, Battleground, Wash.
Pro
Chris Hall, Brigham City, Utah, .007, 10.39 (10.38 dial) 123.45 def. Lisa Thomas, Meridian, .096, 9.67 (9.67 dial) 136.38.
Semi-Tim Lewis, Woodinville, Wash.
Quarter-Garrett Parsons, Monroe, Utah; Joe Witherspoon, Caldwell.
Eighth-Ryan Gerig, Lebanon, Ore.; Scott Parsons, Monroe, Utah; Alison Burnop, Caldwell; Terry Phillips, Emmett; Andy Schmall, Idaho Falls.
Heavy
Carl Youngstrom, Caldwell, .036, 12.97 (11.50 dial) 81.11 def. Mike Smith, Kuna, -.009, 11.61 (11.64 dial) 116.33.
Semi-Travis Bowins, Meridian.
Quarter-Blaine Sterling, Caldwell; Denice Meadows, Yakima, Wash.
Eighth-Hans VanderMeer, Boise; Luke Arneson, Rockford, Wash.; Jerry Trolard, Vale, Ore.; Bret Ward, Boise; Karl Martin, Riverton, Utah.
Sportsman
Troy McDonald, Nampa, .056, 14.49 (14.46 dial) 94.96 def. Tyler Rush, Star, .076, 12.94 (12.96 dial) 93.47.
Semi-Glen Phillips, Middleton; Shannon Dougal, Eagle.
Quarter-Mary Liese, Boise; Paul Wallace, Boise; John Floyd Jr., Gresham, Ore.
Eighth-Chris Hopper, Salt Lake City, Utah; Sam Northup, Boise; Michael Larson, Nampa; Steve Wingert, Boise; Dora Northup, Boise; Jeff Fetty, Middleton; David Meimann, Middleton.
Sled/Bike
Dave Allen, Meridian, .106, 10.53 (10.46 dial) 125.12 def. Brad Crawford, Kennewick, Wash., .169, 9.80 (9.79 dial) 138.95.
Semi-Jesse May, Boise.
Quarter-Rich Pedraza, Boise; Roy Barrera, Boise.
Eighth-Craig Jensen, Chubbuck; Don Trafford, Nampa; John Johnson Jr., Caldwell.
Lucas Oil Top Gun Shootout – Runoff
Tim Wallace, Meridian, .010, 7.29 (7.29 dial) 183.11 def. Jake Neibauer, Billings, Mont., -.001 foul, 11.26 (7.37 dial) 79.46.
Junior Lightning
Casey Compton, Boise, .024, 8.00 (7.98 dial) 80.55 def. Justin Hof, Nampa, 8.09 (8.07 dial) 79.34.
Semi–Cooper Chun, Vancouver, Wash.; Haylie Crawford, Kennewick, Wash.
Quarter-Jake Nickerson, Spokane Valley, Wash.; Zachary Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta.; Harley Mulligan, Pendleton, Ore.
Junior Thunder
Mayson Hawker, Wellsville, Utah, .114, 12.06 (12.05 dial) 52.30 def. Jessica Segura, Caldwell, .086, 11.45 (11.35 dial) 53.39.
Semi– Shayna Nickerson, Spokane Valley, Wash.
Quarter-Sadi Cook, Idaho Falls; Hunter Priest, Layton, Utah; Ty Sasser, Meridian.
Last Chance
Zack Salo, Billings, Mont., .049, 8.65 (8.50 dial) def. Patrick Bailey, Boise, -.012, 10.31 (10.34 dial) 128.93.
Semi-Kristi Shawver, Meridian; Laurie Picket, Winnemucca, Nev.
Last Chance – Sled/Bike
Chad Hofert, Meridian, .086, 8.88 (8.87 dial) 139.92 def. Brock Priest, Mtn. Green, Utah, .237, 11.89 (11.94 dial) 103.08.
Bill Bader Founder’s Award
Jamie DenBesten, Lyman, Wyoming.
Best Appearing-Open Wheel
Brian Stief, Billings, Mont.
Best Appearing-Full Bodied
Ray Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta.
Best Appearing-Sled/Bike
Don DePeel, Gladstone, Ore.
Best Appearing-Junior Dragster
Jadeci Shryock, West Valley, Utah
Long Distance
Ray Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta.
