WILSON TAKES OUT MORRIS IN DOUBLE DEAD-ON PRO FINAL

By: Amy Glover

(Commerce, GA – July 25) Hardcore racers came out despite the pavement-melting temperatures today, to defend their points rankings and enjoy the clear weather. The finals were mostly foul-free, with some close runs to determine victory. The father and son team of Rickey and Mickey Morris had a pretty good evening, with both making it to the final round in their respective classes.

The Super Pro finals featured Don Brown, Jr. (Buford, GA), his ’03 Spitzer dragster up against Jon Thomas (Covington, GA) in a ’72 Nova. Thomas had the handicap, cutting a .033 light on a 6.42 dial; Brown left the line with an impressive .004 reaction time, chasing Thomas to meet his 4.79 prediction. Thomas’ Nova lost the groove mid-track, causing him to lift for a 6.48 ET at 106.66 mph, while Brown triggered the win light in 4.82 seconds at 133.18 mph. Brown felt he had finally gotten past “the fourth round blues,” overdue for a win with his hard-working team. Brown thanked ‘the crew,’ his girlfriend Tiffany, Tim and Zack Corbin, and his dad Don Brown, Sr., for all their help – Senior had lent him a fuel pump. Brown dedicated the win to the late Eric “Buford Heavy” Duncan and his wife Beverly. Ricky Page (Monroe, GA) was the Super Pro semi-finalist, in a ’90 Mustang.

The Pro final was between Sue Wilson (’85 S-10 Pick-up – Tallapoosa, GA) and Rickey Morris (’80 Malibu – Ellenwood, GA), and proved to be the night’s most exciting round. Wilson left the line first, with a .031 reaction on a 7.28 dial-in, Morris following closely with a .050 green light on a 6.94 dial-in. The pair sped down the track, neck-and-neck, until Wilson crossed the win-stripe first, dead-on at 87.47 mph. Morris also ran dead-on, at 100.37 mph, giving Wilson a .018 second margin-of-victory. Wilson said she had “several close runs” to make it to the finals, and thanked her husband “for getting me into this,” as well as her crew, and her kids. Stephen Daniel (’82 S-10 Pick-up – Covington, GA) placed third in the Pro category.

Cumming’s Mel Abney competed in the Sportsman final in his ’67 Camaro, against Mickey Morris (Ellenwood, GA) in a ’98 Firebird. Both were dialed fairly close together – Morris with an 8.20 second prediction next to Abney’s 8.37 dial-in. Abney left the starting line with a .022 green, as Morris jumpstarted with a -.013 red-light, automatically handing the win to Abney. Morris finished out the run in 7.78 seconds, at 90.89, Abney finishing with an 8.43 ET at 85.15 mph. Abney commented on the quality of runs today: “The competition was real tough, each round was pretty much heads-up – it was a challenging day.” Abney thanked all his fellow racers pulling for him in the finals. “It’s motivating for me,” Abney said of his racing buddies. Allen Long (Ballground, GA) finished his night in the semi-finals, in a ’96 Silverado.

Athens’ motorcycle machine Jay “Bird” Rhyne defended his points lead in the semi-final round on an ’87 Kawasaki against Jeff Shropshire, of Dallas, GA, on an ’08 Kawasaki. Shropshire’s Kawasaki was dialed for a 6.02 ET, next to Rhyne’s slightly quicker prediction of 5.81 seconds. Shropshire treed Rhyne at the start, with a .018 green against Rhyne’s .028 reaction. The race was tight, but Shropshire took hold of the win with a 6.03 ET at 115.03 mph, and Rhyne finished with a 5.86 second run at 116.72 mph. Shropshire smiled proudly, saying, “You beat Jay, then you’ve done good.” He also thanked his family, “for letting me come.” Dennis Johnson (Comer, GA) went out in the semi-finals, on an ’00 Suzuki.

A re-run of last weekend’s 8-12 Junior Dragster final took place, with points leader Chris Bowden (13 – Homer, GA) alongside Hunter James (10 – Cartersville, GA), who came back for a little revenge. James had a slight handicap with his 9.50 dial-in, next to Bowden’s 8.98 dial-in, but left the Christmas tree with a .136 green, a slow start beside Bowden’s .014 launch. