DUNN, GORDON AND RAMSEY ENJOY FIRST ATLANTA DRAGWAY WINS
by Tim Glover
Photos
(Commerce, GA - September 25) In addition to the regular Summit action, today was the Racer's For Christ seventh annual Day at the races. The RFC people held a service at the starting line prior to competition, had a huge spread of food for all the racers under the RFC tent and gave away trophies to all the class winners and runner ups. The points races are almost over, and while some championships are locked up, the rest will have to wait until the Summit race on October 2 is in the books. Three of the four Jr. Dragster finalists were female. Buford Heavy Duncan, who has already locked up the 2004 Sport Compact championship, won the final after his competitor didn't make the call. Ashley Dumas won the High School runoff race against Cody Martin.
Gary Dunn out of Flowery Branch, GA had a string of bad luck earlier in the season, breaking no less than three engines in his truck. His luck changed after he began driving Billy Thigpen's '90 Beretta, and he won his first Atlanta Dragway race in Super Pro this evening. Dunn faced many time finalist Lloyd Kaylor's Winder, GA based '87 Regal in the final, and, although crossing the finish line behind Kaylor, got the win after Kaylor went too quick with a breakout 7.544, 89.88mph pass on a 7.55 dial in time. Dunn's winning time was 5.700, 119.95mph (5.68 dial). "Thanks to my wife, Wendy Dunn. She's been to all of my races. Also, I couldn't have done it without car owner and friend Billy Thigpen's help." The lone semi-finalist in Super Pro was David Pitman ('74 Vega - Dallas, GA). In other Super Pro news, Stacy Blanton finally outran Brad Howard, 5.07 to 5.08.
By the time the Sportsman final rolled around, an immaculately prepared red Chevrolet from Alpharetta, GA was guaranteed to win. Good friends Gordon Warren and Kenny Jett both made it to their first Atlanta Dragway Sportsman final in their first year of points racing. The one with a bit more hair on his head, Gordon Warren, got the nod with a stellar .015 react and an on the brakes 11.34, 108.92mph pass (11.27 dial) in his '67 Camaro. Jett's '67 Chevelle was a little off the pace with a 10.88, 124.93mph pass (10.80 dial). Rob Hogue ('84 Monte Carlo SS - Loganville, GA) and Shon Moxley ('71 Nova - Hiwassee, GA) were the semi-finalists. One of the first things Jett said was thanks to his wife Lauren and sons Dillon and Derek for their support. "This is kind of a bittersweet victory, having to race my friend in the final, added Warren. He then thanked his family for their support, wife Susan and children Anna and Patrick.
Defending Trophy Street champion Mel Abney from Cumming, GA won his third race for 2004. Abney's trusty '67 Camaro actually broke out, running 13.19 at 105.72mph (13.24 dial), but got the automatic win as soon as opponent Harold Wilson's Winder, GA based '74 Nova left the starting line. Wilson fouled out with a -.045 react, and then went 14.46, 93.27mph on a 14.50 target. John Snapp ('68 Charger - Conyers, GA), a frequent visitor to the late rounds, was the semi-final finisher. "I'm happy to be out here for the RFC race. This was a great day to win," added Abney.
Eleven year old Taylor Ramsey of Commerce, GA has been racing in 8-12 Jr. Dragster for three years, and enjoyed her first victory tonight after defeating Courtney Pierce (12) from McDonough, GA. Both drivers were close on the starting line and the finish line, but Ramsey's .01 over 9.37 at 68.21mph earned the win light after Pierce broke out with a close 9.07, 71.26mph pass (9.08 target). New racer Wesley Mayfield (8 - Gainesville, GA) and Justin Fancher (11 - Conyers, GA) were the semi-final trophy winners. Ramsey thanked her mom and dad, Mike and Lisa Ramsey, Mr. Gillen, Wendell and her preacher, Charles, who came and cheered her on. "This was my first win ever. It feels really good," added Ramsey.
