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Welcome to the November 27th, 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.
The last time I wrote, the first of two 5-day bracket races had gotten
underway. After arriving at Bradenton Wednesday night, we both entered into
the Thursday race, where Dad went six rounds. To say he did well would be
an understatement. His first four reaction times (including 2 time trials)
were .509, .501, .501, and .500. The .500 was part of a .008 package in
round two that took out NHRA Super Comp hitter Sherman Adcock. Then in
round three he stumbled to a .510. This six-rounder was the best either of
us would do at Bradenton.
How did I do on day one? My role was as crewmember for rounds 2-6. I also
managed to lose in the Thursday eighth-mile race when my opponent dropped a
.012 package on me. "Welcome to big-buck bracket racing, kid."
You had to go four rounds to get in the money. I didn't do very well all
week ... never even made it to a money round in either race any of the three
days we could race. Saturday was a complete washout ... "complete" with
tornado warnings.
Dad went rounds in most of the $10K races, usually far enough to where he
wouldn't be able to enter the eighth-mile race.
In general, the races were run very well, with many knowledgeable race
officials who did many of the little things that racers love. Every
official from the staging lanes to the burnout box to the ET booth, to the
track announcer were great. Even though we didn't have as much success as
we would've liked (see me) we had lots of fun. We'll more than likely be
back again next year.
We spent Sunday night at the track after filling our water tanks at the
track. Monday, we headed off for Moroso Motorsports Park near West Palm
Beach. Along the way, we ran over a 2x4, which we later determined ripped
the drain valve off of our trailer air supply tank.
After we called Ryder for assistance, Dad crawled underneath the trailer,
found the problem and fixed it himself. Ryder was going to be about an hour
in getting to us, so Dad's plan of getting him on the way was a good idea
... just in case we couldn't find the problem.
We arrived at the track later Monday afternoon and parked a long way from
where we would've preferred to be. D-1 racer Don Butkiewicz warned us about
the snakes and alligators that may crawl through our pit area. So when I
went outside Monday night to um, ensure Dad's gray tank (the trailer)
wouldn't overflow during the week, I quickly remembered Don's warning and
ran back inside. Tuesday night, I made sure I had a flashlight when
performing any outdoor functions.
The race began Wednesday with rain slowing the race. First round was run
late at night, with Dad and I both getting past the initial round. I lost
in round two with a red light, this time a .495. To give you an idea of my
Bradenton bulbs ... of the four red lights in the past few races, the .495
was a relief in that it was at least close to green. What was aggravating
was that it was against Scotty Richardson. So naturally everyone assumes you
rolled box out because you were running "the big gun." I had actually
rolled .005 into the box, because I usually seem to cut quicker lights
against bigger-name racers.
Dad not only managed to get into the money rounds, which is round three
here, he went to the fourth round before bowing out.
One unique aspect of this race was that they ask you to pay for all five
days when you enter the facility. Therefore, they do EVERYTHING they can to
finish all five races. Day one ended around 8pm on Thursday (day two).
They then started day two late Thursday night, where I again went out in
round two. And where Dad again went four rounds.
In day three we continued our steady improvement, with Dad going five rounds
and myself getting to the third round. The highlight of this race for me
was my round two defeat of Edmond Richardson. What was surprising was the
fact that Edmond took .050 finish line stripe. Now, even though I dumped
him big time, I thought he would try and tighten it up a little more. In
fact, I dumped so early, I got mad at myself because I was sure he would
have time to see me dump, and swap feet himself.
Day four saw Dad go three rounds, and myself go four rounds. At this point,
we got pretty excited because they started announcing the Top 10 in the
points standings. Dad was eighth after day three. That's 8th out of
approximately 370 entries.
The final day got underway around 1pm on Sunday. I got pasted in round one
thanks to another guys .018 package. Dad again went rounds, going to round
three before breaking out by .002. In total, we were 9-1 in first round
races at Moroso.
The payout at Moroso was unique. Third round losers received a one-day free
entry to the 2003 race, a $150 value. Round four losers also received $150,
except in the form of cash. Therefore, Dad not only covered his entry fees,
but he actually made a profit. He got two free 2003 entries, two $150
cheques, and one $200 cheque.
Just as was the case with Bradenton, we'll probably return to this venue
again next year. The trip home was uneventful, with the exception of the
dropping temperatures. With Mom being away this weekend for a figure
skating function, Dad has been asking himself why we came home. Originally,
we'd had been hoping to assemble a couple corvette roadsters at this time
... more on that in two weeks.
Our 2003 "Tentative" Schedule will be in the next edition of On The Road
with Kenny Racing, along with the latest updates of our off-season progress.
Until next time ...
Jason Kenny
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