Top Fuel winner Vancil

VANCIL REBOUNDS FROM TOP END SCARE AND CAPTURES VICTORY!

The Top Fuel final at AHDRA's Stone Mountain H-D Nationals wasn't the grand finale most would have expected from the 220mph-plus nitro-powered machines, but the action leading up to that final provided plenty of fire-breathing nitro action at Georgia's House of Speed, Atlanta Dragway.

After three rounds of blazing numbers from Top Fuel competitors at Atlanta Dragway, a rule violation occurred in the semis and the defending national champion, Doug Vancil, headed to the finals solo.

Vancil's weekend got off to a startling beginning. His front brake failed and sent him in the sand trap at the top end of the quarter-mile on a 6.44/219 mph run. The defending champ told me later that it was indeed a scary run. "You know, this is the first time that's ever happened to me," he said. Admittedly still a little shaken by it when he came out later, he was nevertheless able to take over the top spot in qualifying with a 6.29/219 mph blast in the third round. Vancil said later that he let off early on the pass, but had he chosen to stay in it, he believes he would have clocked his quickest pass ever.

He backed up his theory on race day when he opened the show with a jaw- dropping 6.207/226 mph-the quickest pass ever in AHDRA competition. Although he wasn't able to back up the 6.20 number, he did advance his way through the field for his second event final of the season.

The other side of the ladder is what left most observers scratching their heads. The #2 qualifier, Jay Turner, and the #6 qualifier, Mark Conner, met in the semis. Turner had problems and mustered only a 9.76 at 95 mph while Conner was on a tear and clocked a 6.52 at 226 mph. While fans were still enjoying the moment of Conner's nice pass, behind the scenes, race officials were sorting out the finish after learning that Conner made contact with the 750-ft. centerline block, which results in disqualification. There was no question on that ruling, but where controversy arose was in determining the status of Conner's opponent. Does Turner advance in place of Conner, or does the round result in a no-winner status?

According to the rulebook, had the violation occurred before the finish line, Turner would have advanced. But because the boundary violation happened after the finish line, the rule states that the opponent is not reinserted on the ladder-thus the solo final for Vancil.

Since that incident, the rule has been under review. Although no changes will be made to past occurrences, AHDRA President Craig Tharpe has announced that going forward, the rule will be revised and will allow a competitor to advance if his opponent commits such a foul.

Back to Vancil in the final: Although he had a single in the final and only needed to break the beam for the win, the champ was ready to "go for it" according to his wife and crew chief, Julie. He stood to earn additional 20 points if he backed up his earlier record blast. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be that day, and having problems, he coasted to the finish with an 11.25 at 80 mph.

Vancil's victory puts him in second place in the standings, just 15 points behind the leader, Mark Conner.

Vance and Hines, B & J Racing Transmissions, CP Pistons, Redline Oil, Autolite, Vanson Leathers, and Mickey Thompson Tires sponsor the Vancil race team.

Pro Fuel winner Streeter

STREETER CHARGES AHEAD IN THE STANDINGS AFTER A THIRD WIN!

After taking his third victory of the season at the Stone Mountain H-D Nationals, former national champion Chris Streeter of Cleveland, OH, said, "I'm liking this!"

Streeter credited his success to all the hard work that went into tweaking the new set-up on the bike that started midway in the 2007 season. "Now that we have that all worked out, we are able to tune the bike without treading water so much," he explained. "It's a whole lot more fun this way."

On qualifying day, it was John Breckenridge with the quickest bike, running a 6.79/205 mph for the #1 spot. Finishing in the #2 spot was Tommy Sloan's 6.82/199 mph. (Sloan was filling the rider's seat for BMC Racings' Rick Casas, who was injured earlier in the season.) Streeter came away with the third spot with his 6.90/195 mph best.

After advancing over Sam White in the elimination opener, Streeter was paired with Sloan, who had advanced in the first round with a 6.71 low ET of the weekend. Trouble in the second round for Sloan advanced Streeter to the finals against defending champion Jay Turner.

Turner had nice runs in his first pair of rounds (6.73, 6.97), but in the final, he had problems, and Streeter charged to the finish line with a 6.90/204 mph to a troubled 11.06 at 80 mph from Turner.

Streeter is sponsored by Barnett Clutches, Chromatic, Streeter Technologies, Spectro Oil, Holidaysburg NAPA, and Kowalski Meat Treat.

Pro Stock winner Lee

EDDIE LEE: "IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!"

