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Alberta Ambush - Kerunsky Shoots and Scores in San Antonio
Bruce Biegler - March 30, 2006
 Not fully satisfied with his terrific runner-up performance during the AMS Pro Modified event at NHRA Gainesville the week before, Alberta's Glen Kerunsky went one better during last weekend's IHRA season opener at San Antonio Raceway in Texas. Driving his spectacular '57 Chevy, which features the only wedge-head Chevrolet motor currently in IHRA Pro Modified, Kerunsky and his talented crew slew all comers during the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals.
After qualifying third with a career quick 6.084 secs, Kerunsky combined some superior starting line reaction times with some very consistent runs while taking out Jim Halsey, John Russo and Danny Rowe during the first three rounds of competition. In the Championship final round Kerunsky and opponent Tommy D'Aprile left as one (both .060 RTs) but soon thereafter it was Kerunsky pulling way to take a lop-sided 6.191 secs at 230.69 mph winlight.
The victory was Kerunsky's 2nd career IHRA national event victory -- his first had also come at the San Antonio event, in 2004.
"This was really an all Canadian effort," said Kerunsky. "Our engine program is from Atchison Racing and our crew is 100% Canadian. For a team coming all the way from Western Canada it's very satisfying and a big accomplishment."
 Kerunsky's win did solidify him as arguably Canada's #1 ranked Pro Mod racer, certainly for early 2006. That standing is not to be taken lightly given the other quality Canadian cars that were present at the Texas event, Rick DiStefano/Al Billes, Carl Spiering and Kenny Lang -- all of who qualified for the record quick PM field (6.194 secs bump).
"We are not by any means a flashy team and we don't have a big sponsor," Kerunsky added. "We don't necessarily put up the big numbers but we do strive to be consistently quick. With my wife Cindy and crewmen Mike Gondziola and Mike Pople there is a lot of effort and a lot of talent. They are all committed to this and without them none of this would be happening."
Kerunsky and Company hope to ride their momentum into the next IHRA national event in Rockingham NC (April 21-23). They have announced a full season commitment to the IHRA's eMax Drag Racing series.
For background information on Glen Kerunsky -- check out his race team profile in DragRaceCanada's Northern Exposure subsection. That profile includes a link to his revamped website.
(Bruce Biegler photos)
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