OWENS, FORRESTER, ABNEY AND WILSON WIN NATIONAL DRAGSTER CHALLENGE, FANCHER AND MARSH WIN JUNIOR DRAGSTER CHALLENGE
EVENT: National Dragster Challenge and Junior Drag Racing Challenge event at Atlanta Dragway in 2006
by Tim Glover
(Commerce, GA - August 19 event, finished on August 26) The National Dragster Challenge was originally set for August 12, but Mother Nature had her say, so the event was moved to August 19. A couple of equipment problems then caused the event to be re-scheduled again to the morning of August 26. Although hot, the weather was perfect to complete the event on the morning of the 26th. In addition to the regular prizes, all winners of the National Dragster Challenge were awarded a coveted "Wally" trophy and a National Dragster Challenge cap. The Jr Dragster Challenge was also re-scheduled to the morning of August 26, and the two winners (in younger and older Jr Dragster) were awarded special trophies and an LED illuminated, laser
engraved acrylic Jr Dragster trophy.
All classes were run on the eighth mile course to prepare for the upcoming NHRA Division Two Summit ET Finals.
Super Pro is the fastest and closest class in Summit ET bracket racing, and the racers in the final round, Phil Owens of Lithia Springs, GA and Dennis Coover from Cartersville, GA, were at the top of the class today with stellar runs. Coover left the starting line first in his '04 Fab Concepts
dragster with a perfect .000 second reaction time, and Owens matched him with a deadly .001 react. Coover actually crossed the big end stripe first, but broke out with an oh-so-close 4.928 at 140.86mph (4.93 dial). Owens completed a .005 second package with a 4.794 at 144.48mph (4.79 target). The Snap-On Tools guy, Marty Wiles ('05 Mullis dragster - Tyrone, GA) and
Michael Brown ('96 Horton dragster - Covington, GA) finished their day in the semi-final round. "That thing was dead-on every run," exclaimed a happy Owens. He then mentioned his win came with the help of his PAR 598 powered '2005 M&M dragster and his wife of 28 years, Donna Owens. Donna then said this was Owen's first "Wally" in 39 years of bracket racing.
Dickey Forrester from Hickory Flat, GA is no stranger to the winner's circle, and added the National Dragster Challenge "Wally" trophy to his collection today after defeating a red-lighting Stephen Daniel in the final. Both race cars had been right on the numbers all day, and Forrester capped off the event by carding a dead-on 7.098 at 96.26mph in his '68 Firebird. Daniel made his job easier, as his Covington, GA based '83 S10 pickup left the starting line a bare .001 seconds before the green light came on, which rewarded him with a close up view of the dreaded tomato colored bulb. Defending champion Chris Carlile ('69 Camaro - Canton, GA) was the lone
semi-finalist. Merrilyn Forrester, Dickey's wife of 26 years, was present to cheer him along. "We're still in love as much as we ever were, and haven't been married long enough," added Merrilyn, who was Forrester's high school sweetheart.
Cumming, GA racer Mel Abney has been finishing close to the 2006 winner's circle all season, and chose one of the best days of the year to win with his Sportsman '67 Camaro. Abney, a previous track champion who also won the 2005 National Dragster Challenge, enjoyed the instant win as soon as opponent Harold Wilson of Winder, GA left the starting line with the cherry colored bulb glowing. Abney then legged it on out through the finish line, posting an 8.50 at 84.49mph (8.47 dial). Wilson chose to run his car on out also, putting an 8.59 at 79.58mph on the scoreboards (8.64 dial). Mark Hancock ('01 Cherokee - Commerce, GA), who just enjoyed a win at the August 20 Snap On Tools event, was the sole semi-finalist. This was Abney's first
win for 2006, although he has finished runner up, and numerous times in the semi-finals. "I think I was lucky today. Last week the car was good, and it was near dead on today. It was definitely a good time, and we had a lot of good competition today," added a happy Abney.