Thirteen year old Team PTI driver Lauren Turner from Pendergrass, GA came into today's race with a 40 point lead in 13-17 Jr. Dragster, and after winning the race, left with an insurmountable 90 point lead, assuring her the 2004 championship. Turner met Bradley Myers (14 - Loganville, GA) in the final, and although she had a good package (.065 react and 8.239, 77.80mph on an 8.24 dial), the win was hers as soon as Myers left the starting line with the big red bulb glowing. Myers went on to a breakout 7.84, 81.66mph pass (7.90 dial). Taylor Griffith (14 - Homer, GA) and Chuck Hardy (14 - Hiram, GA) were the semi-final trophy earners. "I'd like to thank Randy Fain of Fain and Mitchell properties, Dad, Tara Fine Jewelers, PTI, Tony Moore, Bill Gillen and Matt Tomlinson," added Turner. She finished second in the championship points to Matt Gillen in 2002 and 2003, and exclaimed, "Oh Yes! Finally!," when asked about her 2004 championship.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gary "Git 'Er" Dunn '90 Beretta Flowery Branch 5.70 119.95 (5.68)
R/U: Lloyd Kaylor '87 Regal Winder, GA 7.54 89.88 (7.55)
Semi: David Pitman '74 Vega Dallas, GA
Semi:
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gordon Warren '67 Camaro Alpharetta, GA 11.34 108.92 (11.27)
R/U: Kenny Jett '67 Chevelle Alpharetta, GA 10.88 124.93 (10.80)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Shon Moxley '71 Nova Hiwassee, GA
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 13.19 105.72 (13.24)
R/U: Harold Wilson '74 Nova Winder, GA (foul) 14.46 93.27 (14.50)
Semi: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA
8-12 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Taylor Ramsey 11 Commerce, GA 9.37 68.21 (9.36)
R/U: Courtney Pierce 12 McDonough, GA 9.07 71.26 (9.08)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 8 Gainesville, GA
Semi: Justin Fancher 11 Conyers, GA
13-17 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Lauren Turner 13 Pendergrass, GA 8.239 77.80 (8.24)
R/U: Bradley Myers 14 Loganville, GA (foul) 7.84 81.66 (7.90)
Semi: Taylor Griffith 14 Homer, GA
Semi: Chuck Hardy 14 Hiram, GA
SPORT COMPACT CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Buford Heavy Duncan '97 Cavalier Commerce, GA 18.83 72.11 (18.90)
R/U: Lloyd Shanks, Jr. '92 Prelude Pendergrass, GA (no show)
HIGH SCHOOL CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ashley Dumas '00 Grand Cherokee Commerce, GA 15.73 85.69 (15.77)
R/U: Cody Martin '00 Ford Truck Buford, GA (foul) 16.65 78.46 (16.90)
Photos
(Commerce, GA - September 25) In addition to the regular Summit action, today was the Racer's For Christ seventh annual Day at the races. The RFC people held a service at the starting line prior to competition, had a huge spread of food for all the racers under the RFC tent and gave away trophies to all the class winners and runner ups. The points races are almost over, and while some championships are locked up, the rest will have to wait until the Summit race on October 2 is in the books. Three of the four Jr. Dragster finalists were female. Buford Heavy Duncan, who has already locked up the 2004 Sport Compact championship, won the final after his competitor didn't make the call. Ashley Dumas won the High School runoff race against Cody Martin.
Gary Dunn out of Flowery Branch, GA had a string of bad luck earlier in the season, breaking no less than three engines in his truck. His luck changed after he began driving Billy Thigpen's '90 Beretta, and he won his first Atlanta Dragway race in Super Pro this evening. Dunn faced many time finalist Lloyd Kaylor's Winder, GA based '87 Regal in the final, and, although crossing the finish line behind Kaylor, got the win after Kaylor went too quick with a breakout 7.544, 89.88mph pass on a 7.55 dial in time. Dunn's winning time was 5.700, 119.95mph (5.68 dial). "Thanks to my wife, Wendy Dunn. She's been to all of my races. Also, I couldn't have done it without car owner and friend Billy Thigpen's help." The lone semi-finalist in Super Pro was David Pitman ('74 Vega - Dallas, GA). In other Super Pro news, Stacy Blanton finally outran Brad Howard, 5.07 to 5.08.
By the time the Sportsman final rolled around, an immaculately prepared red Chevrolet from Alpharetta, GA was guaranteed to win. Good friends Gordon Warren and Kenny Jett both made it to their first Atlanta Dragway Sportsman final in their first year of points racing. The one with a bit more hair on his head, Gordon Warren, got the nod with a stellar .015 react and an on the brakes 11.34, 108.92mph pass (11.27 dial) in his '67 Camaro. Jett's '67 Chevelle was a little off the pace with a 10.88, 124.93mph pass (10.80 dial). Rob Hogue ('84 Monte Carlo SS - Loganville, GA) and Shon Moxley ('71 Nova - Hiwassee, GA) were the semi-finalists. One of the first things Jett said was thanks to his wife Lauren and sons Dillon and Derek for their support. "This is kind of a bittersweet victory, having to race my friend in the final, added Warren. He then thanked his family for their support, wife Susan and children Anna and Patrick.