During my post-race interview with Eddie Lee of Winston, GA, I counted at least three times he remarked, "It just doesn't get any better than this."

He had plenty to celebrate. The Southwind Racing team qualified in the #1 spot with an 8.18/158 mph best before sailing through the field for the eventual win against four-time finalist Bruce Beltramini.

In addition to his top qualifying spot and the win, Lee earned low ET of the event with an 8.127 in the second round.

He credited his team, including Don Abar, Ron, and Herb, for getting him to the winner's circle. He also thanked Jon Miller for his hard work on the bike. "He produced a real nice piece for us," Lee said gratefully.

He said that they didn't have to do much to the bike in Georgia. "We just knocked the dust off of it, made a few minor clutch adjustments, and it just ran great." He went on to say that it was so exciting to race at his hometown track, earn the top qualifying honors, and go on to win. He was especially happy to get the win for his late friend and sponsor, Rick Phillips. "I think the big man was pushing me this weekend," he said. "It just doesn't get any better than this right here."

Lee is currently third in the standings behind Greg Krenik in the second spot and Bruce Beltramini in the lead. (Krenik took the top speed honors and a new national record at Atlanta Dragway with a 165.48 mph pass.)

Eddie Lee's Southwind Race team is sponsored by Aztec Marble, Phoenix Crane, and Reids Deli.

Pro Drag winner Moore

TWO BIKES…TWO TEAMS…TWO MOORE FINALS!

For the fifth consecutive event, Rick Moore has taken his Mid-Continent Racing Pro Dragster to a #1 qualifying spot. In Georgia, he barely edged by his teammate, Chuck Jones, for the spot with a 7.722 to a 7.724 from Jones. Moore observed, "Our times were great, and certainly a tribute to Mike Bahnmaier's fine tuning."

Luckily for Moore, his top qualifying spot earned him a bye in Sunday's opening round of eliminations. He had problems on the run, but was able to advance on the single. In the second round he advanced over Darrell Rice with a 7.48 at 176 mph, but the bike was hurt.

In the final, after #7 qualifier and two-time finalist Rickey House broke in the water box, Moore was advised to break the beam for the win due to a broken piston in the engine. "Better to break the beam than the bike," said Moore after the race.

It was his third win of the season. The two-time defending champion has a healthy lead in the standings over his teammate, Chuck Jones.

Moore dedicated his win to his friend and crewmember, Aaron Nottestad, who passed away recently. Moore also took the time to recognize and thank the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). "I don't think people recognize just how much they do for us racers and I want them to know that everything they do doesn't go unappreciated."

Moore is sponsored by Mid Continent Motorsports, Mike's Metal Polishing, Gates Belts, and CP Pistons.

Pro Gas winner Raudenbush

MILLER BROTHERS TUNE RAUDENBUSH TO VICTORY!

After three rounds of qualifying at AHDRA's Stone Mountain H-D Nationals, Mike Lozano emerged as the #1 qualifier with a 7.222/178 mph. It was his third time in the #1 spot of the '08 season.

Unfortunately for Lozano, things went sour on Sunday. He had problems in the opening round, but a bye run got him to the next round after he managed to break the beam. In the second round, his troubles continued, and he lost to eventual finalist Rick Moore.

Moore's final would be with the #2 qualifier, Dale Raudenbush, who advanced over Karen Wagner and Jay Wagner to the final. (Moore pointed out after the race that his team was very excited for Karen Wagner, who cut her first ET in the 7's in qualifying.)

Unfortunately for Moore and the Banky Racing team, for whom he campaigns the Pro Gas bike, a broken valve lifter prevented them from making the call in the finals and for Raudenbush, it was a single ride coming up in the final. He opted for the full run on his bye and finished the day with a winning 7.54 at 173 mph.

I asked Raudenbush if the pressure lifted when he learned that Moore would not make the final and that just breaking the beam would give him a victory. "I wouldn't say that," he replied. "I've lost on a bye before. I feel more pressure when I have to break the beam than making a full pass. You can screw up and lose that way!"

The Stone Mountain H-D Southern Nationals marked the fourth final and second win for Raudenbush, putting him 83 points ahead of Mike Lozano for the points lead.

Raudenbush noted that the success is due to the tuning talents of Jon Miller along with his brother, Mike. "Miller and Miller, they're awesome," he said.

Raudenbush rides for Miller Lite, Mickey Thompson, Thiel's Wheels, and Jon Miller Racing.

Pro Mod winner Borho

BORHO EARNS THIRD WIN AND A NATIONAL RECORD!