Junior Dragster “A”
D. Cooper Chun, Vancouver, Wash., .065 9.61 (9.22 dial) 53.33 def. Sadi Cook, Idaho Falls, .358, 12.22 (11.98 dial) 51.15
Semi-Bryce Crosby, Roy, Utah; Ty Sasser, Meridian.
Junior Dragster “B”
Hunter Priest, Layton, Utah, .170, 12.08 (12.00 dial) 51.32 def. Tanner Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta., -.019, 9.14 (9.02 dial) 72.01.
Semi-Isaac Hawker, Wellsville, Utah; Hannah VanderMeer, Nampa.
Junior Dragster “C”
Haylie Crawford, Kennewick, Wash., .060, 9.27 (9.17 dial) 67.07 def. Jessica Sequira, Caldwell, .055, 11.57 (11.30 dial) 53.88.
Semi-Andres Chavez, Nampa; Brock Priest, Mtn. Green, Utah.
Junior Dragster “D”
Chandler Steen, Idaho Falls, .090, 7.99 (7.96 dial) 78.68 def. Jadeci Shryock, West Valley, Utah, .142, 8.08 (7.97 dial) 78.56
Semi-Jacob Geier, Nampa; Justin Hoff, Nampa.
Junior Dragster “E”
Casey Compton, Boise, .059, 8.08 (8.07 dial) 75.89 def. Michael Jaggers, Middleton, .094, 8.68 (8.66 dial) 73.15.
Semi-John Burke Jr., Bates, Ore.
Lucas Oil Top Gun “Open Wheel” Final
Tim Wallace, Meridian, .002, 7.30 (7.29 dial) 182.37 def. Ken Nelson, Hayden, .031, 7.61 (7.64 dial) 177.09.
Semi-Cody Hiatt, Boise; Curt Legerski, Rock Springs, Wyo.
Quarter-Matt Schoenfeld, Magna, Utah; Tom Clark, Spokane, Wash.; Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls; Lance Parker, Roy, Utah.
Lucas Oil Top Gun “Full Bodied” Final
Jake Neibauer, Billings, Mont., .036, 7.36 (7.36 dial) 182.03 def. Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash., .019, 7.63 (7.64 dial) 183.11
Semi-Ray Gaetz, Medicine, Hat, Alta.; Joe Hopper, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Quarter-Jamie DenBesten, Lyman, Wyo.; Marty Castagno, Grantsville, Utah; Shawn Corbitt, Rock Springs, Wyo.; Judy Radford, Baker City, Ore.
Adult Costume Winners
Scariest-Exorists, South Jordan, Utah.
Couples-Viking Warriors, Boise.; and Farmer’s Wife & Babe (pig), Boise, Pocatello, Idaho (tie)
Most Original-Gilligans Island crew, Portland, Ore.; Silent Bob and the Bandits (tie)
Sexiest-Queen of Heats, Boise.
Honorable Mention: Dorothy & the Wicked Witch, Idaho Falls.
Best Decorated Pit Areas
Melba Outlaws saloon; Linda Panunzio Harry Potter scene; Nick Marsala haunted house; Kuna Knuckle Draggers dancers; Higgins family hula scene.
Best Decorated Race Cars
Rick Knott; Keith Blackwood.
Staff Costume Winners
Popeye (Dennis Law); Misty Kramer (Social Butterfly); Joel, Ron & Weston (Duck Dynasty); Bryan Smith (Hulk Hogan).
Kid’s Costume Winners
Homemade-Bella & Ferra Barnhart (Sushi & Soy Sauce)
Scariest-Rick Mayhew (Predator)
Most Original-Marlena Miller (Zipper Face)
Cutest-Enzo Castagno (Pirate)
CLASSIC: FRIDAY
Twin Falls’ Rayce Kidd recorded a 7.54 elapsed time at 174.68 miles per hour to stop the event’s quickest race car. Top Gun #1 qualifier Brian Stief from Billings, Mont., recorded a very swift 6.94 – 195.56 to finish runner-up. In addition, Mick Alley, Don DePeel, and Chris Jaggers also collected Friday titles.
Adult pit-side tickets can be purchased at the track daily for $15, ages 6-12 are $5 and 5 & under are free. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9 am, followed by racing throughout the day and finishing up around 7 pm. Staged at Firebird Raceway, the NHRA drag race facility is located 5 miles north of the Hwy 44 on Hwy 16—northwest of Eagle.
