Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
MARCUM, SWAIM AND CLEMENTS ENJOY RAIN DELAYED WIN AT POWERADE / INGLES NIGHT
OF FIRE
by Tim Glover
Photos
(Commerce, GA - June 25) Thousands of fans attending Atlanta Dragway's Night of Fire, presented by Powerade and Ingles, enjoyed a day jam packed with activities and exciting on track action. In the pits, the Coke trailer had a continuous line of contestants, all waiting for their chance to grab coupons good for Coke products inside a giant Coke bottle. Penny Praise Ministry had their booth near Mr Bill's souvenir stand, with face painting for all the kids. Between rounds, the announcer went to the grandstands and gave away even more goodies, including many tee shirts. One lucky fan, 12 year old Jason Neal from Carnesville, GA won a big prize, a brand new custom Schwinn Sting Ray bicycle, donated by Team PTI and presented by Lauren Turner. Due to rain, the three remaining classes from the June 11 Summit race completed their eliminations today. Steve Marcum (Trophy Street), Jake Swaim (13-17 Jr Dragster) and Valerie Clements (8-12 Jr Dragster) enjoyed winning their
respective class. As it turned out, the Night of Fire racers remaining in
competition will have to finish their competition during the next scheduled
Summit event.
The 2005 Night of Fire was officially started with a performance of the national anthem, an invocation by RFC Chaplain Scott Griffith, and the color guard of Cub Pack and Boy Scout Troop 106 from nearby Homer, GA.
Fans enjoyed side by side action from not one, but two wheelstanders, driven by Superwinch driver Danny O'Day from North Carolina and Scott Kennedy from nearby Buford. O'Day tripped the finish line beams with the rear wheels of his '34 Ford Superwinch car, running a 9.26 best at 144mph. Kennedy, who bought his Controlled Insanity Funny Car from O'Day, kept the wheels up for most of the course, but had to lift to maintain his control, and crossed the finish line with a best pass of 10.69 at 99.66mph.
A first for spectators and racers alike at Atlanta Dragway was an Ingles shopping cart competition, featuring several Ingles employees. The contestants pushed shopping carts full of Coca Cola products to the 330 foot mark. One interesting pairing was the husband and wife team of Betsy and Ryan Kingery. While the announcer distracted Ryan, another person transferred the contents of Betsy's cart to his in attempt to give Betsy the "Ingles Advantage". Although Ryan was also cheering Betsy on, he still took the "finish line" a few steps ahead of her. Another Ingles "racer" lost his shoes midway through the run, due to the sticky track surface, but kept on
running.
Jet engine powered dragsters wowed the crowd with flame shows and full bore
afterburner aided blasts down the track. Elaine Larsen from Hanes City, FL raced her "Miss Ta Fire" jet dragster against local hero Paul Miller's Watkinsville, GA based USA1 jet dragster. Miller had the speed advantage, running in the mid 5.50 second range at 287mph. Although Larsen could only muster low six second passes, she did have the satisfaction of beating Miller off the starting line. For the last session of the evening, right after the fireworks show, light rain prevented Larsen and Miller from making a pass. However, both of them still came to the starting line and put on a great show for the fans with lots of smoke, fire and "burner pops" before shutting their engines off. They also stayed after the event, signing
autographs for all their fans.
The much anticipated fireworks show, North Georgia's largest, began right on time at 10:30pm. Everyone was treated to a delightfully long 20 minute show of fireworks, which lit up the North Georgia sky for miles around.
Motorcycle racers attending today's event took a memorial ride down the track in honor of fellow racer and defending Motorcycle champion Stewart Taft (who also won the last race he entered at Atlanta Dragway, on May 21, 2005). Taft passed away June 2, 2005 from a heart attack. The racers went down the right lane in the missing man formation, while son Damien rode Taft's championship bike alone down the left lane, Taft's favorite lane.
