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Two of the province of Alberta's most predominant racers have revealed a joint venture for this summer with one single intent -- to capture the alcohol Funny Car title at the Inaugural IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals in June. John Evanchuck, owner and driver of the Rush Hour Racing Funny Car and Serge Dion, owner of the Dyno Racing Top Alcohol Dragster (both featured in DragRaceCanada's Media/Team Profiles subsection) have formed a strategic racing alliance in pursuit of this prestigious title.
The formula for potential success has Evanchuck behind the wheel of a new 2001 Pontiac Firebird, which he acquired over the off season from fabled NHRA Northwest class "hitter" Bucky Austin. That will be combined with a supercharger system and tuning input from Serge Dion for the event.
"Serge and I are planning on running his roots type supercharger on my engine combination at the IHRA national event in Edmonton," confirmed Evanchuck. "I am building both of my engines with a rotating assembly that can run efficiently with my PSI screw blower (for NHRA) or Serge's Kobelco roots blower (for IHRA). The change back and forth will be done with ease."
Evanchuck, along with his wife Ruth, are excited both about the new race car but also the success potential for the partnership at the IHRA race.
"This is the car that Bucky ran until August of 2002 -- the car has great bloodlines," he continued. "It was #4 in the NHRA world points standings and ran
5.57 secs and 259 mph. We purchased the car with the IHRA national event in mind. We feel that the state-of-the-art Brad Hadman chassis and carbon fibre body should perform well with the roots type blower on it."
Currently the body is in the capable hands of Joey Steckler and Ken Poole (at Joey's Place in Edmonton) where it's getting an incredible new custom paint scheme (in House of Kolors candy apple red). Local fans can get a first look towards the end of February, when the car will be unveiled during the Edmonton Dealers Association New Car Show. The car will be on display as part of the Bud Park promotion for June's national event.
"The Red Wolf" will be very busy in 2003. Along with his own racing plans he along car owner Dave Dickison and tuner Jeff Johnsen, are planning an all out NHRA assault (both divisional and national) with Dickison Team Grotek Pontiac funny car. (See: TRT Motorsports/Team Grotek profile in DragRaceCanada's media subsection for more)
"I can't say enough good things about Dave, Jeff and the whole team," John added. "In the short half season we were together in 2002 we developed a great friendship and team chemistry. We will be taking a serious run at the NHRA division 6 championship and a top 20, if not top 10 finish, in TAFC world points."
(Photo by: Todd Young)
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