Following Randy Borho's third consecutive victory in Pro Modified competition, I stood back and observed a friendly exchange between him and his long-time rival, Greg Krenik, who stepped over to congratulate Borho. Krenik and Borho were even, at two wins each, before Borho's Georgia win.

Krenik, who had bettered the national record several times himself over the weekend before Borho took it in the end, started out by referring to Borho's 158.30 national record: "Hey, we both broke the record-you just broke it by more!"

Borho replied, "Man, it is such a pleasure racing you. It really gets my adrenaline going when I'm racing beside you." He went on to say that after winning against Krenik in the semi, he could hardly talk at the top end. Borho admitted to Krenik, "I wanted to jump up and down so bad, but thought I better not." Krenik acknowledged Borho's excitement by granting him permission to do so next time.

Borho's win at Atlanta Dragway came against #3 qualifier Greg Kuypers. Despite a slight holeshot advantage for Kuypers, Borho's horsepower dominated the rest of the race, and he took the win light with an 8.66 at 153 mph over the 9.01 at 151 mph from Kuypers.

Borho said that there is a lot more power in the bike. "The bike has more power than the tracks have been able to take so far," he noted. "When we get to some of the tracks with the good prep, there will be more power from it." He thanked George Latus of Team Latus Harley-Davidson and Steve Dorn for their help. "We've been putting a lot of wear and tear on the hauler," he explained. "The bike hasn't been home since Gainesville and it's in bad need of maintenance. Fortunately, at this race, my crew chief, Steve Stute, made a call that got us this win, but we're limping until we can get some work done on it."

Krenik's reply to that: "If that bike is limping, I hate to see what it will run when it's fixed!" Borho now trails Krenik by 21 marks in the points chase.

Street Pro winner Cheek

NEWCOMER AUSTIN CHEEK GRABS A WIN OVER ANDY SIMON!

Take a veteran racer who also happens to be a former national champion (Andy Simon) and add a rookie (Austin Cheek) who has competed just twice in his career in the category, and you get the two riders who made up the entire field at the Stone Mountain H-D Southern Nationals in the no-wheelie-bar Street Pro category.

Both riders ran their best passes in the first round of qualifying. Simon's 8.78 at 153 mph gave him the #1 spot, while a 9.96/147 mph lap put Cheek in the #2 position.

On race day, the riders waited all day for their one shot on the track. Simon had the obvious advantage with both experience and horsepower in his favor, but at the end of the day, it was Cheek who grabbed the win light in the final-round upset with a 9.44/147 mph to a 9.64/140 mph from Simon.

Simon, who has competed in four consecutive finals, but only achieved victory in one, has still earned a commanding lead in the points standings, while Cheek is not competing for points.

Cheek, of Charleston, SC, thanked Sam's Performance and his Mom and Dad for their support.

Hot Street winner Ray

MICHAEL RAY STOPS BY FOR SOME AHDRA ACTION!

As many drag racing fans may already know, Michael Ray, a former AHDRA regular and national title-holder, has moved over to NHRA Pro Stock bike competition recently. The 23-year-old, who now resides in Americus, GA, paid a visit to his alma mater sanction for the Stone Mountain H-D Nationals.

Ray competed on the '07 Sporty owned by Lenny Wisnieski. The pair has teamed up successfully in the past and the results of their 2007 Rockingham Dragway appearance were new national records and a win. Ray didn't set any records at this year's Georgia event, but managed enough success to garner the #1 qualifying spot (9.92/131 mph) and the eventual win against Bruce Croneberger.

Atlanta Dragway marked a fourth consecutive appearance for Croneberger in the finals. Though he came up short with a troubled 11.90/74 mph to a 9.95/130 mph from Ray, the Cressona, PA rider's performance edged him ahead of John Burdynski-by three points-in the national standings. Defending champion Charley Douglass is in the third position and Michael Ray takes over the fourth spot with his Georgia win.

Super Gas, Destroyer classes winner Poff

EXTRAORDINARY WEEKEND FOR WANDA POFF!

Wanda Poff is no rookie in the racing world. She's earned her share of wins during her career and has beaten some of the best in the business. But in Georgia, the lady from York, PA, stepped it up, making history, when she grabbed double wins on her V-Rod Destroyer. A first for Poff! And according to my records, she is the only woman to achieve multiple class wins at an AHDRA national event.

In the winner's circle, Poff was nearly speechless with excitement. She told me later that it wasn't just getting two wins that was so overwhelming, but also that everyone else was so excited for her. The barrage of congrats she received really got to her the most.

