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Welcome to the October 30th, 2002 edition of "On The Road with Kenny
Racing," the bi-weekly newsletter featuring the Landa Pressure Washers Super
Comp Dragsters of Alan and Jason Kenny.
We left for the 'Big Go West' Saturday morning, the 19th of October. Our
goal on the first night was to get as far south as possible, so that we
wouldn't have to sleep in any freezing temperatures.
The highlight of the drive was spotting a tree in Texas, as well as another
one in New Mexico. Dad was also happy with the fact that I couldn't find
any radio stations playing Eminem, Jennifer Lopez or Britney Spears. I have
only one rule when I'm in the truck, and that is 'no country music.'
Therefore, there was about 20-25 hours of dead silence in our cab for the
last part of our journey.
We also learned something about the truck on the way out here. At about 81
mph, there is a weird vibration. So, whenever we could, we would set the
cruise at about 80 mph. On this trip, every mph does count. The only
positive thing about driving in the middle of nowhere is the 75 mph limit.
We arrived in Las Vegas just before midnight on Monday. The first time I
ever got to see the city was absolutely perfect ... from the top of a
mountain, at night, with all of the city lights on ... an amazing sight.
After a stop at the local Blue Beacon Truck Wash, we did a last minute dump
at the Petro, and filled the diesel tanks for the two-week visit.
Interesting stat - The manager at the truck wash said they washed over 300
race rigs for the NHRA event in April.
Tuesday afternoon was fun . we picked up a rental car and headed for 'The
Strip'. We had lunch at the ESPN Zone ... in recliners. That's right ...
feet up; chair tiled back, endless drinks, good food and 12 televisions to
choose from. I never thought there would come a time when I would be
looking forward to a race concluding, but I was definitely looking forward
to the Monday-Wednesday between Vegas races.
We got parked Wednesday morning, right next to fellow division one
super-class racers Tom Stalba and Shane Carr. After completing tech, we
again headed for The Strip. Although all Vegas meals are huge, the great
benefit of this city is the hours of walking you do afterwards. That is,
unless you go for the triple chocolate fudge, peanut butter, ice cream
chocolate chip cookie dough topped with whip cream dessert. That still
hurts. But at least I had diet coke with the main course.
We made a couple runs Thursday getting the cars dialed in on the adjusted
9.05 index. The index is adjusted due to the higher elevation of this
particular track.
First and second round were run Friday. About 45 minutes after Dad went to
the lanes for first round, I followed. Surprisingly, I ran about 10 minutes
before him, as his lane was the last to run. I defeated my opponent, a 177
mph blower car. He had 14 mph on me, and caught me at the 1000-foot cone.
I dumped at the end, turning my 9.06 into a 9.08 for the win. Dad then
followed with a holeshot victory, running 9.058 to take out his opponents
9.052.
Second round saw Dad face super class hitter Rick Beckstrom. Rick took .004
stripe for the 9.06 to 9.08 victory. I saw this and assumed I too would be
.02 slow. I was facing Steve Hunt from division two. I had a .423 light in
round one, and rolled another .005 into the box when a cloud cover hit right
before my run. Even with my .421, Steve tree'd me with his .411. I caught
him around the 1200-foot mark. And, assuming he would dump me, I swapped
feet right before the finish, taking .005 stripe for the win.
Round three was run late Saturday night, under the lights. I rolled yet
another .005 into the box and then went .386 red.
Super Comp 101 - When both drivers light the stage bulbs, the tree comes
down from 1.1 to 1.5 seconds later. On this particular run, I'm pretty sure
it was closer to 1.5. That, coupled with the fact that I was probably quick
on the trans brake button, caused my thumb to "loosen" on the button, and
thus the red light. The computer showed I was on the chip about .5 seconds
longer than usual, and I still left early.
What made the run even stranger was that I ran 8.92 on the 9.05 index .
similar to running 8.77 on the 8.90 index. My sixty-foot elapsed times
ranged from 1.51 to 1.60 this weekend. Dads in comparison, ranged from 1.50
to 1.52. Thinking the problem may be within the transmission/converter, we
did a complete change Sunday night after the racing was done.
In between our runs, we spent time in the AC Delco suite, compliments of AC
Delco General Manager, Scott Mackie. As if the facility wasn't awesome
enough, it was even more spectacular from the AC Delco suite. The food was
great, the view was second-to-none, and we even got to meet Kurt Johnson's
mother-in-law.
We were parked on asphalt, and were told Sunday that we could leave our rigs
exactly where they are, for next week's Lucas Oil Series race. Next week
will be fun with D1 Super Comper Kent Hanley and Super Gasser Tommy Stalba
looking to lock up their respective World Championships. D1 is having a
good year in the World Standings, with Stock and Super Stock being the only
categories where D1 appears to be out of the top spot.
Monday after the national event, we checked into the New York New York Hotel
& Casino. And once again, a tremendous place. We watched Monday Night
Football from the ESPN Zone. Tuesday we took a helicopter tour of the Grand
Canyon. And Tuesday night we ate at the MGM Grand Hotel "Grand Buffet."
And yes, we avoided the dessert this time. But not before we put a dent in
the pizza, chicken, turkey, and prime rib portions of the buffet.
Dad then turned $150 into three hours worth of blackjack ... I still don't
think you should ever hit on 12. Anyway ... next up is the Lucas Oil race
in Vegas this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Two time trials on Friday, with
first round getting underway Saturday. After the race, we'll head to Pomona
(after midnight). We've all heard the stories about the California scales
... hopefully I'll have nothing to report in our next newsletter.
2002 Schedule
October 31-November 3 = NHRA Divisional Event @ Las Vegas, Nevada.
November 7-10 = NHRA National Event @ Pomona, California.
November 13-17 = Bracket Race @ Bradenton, Florida.
November 20-24 = Bracket Race @ West Palm Beach, Florida.
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