Defending Trophy Street champion Mel Abney from Cumming, GA won his third race for 2004. Abney's trusty '67 Camaro actually broke out, running 13.19 at 105.72mph (13.24 dial), but got the automatic win as soon as opponent Harold Wilson's Winder, GA based '74 Nova left the starting line. Wilson fouled out with a -.045 react, and then went 14.46, 93.27mph on a 14.50 target. John Snapp ('68 Charger - Conyers, GA), a frequent visitor to the late rounds, was the semi-final finisher. "I'm happy to be out here for the RFC race. This was a great day to win," added Abney.
Eleven year old Taylor Ramsey of Commerce, GA has been racing in 8-12 Jr. Dragster for three years, and enjoyed her first victory tonight after defeating Courtney Pierce (12) from McDonough, GA. Both drivers were close on the starting line and the finish line, but Ramsey's .01 over 9.37 at 68.21mph earned the win light after Pierce broke out with a close 9.07, 71.26mph pass (9.08 target). New racer Wesley Mayfield (8 - Gainesville, GA) and Justin Fancher (11 - Conyers, GA) were the semi-final trophy winners. Ramsey thanked her mom and dad, Mike and Lisa Ramsey, Mr. Gillen, Wendell and her preacher, Charles, who came and cheered her on. "This was my first win ever. It feels really good," added Ramsey.
Thirteen year old Team PTI driver Lauren Turner from Pendergrass, GA came into today's race with a 40 point lead in 13-17 Jr. Dragster, and after winning the race, left with an insurmountable 90 point lead, assuring her the 2004 championship. Turner met Bradley Myers (14 - Loganville, GA) in the final, and although she had a good package (.065 react and 8.239, 77.80mph on an 8.24 dial), the win was hers as soon as Myers left the starting line with the big red bulb glowing. Myers went on to a breakout 7.84, 81.66mph pass (7.90 dial). Taylor Griffith (14 - Homer, GA) and Chuck Hardy (14 - Hiram, GA) were the semi-final trophy earners. "I'd like to thank Randy Fain of Fain and Mitchell properties, Dad, Tara Fine Jewelers, PTI, Tony Moore, Bill Gillen and Matt Tomlinson," added Turner. She finished second in the championship points to Matt Gillen in 2002 and 2003, and exclaimed, "Oh Yes! Finally!," when asked about her 2004 championship.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gary "Git 'Er" Dunn '90 Beretta Flowery Branch 5.70 119.95 (5.68)
R/U: Lloyd Kaylor '87 Regal Winder, GA 7.54 89.88 (7.55)
Semi: David Pitman '74 Vega Dallas, GA
Semi:
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gordon Warren '67 Camaro Alpharetta, GA 11.34 108.92 (11.27)
R/U: Kenny Jett '67 Chevelle Alpharetta, GA 10.88 124.93 (10.80)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Shon Moxley '71 Nova Hiwassee, GA
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 13.19 105.72 (13.24)
R/U: Harold Wilson '74 Nova Winder, GA (foul) 14.46 93.27 (14.50)
Semi: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA
8-12 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Taylor Ramsey 11 Commerce, GA 9.37 68.21 (9.36)
R/U: Courtney Pierce 12 McDonough, GA 9.07 71.26 (9.08)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 8 Gainesville, GA
Semi: Justin Fancher 11 Conyers, GA
13-17 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Lauren Turner 13 Pendergrass, GA 8.239 77.80 (8.24)
R/U: Bradley Myers 14 Loganville, GA (foul) 7.84 81.66 (7.90)
Semi: Taylor Griffith 14 Homer, GA
Semi: Chuck Hardy 14 Hiram, GA
SPORT COMPACT CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Buford Heavy Duncan '97 Cavalier Commerce, GA 18.83 72.11 (18.90)
R/U: Lloyd Shanks, Jr. '92 Prelude Pendergrass, GA (no show)
HIGH SCHOOL CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ashley Dumas '00 Grand Cherokee Commerce, GA 15.73 85.69 (15.77)
R/U: Cody Martin '00 Ford Truck Buford, GA (foul) 16.65 78.46 (16.90)
posted by David @ 1:05 AM
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