Michael Wilson of Tallapoosa, GA comes from a family of winners, and at the conclusion of today's event, his '94 Suzuki Katana was the last bike standing. Wilson said he thought something was wrong at the starting line at the last moment, and was preparing to back his bike up when he saw the tree activate and his opponent Paul Cavanaugh leave the line with his Loganville, GA based '02 Suzuki Hayabusa. Wilson hurried up and pulled himself together,
launched, and to his relief, watched the win light pop up in his lane 5.242 seconds later (he ran 5.24 at 129.47mph on a 5.23 dial). Cavanaugh broke out with a heart breaking 6.392 at 110.44mph (6.40 dial). Joe Roach ('06 Kawasaki ZX14 - Lawrenceville, GA) ended his day in the semi-final round. Wilson's brother, Bruce, won the Pro final in the 2001 Division Two Summit
ET finals, Michael won the 2002 Division Two Summit ET finals in Motorcycle, and his mom, Sue Wilson, finished runner up in the 2005 Division Two Summit ET Finals. Wilson thanked his wife Melissa for her help, and also thanked his mom and dad, Jessie and Sue Wilson, for all their help.
Thirteen year old Team PTI racer Justin Fancher from Loganville, GA enjoyed winning the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr Drag Racing League Challenge in his final year of 8-12 Jr Dragster racing. Fancher was on his game, using a large holeshot advantage to trim the elapsed time of his car to 9.14 at 68.38mph (9.09 dial). His opponent, Blake Griffith (12 - Homer, GA) ran a very close, but second across the finish line, 8.92 at 73.88mph (8.91 dial). Wesley Mayfield (10 - Gainesville, GA) earned the semi-finalist trophy. "Thanks to George and the whole crew, Tara Fine Jewelry and Team PTI," said Fancher. His dad, Clay, then added, "Maybe he's beating his 'redlightitis' now. This was his first win for 2006." Fancher enjoyed receiving the big trophy and the very nice laser engraved, LED lit acrylic Jr Dragster trophy.
Megan "Doodle" Marsh had never even enjoyed a final round appearance in 13-17 Jr Dragster prior to the 2006 NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr Drag Racing League Challenge, but she picked a great race to get her first win. Marsh was actually a bit tardy at the starting line, but her car was right on with a .01 over 8.27 at 77.98mph (8.26 target). Her opponent, multi time champ
"Mad Matt" Gillen, went .011 seconds too quick in the final, breaking out with a 7.889 at 80.78mph (7.90 dial). "Wild Kyle" Denton (16 - McDonough, GA) was the lone semi-final finisher. Marsh thanked sponsors TNT and Crazy Steve's Fireworks, along with her mom and dad, Marie and Darren. Marsh then dedicated her first win to their late family friend Thom Slamecka.
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2006 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com .
------------------------------------------------
SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Phil Owens '05 M&M dragster Lithia Springs, GA 4.794 144.48 (4.79)
R/U: Dennis Coover '04 Fab Concepts Cartersville, GA 4.928 140.86 (4.93)
Semi: Marty Wiles '05 Mullis dragster Tyrone, GA
Semi: Michael Brown '96 Horton dragster Covington, GA
-----------------------------------------------
PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Dickey Forrester '68 Firebird Hickory Flat, GA 7.098 96.26 (7.09)
R/U: Stephen Daniel '83 S10 pickup Covington, GA (foul) 7.22 95.13 (7.20)
Semi: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 8.50 84.49 (8.47)
R/U: Harold Wilson '74 Nova Winder, GA (foul) 8.59 79.58 (8.64)
Semi: Mark Hancock '01 Cherokee Commerce, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Michael Wilson '94 Suzuki Katana Tallapoosa, GA 5.24 129.47 (5.23)
R/U: Paul Cavanaugh '02 Suzuki Hayabusa Loganville, GA 6.392 129.47 (6.39)
Semi: Joe Roach '06 Kawasaki ZX14 Lawrenceville, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Justin Fancher 13 Loganville, GA 9.14 68.38 (9.09)
R/U: Blake Griffith 12 Homer, GA 8.92 73.88 (8.91)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 10 Gainesville, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Megan "Doodle" Marsh 15 Anderson, SC 8.275 77.98 (8.26)
R/U: "Mad Matt" Gillen 14 Gainesville, GA 7.889 80.78 (7.90)
Semi: "Wild Kyle" Denton 16 McDonough, GA
Semi:
by Tim Glover
(Commerce, GA - August 19 event, finished on August 26) The National Dragster Challenge was originally set for August 12, but Mother Nature had her say, so the event was moved to August 19. A couple of equipment problems then caused the event to be re-scheduled again to the morning of August 26. Although hot, the weather was perfect to complete the event on the morning of the 26th. In addition to the regular prizes, all winners of the National Dragster Challenge were awarded a coveted "Wally" trophy and a National Dragster Challenge cap. The Jr Dragster Challenge was also re-scheduled to the morning of August 26, and the two winners (in younger and older Jr Dragster) were awarded special trophies and an LED illuminated, laser
engraved acrylic Jr Dragster trophy.
