Thunder Alley 9-14-02

The races were going smoothly until the sky got dark, the winds kicked up, and the rain came down. It looked like it wasn't going to rain on us, but then the wind shifted directions and it came down right after we finished the first round of eliminations. So everyone loaded up and got out of there... probably to catch the de la Hoya/Vargas fight! At least that's what I did... and man I'm glad I got to catch that awesome fight! If you saw it you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, back to racing. I missed most of time trials because I screwed up and thought that the gates were going to open at 5:00 like all of the other races of the season. Well, when I pulled up to the gates at 4:55 and noticed there were no cars in line, but there were cars in the staging lanes - I instantly knew I was late. 30 Minutes left of time trials! Oh well, I didn't feel like a total idiot as I saw a few other cars pull in after I had unloaded. At least I wasn't the only one that thought that.

NOTES:
* The RGB Chevelle was back in action after breaking the wheel studs and crunching the quarter panel last race.

* My Maverick finally broke into the 13's with my wore out old 302! The car keeps going faster for no reason... it's kind of scarey! Everyone knows the old saying... right? Anyway, it ran a 13.992.

* Tony Leyba and JR Mijares had a little staging controversy in the first round of eliminations. Both drivers had the top light on, Tony put the bottom bulb on and got on the trans brake right away. JR waited about 10 seconds or longer to stage while Tony has the El Camino screaming on the Two Step. JR took the win, but Geno Leyba wasn't happy with JR. These very close friends had a few heated words with each other after the run. Personally, I think both of them are to blame. Obviously, Tony should not have got on the trans brake so quick but JR should not have waited so long to stage either. - I'm sure both racers have learned not to make the same mistake next time. I think they just need to kiss and make up! Did I mention I ran a 13?

* Eddie Chacon caught a dead on perfect .500 light in time trials! I think he's number one in the SDRA points, but he did go out in the first round, so who knows what's going to happen. I think Robert Nichols and Chad Wright still have a chance to pass Eddie up as they both won their first round races. I am just going off of what I heard...

email :
robert martin