Super Roller
Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls, .010, 7.54 (7.51 dial) 174.68 def. Brian Stief, Billings, Mont., .047, 6.94 (6.87 dial) 195.56.
Semi-Rob Asbury, Yakima, Wash.; Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash.
Quarter-Trevor Harkema, Couer `d Alene; Monte Rice, Spokane, Wash.; Warren Ayers, Lewistown, Mont.
No Box/Hi Roller
Mick Alley, Eagle, .163, 10.03 (10.03 dial) 124.74 def. Ken Reaves, North Bend, Wash., .029, 10.40 (10.44 dial) 119.69.
Semi-Lisa Thomas, Meridian; Bruce Weiss, Billings, Mont.
Quarter-Judy Mayer, American Falls; Shannon Hensley, Cheney, Wash.; Charles Davis, Stockton, Utah; Bill Baltzor, Boise.
No Box/Gambler
Chris Jaggers, Middleton, .086, 14.00 (13.97 dial) 96.06 def. Nick Marsala, Kuna, .101, 12.30 (12.26 dial) 108.09.
Semi-Alison Burnop, Caldwell; Kevin Shumway, Boise.
Quarter-Clyde Hughes, Nampa; Steve Nebeker
Sled/Bike Gambler
Don DePeel, Gladstone, Ore., .050, 8.67 (8.60 dial) 149.62 def. Rich Pedraza, Boise. -016 foul, 9.93 (9.80 dial) 132.48.
Semi-Scott Grondahl, Nampa; David Wood, Eagle.
Quarter-Don Trafford, Nampa; Cody Cumpton, Vancouver, Wash.; Liz Micheletty.
Lucas Oil Top Gun Open Wheel Final Qualifying
1. Brian Stief, Billings MT, 6.911, 196.24.
2. Dan Lafferty, Wendell ID, 6.920, 193.75.
3. Steve Cook, Rexburg ID, 7.054, 189.15.
4. Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, 7.088, 193.09.