By 10:00pm, the predicted rain was arriving in sprinkles; not heavy, but just enough to put a damper on the racing and exhibition car activities. The remaining contestants are now scheduled to finish their Night of Fire race on July 9, with the exception of the Motorcycle class, who will complete their Night of Fire race during the next scheduled Motorcycle race.
Although none of the Night of Fire classes were completed, three categories left from the rain delayed June 11 Summit race, Trophy Street, 8-12 Jr Dragster and 13-17 Jr Dragster were completed.
Defending Trophy Street champion Steve Marcum won his third Trophy Street event of 2005 by defeating his boss, Mardy Kennedy, in the final for the last time. For the final, Marcum changed his staging procedure in his 2001 Mustang from deep to shallow stage, guessed a 14.57 dial in time, and then nailed it with a 14.571 at 95.51mph. Kennedy, also a former champ, was very close to the mark, but his Auburn, GA based '64 Econoline pickup broke out by .006 seconds with a 13.104 at 100.90mph (13.11 target). Nicky Ewing ('89 Cavalier - Loganville, GA) finished in the semi-final round. After the event, Marcum stated this was a bittersweet victory. He already had his car loaded onto a U Haul, and was heading home to Cincinatti, OH from the race track. He said he was going to miss his fellow competitors, who he has raced against, but been friends with, for the past five years.
Twelve year old Valerie Clements' years of experience helped her win the 8-12 Jr Dragster final against up and comer Jacquelyn Lastinger (11 -
Lilburn, GA). The Central, SC racer used a large holeshot advantage to take the win light by .024 seconds with a 9.02 at 70.92mph (8.95 dial). Although Lastinger's car was closer to its number with an 8.99 at 74.17mph (8.96 dial), her later reaction time was good for the runner up trophy. Wesley Mayfield (9 - Gainesville, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. Clements had a good group of people to thank, including Mr Griffith for a drive belt, Greg Harding of Zorn, the Esso Club of Clemson, Billy Crenshaw (Fuel) and Roy Whaley (motor).
After taking over the seat vacated by 16 year old Johnny Turner at the beginning of the 2005 season, Team PTI racer Jake Swaim earned his first ever drag racing victory in 13-17 Jr Dragster. The 15 year old racer from Arcade, GA had a good .048 second react, and then bookended the final with a deadly 8.783 at 73.14mph (8.78 dial). His opponent, Thomas Davis-Cox (15 -
Buford, GA) hung the tomato with a too quick reaction time, and then slowed to an 8.40 at 81.93mph (7.91 dial). Brett Bowman (14 - Homer, GA) was the semi-final finisher. Incidentally, Johnny Turner earned his NHRA Super Pro competition license earlier in the day. A happy Jake Swaim thanked his parents, John and Teresa Swaim, along with his brother Joe and Joe's girlfriend Casey. He then thanked team sponsors Fain and Mitchell Properties, Tara Fine Jewelry and Prestressed Transport, Inc. Team PTI owner George Turner was excited, noting that now six of the people he put behind
the wheel of a Team PTI race car have won a race. The list includes daughter Lauren Turner, son Johnny Turner, Justin Fancher, Whitney Samples, Russ Glover and Clay Fancher. Two former PTI racers, T.J. Turner and Joseph Satterfield, have also made it to a final. (George Turner's best result to date is a semi-final finish.)
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Steve Marcum '01 Mustang Cincinatti, OH 14.57 95.51 (14.57)
R/U: Mardy Kennedy '64 Econoline Pickup Auburn, GA 13.10 100.90 (13.11)
Semi: Nicky Ewing '89 Cavalier Loganville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Valerie Clements 12 Central, SC 9.02 70.92 (8.95)
R/U: Jacquelyn Lastinger 11 Lilburn, GA 8.99 74.17 (8.96)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 9 Gainesville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jake Swaim 15 Pendergrass, GA 8.78 73.14 (8.78)
R/U: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA 8.40 81.93 (7.91)
Semi: Brett Bowman 14 Homer, GA
Semi:
OF FIRE
by Tim Glover
Photos
(Commerce, GA - June 25) Thousands of fans attending Atlanta Dragway's Night of Fire, presented by Powerade and Ingles, enjoyed a day jam packed with activities and exciting on track action. In the pits, the Coke trailer had a continuous line of contestants, all waiting for their chance to grab coupons good for Coke products inside a giant Coke bottle. Penny Praise Ministry had their booth near Mr Bill's souvenir stand, with face painting for all the kids. Between rounds, the announcer went to the grandstands and gave away even more goodies, including many tee shirts. One lucky fan, 12 year old Jason Neal from Carnesville, GA won a big prize, a brand new custom Schwinn Sting Ray bicycle, donated by Team PTI and presented by Lauren Turner. Due to rain, the three remaining classes from the June 11 Summit race completed their eliminations today. Steve Marcum (Trophy Street), Jake Swaim (13-17 Jr Dragster) and Valerie Clements (8-12 Jr Dragster) enjoyed winning their
respective class. As it turned out, the Night of Fire racers remaining in
competition will have to finish their competition during the next scheduled
Summit event.
The 2005 Night of Fire was officially started with a performance of the national anthem, an invocation by RFC Chaplain Scott Griffith, and the color guard of Cub Pack and Boy Scout Troop 106 from nearby Homer, GA.
Fans enjoyed side by side action from not one, but two wheelstanders, driven by Superwinch driver Danny O'Day from North Carolina and Scott Kennedy from nearby Buford. O'Day tripped the finish line beams with the rear wheels of his '34 Ford Superwinch car, running a 9.26 best at 144mph. Kennedy, who bought his Controlled Insanity Funny Car from O'Day, kept the wheels up for most of the course, but had to lift to maintain his control, and crossed the finish line with a best pass of 10.69 at 99.66mph.
A first for spectators and racers alike at Atlanta Dragway was an Ingles shopping cart competition, featuring several Ingles employees. The contestants pushed shopping carts full of Coca Cola products to the 330 foot mark. One interesting pairing was the husband and wife team of Betsy and Ryan Kingery. While the announcer distracted Ryan, another person transferred the contents of Betsy's cart to his in attempt to give Betsy the "Ingles Advantage". Although Ryan was also cheering Betsy on, he still took the "finish line" a few steps ahead of her. Another Ingles "racer" lost his shoes midway through the run, due to the sticky track surface, but kept on
running.
Jet engine powered dragsters wowed the crowd with flame shows and full bore
afterburner aided blasts down the track. Elaine Larsen from Hanes City, FL raced her "Miss Ta Fire" jet dragster against local hero Paul Miller's Watkinsville, GA based USA1 jet dragster. Miller had the speed advantage, running in the mid 5.50 second range at 287mph. Although Larsen could only muster low six second passes, she did have the satisfaction of beating Miller off the starting line. For the last session of the evening, right after the fireworks show, light rain prevented Larsen and Miller from making a pass. However, both of them still came to the starting line and put on a great show for the fans with lots of smoke, fire and "burner pops" before shutting their engines off. They also stayed after the event, signing
autographs for all their fans.
The much anticipated fireworks show, North Georgia's largest, began right on time at 10:30pm. Everyone was treated to a delightfully long 20 minute show of fireworks, which lit up the North Georgia sky for miles around.
Motorcycle racers attending today's event took a memorial ride down the track in honor of fellow racer and defending Motorcycle champion Stewart Taft (who also won the last race he entered at Atlanta Dragway, on May 21, 2005). Taft passed away June 2, 2005 from a heart attack. The racers went down the right lane in the missing man formation, while son Damien rode Taft's championship bike alone down the left lane, Taft's favorite lane.
