Just back from Mission, B.C.! After 5 days on the left coast, enduring
rain, hail, wind and a freakin' snowstorm which dumped 40 centimetres of
snow here in Calgary, we are already talking going back for the rain
date June 21.
We drag racers must be nuts to even consider a return trip (11 hours
towing Calgary to Mission) so soon but when Bucky Hess runs 8.71 in his
A automatic car and carries the front wheels 100 to 120 feet past the
starting line, you know you got your moneys worth. In addition, Allyn
Lee (Red Deer, AB) runs a booming 153 mph in his black monster SS/A and
it makes the trip all worthwhile! Listening and viewing the "stick" cars
(Lee and Peter Wille SS/A) from the top end, you would think you were
watching Pro Stock cars. It was that good!
On another note, Michael Ogburn's California entry in A automatic is an
absolute beautiful race car. His words to a inquisitive spectator who
asked how much would the car be worth (as we were pitted just down from
the scales)and I quote, "About $250,000 U.S.!" And he is racing this
beauty!!!! Hopefully the Barton's, Aluise and Hess will make the trip
from the East Coast again (about 2700 miles) to participate next year.
Can't wait!
I almost forgot, how about that shot heard all over North America when
John Gallina runs 8.02 at 172 mph in SS/DX, lowering his own NHRA record
marks by 4 tenths!!!! Yes, that's correct, tenths! A Super Stocker in
the 7's, absolutely nuts!!! It's too bad he couldn't back it up when
they found 2 holes in the right cylinder of the 210 cu.in. V6 Buick. The
car also completely broke the lexan window on the passenger door on the
booming run.
What makes it more amazing is the car appeared to bog off the starting
line, most probably turbo lag?
It sure is a nice change from the 3500 feet altitude on the best day
here in Calgary to go to -300 feet in Mission. An average day in the
summer in Calgary is 6500 feet of corrected altitude and the car leaves
like a "breadtruck." The motor pops and cackles and just comes to life
in the dense air on the coast. Those who race at sea-level, don't know
how good they have it!
That's all for now!
Mike Ferstl