"It was good to win the Destroyer class," Poff said, beaming. "But to come back around and win in Super Gas was something else!"

Her victory in the Destroyer class came against a fast field. How fast? The national speed record (145.66) was broken at least six times by four different competitors: L.E. Tonglet, Ronnie Fensick, Nick Gonatas, Jr., and Bob Petit.

At the end of the day, it was Tonglet who ended the battle for the record when he sealed the deal with a 147.81 blast in the semis. He moved on to race Poff in the final. Poff told me later that there is always pressure when she pairs up with Tonglet (the defending champ), and that it usually gets to her. "But not this time," she said. She left with a slight advantage at the tree, a .027 to a .032 from Tonglet, a difference of .005. And at the end, Poff crossed the stripe first with a 9.339 to Tonglet's 9.344-again, a difference of .005.

In Super Gas 9.70 index competition, Poff had to deal with another national champion, Bob Drapp. Although Drapp qualified at the head of the class (9.711), Poff, the #13 qualifier, defeated him in a double breakout match in the second round before she wound up in the final against the #5 qualifier, Jeff Stevens.

In the final Poff cut another good light (.032) for the early lead over Stevens' .057. The crowd-to put it mildly-was vocally supportive as she crossed the stripe with a winning 9.79 against the 9.91 from Stevens. Her big finish puts her at the top of the Super Gas standings and in 3rd place in the Destroyer category behind Nick Gonatas and leader L.E. Tonglet. Poff said that she wants to thank first and foremost her husband, Alan. "He works so hard on the bike," she said. She also thanked Brian's Harley-Davidson, Donnie Reidel and family, Ray Heads, Rich and Ray Vreeland, Mike and Dave Laugerman, and Ronnie Alexander.

SSC, V-Rod classes winner Gerencer

GERENCER EARNS ANOTHER DOUBLE!

Though it's true that I'm repeating myself, I have to say it again: If Lou Gerencer doesn't hold the title for the most double-class wins, he's certainly in the running for the title.

The Elkhart, IN rider has achieved three double-final appearances already in 2008, and at Atlanta Dragway, he grabbed his second consecutive double-category win.

In SSC 124 Challenge competition, Gerencer has yet to miss a final round. He's squared off with the defending champ and current points leader, Mike Roberts, in four of those finals, but at "Georgia's House of Speed," Gerencer had a new opponent in the final round.

Chris Sansevere of Palm City, FL, not only turned heads when he qualified #1 against the regulars with his 9.53/140 mph shot, but on race day, he also continued to impress when he upset Roberts in the semis. In the finals it was over early against Gerencer, who took the win with a 9.55/139 mph pass against the wounded 22.62 from Sansevere. In the V-Rod category, Gerencer has appeared in three finals and has achieved victory in all of them. In Georgia, he was paired with the defending national champion, Larry Edmondson. Edmondson, who has earned three final-round appearances himself in the '08 season, left Georgia with his second consecutive loss to Gerencer. Despite Edmondson's earlier leave at the tree (.043 to a .107 from Gerencer), the #1 qualifier, Gerencer, got to the stripe first.

After the race, Edmondson said he couldn't feel bad about the loss.

"I made it to the finals and I cut a better light and ran my best 60-ft time, but he just flat outran me," said Edmondson. "We will have to do better next time," he added.

Gerencer, who maintains his lead in the standings after his third V-Rod win, said that for the most part his bikes were maintenance free over the weekend and all he had to do was ride them. He thanked all of his supporters, including John and Nila Wise, Hoosier Harley-Davidson, Louie and Gail Gerencer, Power Shield Coatings, Simeris Tavern, and Cutter's Foam of Elkhart, IN.

Super Eliminator winner Carper

CARPER'S MECHANICAL ISSUES SOLVED IN TIME TO DEFEAT THE NATIONAL CHAMP!

Dean Druschel of Swanton, OH, told AHDRA announcer Steve LeTempt that he planned to double-up for the first time in Georgia.

The defending national champion stood a great chance at his predicted journey after clocking a 10.904 against the 10.90 index in qualifying, but Danny Boyer's 10.903 secured the #1 spot and placed Druschel in second.

On race day, Druschel carried his prediction further by successfully advancing to the Super Eliminator final to take on Keith Carper.