5. Casey Tehle, Billings MT, 7.113, 190.88.
6. Matt Schoenfeld, Magna UT, 7.237, 184.46.
7. Chris Morel, Reno NV, 7.289, 180.90.
8. Blu Hayball, Fort Hall ID, 7.340, 183.07.
9. Tim Wallace Jr, Meridian ID, 7.348, 181.92.
10. Ken Nelson, Hayden ID, 7.388, 181.05.
11. Curt Legerski, Rock Springs WY, 7.412, 180.57
12. Cody Hiatt, Boise ID, 7.439, 179.71
13. Lance Parker, Roy UT, 7.443, 177.47
14. Dave Poulsen, Logan UT, 7.447, 181.63
15. Tom Clark, Spokane WA, 7.482, 179.17
16. Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls ID, 7.516, 177.90
Alternates
17. Victor Clark, Boise ID, 7.550, 178.71
18. Meghan Molinari, Battle Ground WA, 7.572, 176.47
19. Clayton Steen, Idaho Falls ID, 7.580, 175.37
20. Sadie Floyd, Mooresville NC, 7.652, 171.95
21. Sean Shaffer, Boise ID, 7.697, 172.84
22. John Cox, Weiser ID, 7.773, 172.14
23. Sean Page, Boise ID, 7.776, 170.03
24. Andrew Clark, Kuna ID, 7.905, 170.87
25. Tom Bailey, Soda Springs ID, 7.937, 175.19
Lucas Oil Top Gun Full Bodied Final Qualifying
1. Jake Neibauer, Billings MT, 7.375, 186.06.
2. Marty Castagno, Grantsville UT, 7.522, 185.33.
3. Jamie DenBesten, Lyman WY, 7.531, 186.91.
4. Kevin Young, Idaho Falls ID, 7.586, 194.84.
5. Shawn Corbitt, Idaho Falls ID, 7.605, 182.55..
6. Ray Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta., 7.63, 179.06.
7. Jeff Young, Idaho Falls ID, 7.658, 187.11
8. Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor WA, 7.692, 184.95
9. Derek Menholt, Billings MT, 7.709, 178.00
10. Mark Austin, Garden City ID, 7.758, 175.43
11. Chad Demler, Providence UT, 7.975, 169.55
12. Judy Radford, Baker City OR, 8.195, 164.80
13. Troy Hawker, Wellsville UT, 8.229, 164.02
14. John Davison, Ogden UT, 8.312, 162.80
15. Joe Hopper, Salt Late City UT, 8.364, 161.00
16. Ed Miller, Rangley CO, 8.506, 155.60
Alternates
17. Bill King, Sandy OR, 8.530, 160.31
18. Brad Pattan, Emmett ID, 8.543, 163.66
19. Brent Hodson, Selah WA, 8.563, 162.39
20. Steve Lambert, Boise ID, 8.655, 165.44
21. Jason Mercer, Kalowna BC, 9.124, 148.34
22. Cody Austin, Spring Creek NV, 9.235, 158.14
23. Dave Kvasnicka, Pocatello ID, 11.862, 81.53
CLASSIC: THURSDAY
Perfect weather greeted a big field of racers at the NAPA Halloween Classic. In an all Boise final round affair, Sean Shaffer drove his Dragster to the Super Roller title running 7.72 at 158.78 mph. Shaffer defeated the `63 Corvette roadster of Mike Coltrin who ran 9.62-158.42. Other champions included Rayce Kidd (Hi Roller), Tyler Rush (Gambler) and David Wood (Sled/Bike Gambler).
Super Roller
Sean Shaffer, Boise, .004 reaction time, 7.72 (7.68 dial) 158.78 def. Mike Coltrin, Boise, .087, 9.62 (9.63 dial) 158.42.
Semi-Mark Kidd, Twin Falls; Duston Wurtz, Nampa.
Quarter-Cody Hiatt, Boise; Katie Harkema, Couer d’Alene; Ed Cutler, Meridian; Ed Miller, Rangely, Colo.
Eighth-Chad Demler, Providence, Utah; Brent Higbee, Boise; Mike James, Winnemucca, Nev.; Shane Molenari, Battle Ground, Wash.; Lonnie Grace, Fallon, Nev.; Scott Wear, Marshall, Wash.
No Box/Hi Roller
Rayce Kidd, Twin Falls, .054, 9.70 (9.69 dial) 135.68 def. Mike Panunzio, Plain City, Utah, .056, 10.58 (10.54 dial) 121.31.
Semi-Paul Jordan, Butte, Mont.; Steve Pyburn, Nampa.
Quarter-Ken Casteel, Nampa; Travis Bowins, Meridian; Bruce Stewart, Middleton; Shannon Hensley, Cheney, Wash.
Eighth-Michael Koch, Yakima, Wash.; Richard Williams, Middleton; Gregg Heriford, Vancouver, Wash.; Ricky Johnson, Ontario, Ore.; Charles Davis, Stockton, Utah; Greg Gifford, Camas, Wash.; Tim Shaw, Boise.
No Box/Gambler
Tyler Rush, Star, .036, 12.93 (12.89 dial) 91.46 def. Lynn Johnston, Boise, .161, 11.19 (11.14 dial) 113.56.
Semi- Levi Burlile, Nampa; Deborah Anderson, Long Beach, Wash.
Quarter-Bryce Porter, Rigby; Justin Cirelli, Boise; Michael Pliska, Happy Valley, Ore.; Clyde Hughes, Nampa.
Sled/Bike Gambler
David Wood, Eagle, .095, 9.91 (9.92 dial) 127.17 def. Jacob Wood, Meridian, -.072 foul, 9.41 (9.33 dial) 139.68.
Semi-Brad Crawford, Kennewick, Wash.; Bryan Duvall, West Jordan, Utah.
Quarter-Michael Watts, Boise; Liz Micheletty, Kuna; Roy Barrera, Boise.
Lucas Oil Top Gun Open Wheel Qualifying (after 2 of 3 opportunities)