All classes were run on the eighth mile course to prepare for the upcoming NHRA Division Two Summit ET Finals.
Super Pro is the fastest and closest class in Summit ET bracket racing, and the racers in the final round, Phil Owens of Lithia Springs, GA and Dennis Coover from Cartersville, GA, were at the top of the class today with stellar runs. Coover left the starting line first in his '04 Fab Concepts
dragster with a perfect .000 second reaction time, and Owens matched him with a deadly .001 react. Coover actually crossed the big end stripe first, but broke out with an oh-so-close 4.928 at 140.86mph (4.93 dial). Owens completed a .005 second package with a 4.794 at 144.48mph (4.79 target). The Snap-On Tools guy, Marty Wiles ('05 Mullis dragster - Tyrone, GA) and
Michael Brown ('96 Horton dragster - Covington, GA) finished their day in the semi-final round. "That thing was dead-on every run," exclaimed a happy Owens. He then mentioned his win came with the help of his PAR 598 powered '2005 M&M dragster and his wife of 28 years, Donna Owens. Donna then said this was Owen's first "Wally" in 39 years of bracket racing.
Dickey Forrester from Hickory Flat, GA is no stranger to the winner's circle, and added the National Dragster Challenge "Wally" trophy to his collection today after defeating a red-lighting Stephen Daniel in the final. Both race cars had been right on the numbers all day, and Forrester capped off the event by carding a dead-on 7.098 at 96.26mph in his '68 Firebird. Daniel made his job easier, as his Covington, GA based '83 S10 pickup left the starting line a bare .001 seconds before the green light came on, which rewarded him with a close up view of the dreaded tomato colored bulb. Defending champion Chris Carlile ('69 Camaro - Canton, GA) was the lone
semi-finalist. Merrilyn Forrester, Dickey's wife of 26 years, was present to cheer him along. "We're still in love as much as we ever were, and haven't been married long enough," added Merrilyn, who was Forrester's high school sweetheart.
Cumming, GA racer Mel Abney has been finishing close to the 2006 winner's circle all season, and chose one of the best days of the year to win with his Sportsman '67 Camaro. Abney, a previous track champion who also won the 2005 National Dragster Challenge, enjoyed the instant win as soon as opponent Harold Wilson of Winder, GA left the starting line with the cherry colored bulb glowing. Abney then legged it on out through the finish line, posting an 8.50 at 84.49mph (8.47 dial). Wilson chose to run his car on out also, putting an 8.59 at 79.58mph on the scoreboards (8.64 dial). Mark Hancock ('01 Cherokee - Commerce, GA), who just enjoyed a win at the August 20 Snap On Tools event, was the sole semi-finalist. This was Abney's first
win for 2006, although he has finished runner up, and numerous times in the semi-finals. "I think I was lucky today. Last week the car was good, and it was near dead on today. It was definitely a good time, and we had a lot of good competition today," added a happy Abney.