Carper, the 6th qualifier, said he was having electrical issues heading to the final. Luckily for him, he had a bye run in the semi and was able to advance, but after a 25- second pass with no burnout and no tachometer in that semi, Carper said, "Facing the class champion, Dean, in the final led me to believe there was no way for me to win with those electrical issues." He went on to say that thankfully, with the help of Jack and Karen Wagner, they figured things out. "Knowing that Dean runs several faster classes with the same bike, we knew that a double breakout was certainly possible," said Carper. "Here we go again, chasing instead of leading up the track. In the final, Dean was three bike lengths ahead and knowing that we are both too fast for the index, I stayed on it. Dean took the stripe with a 10.83 to my 10.87 and I get my first win after only four races in the class!"

Carper sent his gratitude to Jack and Karen Wagner for all of their help and support. "I also want to thank all of the Zipper's Performance employees who have helped me in the past and will help in the future. And of course, I want to thank my late wife, Maura Hall Carper, for getting me involved in racing. You are so missed and will never be forgotten. Godspeed Miss Maura."

Super Sport winner Houdyshell

HOUDYSHELL GRABS FIRST WIN AND HELPS PUT DRUSCHEL OUT FRONT!

Although Dean Druschel may have ended his shot at double wins in Georgia with the loss in Super Eliminator, he still came away with double-final appearances after earning his way to his second of the day, this time in 10.30 index racing.

Druschel, who qualified in the 8th position, took on the #15 qualifier, Vance Houdyshell of Vero Beach, FL, in the Super Sport final. Houdyshell defeated Kevin Barber, John Burdynski and Stacy McMillan on his way to the finals. Druschel would have to settle for double runner-ups after Houdyshell beat him on his Destroyer with a 10.34 to Druschel’s 10.44.

Houdyshell’s early ousting of John Burdynski assisted Druschel in taking over the points lead—51 points ahead of Burdynski. Houdyshell pointed out later that Burdynski was the toughest match of the day. “He clocked a 10.280 to my 10.283”, said Houdyshell. “I owe a special thanks to Donnie Huffman for the late afternoon tip he gave me. It made all the difference in the world”.

Houdyshell thanked H-D of Lynchburg for the great Destroyer, along with Curtis Talbott and his family and Sea Crest Construction of Vero Beach, FL.

SEP winner Best

BEST FENDS OFF BIG COMPETITION!

Greg Best of Raleigh, NC, earned his first win of the 2008 season at AHDRA's Atlanta Dragway stop. Best, who qualified in the fourth spot with an 11.515, said later that it seemed all the "hammers" were thrown at him this weekend. "I had to take on some heavy hitters out there and it made it hard on me," he said. "It was a lot of work, but we ran some good numbers."

Best wasn't kidding about those heavy hitters. The qualifying numbers alone tell the story of how tight the competition was in the 11.50 index category. Erik Nelson earned perfection with an 11.500 while Dennis Copley clocked an 11.507, and one thousandth away from that was an 11.508 from current points leader, Keith Carper.

On race day, Best advanced through the field and met up with the #1 qualifier, Erik Nelson, in the final. Best hoped Nelson couldn't meet perfection twice. Instead, it was Best himself who was .007 away from the magic number with an 11.507 to defeat Nelson's 11.55.

Best thanked all of his family, crew, and friends and WFO Racing who were all on hand for the winner's circle celebration. He also thanked his sponsors KW's Auto & Truck Service, RBI Crane & Tree Service, and J & D Custom Cycle.

ET winner Drapp

BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR DRAPP

Bob Drapp of Winter Haven, FL, is about as good as you can get in bracket racing. He's the national champ in both ET and Super Gas (9.70) index racing!

In Georgia, he showed off his skill in both classes. He qualified #1 in the Super Gas category before losing in the second round, but in ET racing, the Motorcycle Mechanics instructor zipped through six rounds to grab the win over his friend, Donnie Huffman.

I asked Drapp if there's any pressure when it comes to running Huffman, one of the best out there. "I'm used to the pressure from him," Drapp chuckled. With a grinning Huffman standing by his side, Drapp continued, "He's been pressuring me all weekend. He even bet me on our reaction times in qualifying, and I ended up cutting my best light!" Huffman replied, "That's what a teammate is for, to help!"

Drapp said he continued to cut good lights on Saturday. "On Sunday, I was running good numbers and it was business as usual. It was my weekend."

He thanked Jordan Cruz, Donnie Huffman, and Huffman Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland.

The points chase in this category is tightening up every round. Currently Huffman holds a 10-point lead over Bill Rowe, Jr., and Drapp is in the third spot, 17 marks away from catching Huffman.