1. Dan Lafferty, Wendell, 6.92 elapsed time, 193.79 miles per hour.
2. Brian Stief, Billings, Mont., 6.92, 196.54.
3. Shane Molinari, Battle Ground, Wash., 7.08, 193.09.
4. Robert Tehle, Billings, Mont., 7.11, 191.20.
5. Matt Schoenfeld, Magna, Utah, 7.23, 184.46.
6. Chris Morel, Reno, Nev., 7.28, 180.90.
7. Tim Wallace, Meridian, 7.34, 181.92.
8. Blu Hayball, Fort Hall, 7.38, 181.89.
9. Ken Nelson, Hayden, 7.38, 181.05.
10. Steve Cook, Rexburg, 7.42, 180.10.
11. Cody Hiatt, Boise, 7.44, 180.36.
12. Lance Parker, Roy, Utah, 7.44, 178.11.
13. Curt Legereski, 7.47, 180.46.
14. Tom Clark, Spokane, Wash., 7.48, 179.17.
15. Clayton Steen, Idaho Falls, 7.59, 175.57.
16. Victor Clark, Boise, 7.59, 178.35.
Alternates
17. Dave Poulsen, Logan, Utah, 7.60, 177.69.
18. Sadie Floyd, Mooresville, NC, 7.65, 171.95.
19. Sean Shaffer, Boise, 7.69, 172.84.
20. John Cox, Weiser, 7.77, 172.14.
21. Sean Page, Boise, 7.77, 170.03.
22. Andrew Clark, Kuna, 7.90, 170.87.
23. Tom Bailey, Soda Springs, 8.08, 171.69.
Lucas Oil Top Gun Full Bodied Qualifying
1. Jake Neibauer, Billings, Mont., 7.37, 186.06.
2. Marty Castagno, Grantsville, Utah, 7.52, 182.03.
3. Kevin Young, Idaho Falls, 7.59, 194.84.
4. Shawn Corbitt, Idaho Falls, 7.61, 182.29..
5. Ray Gaetz, Medicine Hat, Alta., 7.63, 179.06.
6. Derek Menholt, Billings, Mont., 7.70, 178.00.
7. Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash., 7.75, 179.39.
8. Mark Austin, Garden City, 7.75, 175.43.
9. Chad Demler, Providence, Utah, 7.97, 169.55.
10. Jamie DenBesten, Lyman, Wyo., 8.02, 183.52.
11. Judy Radford, Baker City, Ore., 8.19, 164.80.
12.Troy Hawker, Wellsville, Utah, 8.27, 163.87.
13. John Davison, Ogden, Utah, 8.27, 163.87.
14. Joe Hopper, Salt Lake City, Utah, 8.36, 161.00.
15. Ed Miller, Rangely, Colo., 8.50, 155.60.
16. Bill King, Sandy, Ore., 8.53, 160.31.
Alternates
17. Brad Pattan, Emmett, 8.56, 163.22.
18. Brent Hodson, Selah, Wash., 8.60, 161.69.
19. Steve Lambert, Boise, 8.93, 111.11.
20. Cody Austin, Spring Creek, Nev., 9.23, 158.14.
CLASSIC: WEDNESDAY
Wednesday featured an entire day dedicated to test runs followed up by the Classic Club Grand Championship. Nick Marsala was the overall winner of the Quality Trailer Stakes runoff.
Classic Club Runoff
Nick Marsala, The Barons, .048 reaction time, 12.28 (12.28 dial) 108.34 miles per hour def. Mike Smith, Kuna Knuckle Draggers, .039, 11.66 (11.68 dial) 114.48.
Quality Trailer Club Champions
Steve Schideler, Down `n Dirty
Chris Jaggers, PSI Racing
Jeff Bell, Melba Outlaws
Nick Marsala, The Barons
Matt Roderick, Flying Brick
Mike Smith, Kuna Knuckle Draggers
Ed Wong, Valley Vettes
Kevin Petty, Mopar Mafia
Joe Witherspoon, Doorslammers
Andy Strunk, DT Embroidery
Carlos Castro, 3800 Club
Tessa Lancaster, Naughty Girls
Bryn Anderson, Venom Racing
Todd Trueblood, The A-Team
PRE-CLASSIC WARM UP ATTRACTS STRONG TURNOUT OF RACERS GETTING READY HALLOWEEN CLASSIC XXI
Under beautiful 70 degree skies, the Pre-Classic Warm Up drew a wide variety of racers many of which were setting up and fine tuning their combinations for the fast approaching Halloween event (which officially kicks into gear on October 8th and continues thru the 12th).
Cool, crisp and fast air helped produce quite a number of strong performances. After weeks and even months of temperatures in the 80’s, 90’s or hotter yet, it was a welcome surprise to see such a nice day for unlimited testing. Several early arrivers made upwards of eight runs, while the majority of competitors logged between four and six.
We’re all looking forward to the Halloween Classic and will be providing full coverage on the daily basis under either this Track News segment of our website or even more timely on www.facebook.com/firebirdracewayidaho.