Michael Wilson of Tallapoosa, GA comes from a family of winners, and at the conclusion of today's event, his '94 Suzuki Katana was the last bike standing. Wilson said he thought something was wrong at the starting line at the last moment, and was preparing to back his bike up when he saw the tree activate and his opponent Paul Cavanaugh leave the line with his Loganville, GA based '02 Suzuki Hayabusa. Wilson hurried up and pulled himself together,
launched, and to his relief, watched the win light pop up in his lane 5.242 seconds later (he ran 5.24 at 129.47mph on a 5.23 dial). Cavanaugh broke out with a heart breaking 6.392 at 110.44mph (6.40 dial). Joe Roach ('06 Kawasaki ZX14 - Lawrenceville, GA) ended his day in the semi-final round. Wilson's brother, Bruce, won the Pro final in the 2001 Division Two Summit
ET finals, Michael won the 2002 Division Two Summit ET finals in Motorcycle, and his mom, Sue Wilson, finished runner up in the 2005 Division Two Summit ET Finals. Wilson thanked his wife Melissa for her help, and also thanked his mom and dad, Jessie and Sue Wilson, for all their help.
Thirteen year old Team PTI racer Justin Fancher from Loganville, GA enjoyed winning the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr Drag Racing League Challenge in his final year of 8-12 Jr Dragster racing. Fancher was on his game, using a large holeshot advantage to trim the elapsed time of his car to 9.14 at 68.38mph (9.09 dial). His opponent, Blake Griffith (12 - Homer, GA) ran a very close, but second across the finish line, 8.92 at 73.88mph (8.91 dial). Wesley Mayfield (10 - Gainesville, GA) earned the semi-finalist trophy. "Thanks to George and the whole crew, Tara Fine Jewelry and Team PTI," said Fancher. His dad, Clay, then added, "Maybe he's beating his 'redlightitis' now. This was his first win for 2006." Fancher enjoyed receiving the big trophy and the very nice laser engraved, LED lit acrylic Jr Dragster trophy.
Megan "Doodle" Marsh had never even enjoyed a final round appearance in 13-17 Jr Dragster prior to the 2006 NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr Drag Racing League Challenge, but she picked a great race to get her first win. Marsh was actually a bit tardy at the starting line, but her car was right on with a .01 over 8.27 at 77.98mph (8.26 target). Her opponent, multi time champ
"Mad Matt" Gillen, went .011 seconds too quick in the final, breaking out with a 7.889 at 80.78mph (7.90 dial). "Wild Kyle" Denton (16 - McDonough, GA) was the lone semi-final finisher. Marsh thanked sponsors TNT and Crazy Steve's Fireworks, along with her mom and dad, Marie and Darren. Marsh then dedicated her first win to their late family friend Thom Slamecka.
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2006 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com .
------------------------------------------------
SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Phil Owens '05 M&M dragster Lithia Springs, GA 4.794 144.48 (4.79)
R/U: Dennis Coover '04 Fab Concepts Cartersville, GA 4.928 140.86 (4.93)
Semi: Marty Wiles '05 Mullis dragster Tyrone, GA
Semi: Michael Brown '96 Horton dragster Covington, GA
-----------------------------------------------
PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Dickey Forrester '68 Firebird Hickory Flat, GA 7.098 96.26 (7.09)
R/U: Stephen Daniel '83 S10 pickup Covington, GA (foul) 7.22 95.13 (7.20)
Semi: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 8.50 84.49 (8.47)
R/U: Harold Wilson '74 Nova Winder, GA (foul) 8.59 79.58 (8.64)
Semi: Mark Hancock '01 Cherokee Commerce, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Michael Wilson '94 Suzuki Katana Tallapoosa, GA 5.24 129.47 (5.23)
R/U: Paul Cavanaugh '02 Suzuki Hayabusa Loganville, GA 6.392 129.47 (6.39)
Semi: Joe Roach '06 Kawasaki ZX14 Lawrenceville, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Justin Fancher 13 Loganville, GA 9.14 68.38 (9.09)
R/U: Blake Griffith 12 Homer, GA 8.92 73.88 (8.91)
Semi: Wesley Mayfield 10 Gainesville, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Megan "Doodle" Marsh 15 Anderson, SC 8.275 77.98 (8.26)
R/U: "Mad Matt" Gillen 14 Gainesville, GA 7.889 80.78 (7.90)
Semi: "Wild Kyle" Denton 16 McDonough, GA
Semi:
posted by David @ 9:14 PM
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