By 10:00pm, the predicted rain was arriving in sprinkles; not heavy, but just enough to put a damper on the racing and exhibition car activities. The remaining contestants are now scheduled to finish their Night of Fire race on July 9, with the exception of the Motorcycle class, who will complete their Night of Fire race during the next scheduled Motorcycle race.
Although none of the Night of Fire classes were completed, three categories left from the rain delayed June 11 Summit race, Trophy Street, 8-12 Jr Dragster and 13-17 Jr Dragster were completed.
Defending Trophy Street champion Steve Marcum won his third Trophy Street event of 2005 by defeating his boss, Mardy Kennedy, in the final for the last time. For the final, Marcum changed his staging procedure in his 2001 Mustang from deep to shallow stage, guessed a 14.57 dial in time, and then nailed it with a 14.571 at 95.51mph. Kennedy, also a former champ, was very close to the mark, but his Auburn, GA based '64 Econoline pickup broke out by .006 seconds with a 13.104 at 100.90mph (13.11 target). Nicky Ewing ('89 Cavalier - Loganville, GA) finished in the semi-final round. After the event, Marcum stated this was a bittersweet victory. He already had his car loaded onto a U Haul, and was heading home to Cincinatti, OH from the race track. He said he was going to miss his fellow competitors, who he has raced against, but been friends with, for the past five years.
Twelve year old Valerie Clements' years of experience helped her win the 8-12 Jr Dragster final against up and comer Jacquelyn Lastinger (11 -
Lilburn, GA). The Central, SC racer used a large holeshot advantage to take the win light by .024 seconds with a 9.02 at 70.92mph (8.95 dial). Although Lastinger's car was closer to its number with an 8.99 at 74.17mph (8.96 dial), her later reaction time was good for the runner up trophy. Wesley Mayfield (9 - Gainesville, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. Clements had a good group of people to thank, including Mr Griffith for a drive belt, Greg Harding of Zorn, the Esso Club of Clemson, Billy Crenshaw (Fuel) and Roy Whaley (motor).
After taking over the seat vacated by 16 year old Johnny Turner at the beginning of the 2005 season, Team PTI racer Jake Swaim earned his first ever drag racing victory in 13-17 Jr Dragster. The 15 year old racer from Arcade, GA had a good .048 second react, and then bookended the final with a deadly 8.783 at 73.14mph (8.78 dial). His opponent, Thomas Davis-Cox (15 -
Buford, GA) hung the tomato with a too quick reaction time, and then slowed to an 8.40 at 81.93mph (7.91 dial). Brett Bowman (14 - Homer, GA) was the semi-final finisher. Incidentally, Johnny Turner earned his NHRA Super Pro competition license earlier in the day. A happy Jake Swaim thanked his parents, John and Teresa Swaim, along with his brother Joe and Joe's girlfriend Casey. He then thanked team sponsors Fain and Mitchell Properties, Tara Fine Jewelry and Prestressed Transport, Inc. Team PTI owner George Turner was excited, noting that now six of the people he put behind
the wheel of a Team PTI race car have won a race. The list includes daughter Lauren Turner, son Johnny Turner, Justin Fancher, Whitney Samples, Russ Glover and Clay Fancher. Two former PTI racers, T.J. Turner and Joseph Satterfield, have also made it to a final. (George Turner's best result to date is a semi-final finish.)
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Steve Marcum '01 Mustang Cincinatti, OH 14.57 95.51 (14.57)
R/U: Mardy Kennedy '64 Econoline Pickup Auburn, GA 13.10 100.90 (13.11)
Semi: Nicky Ewing '89 Cavalier Loganville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Valerie Clements 12 Central, SC 9.02 70.92 (8.95)
R/U: Jacquelyn Lastinger 11 Lilburn, GA 8.99 74.17 (8.96)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 9 Gainesville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jake Swaim 15 Pendergrass, GA 8.78 73.14 (8.78)
R/U: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA 8.40 81.93 (7.91)
Semi: Brett Bowman 14 Homer, GA
Semi:
posted by David @ 2:33 AM
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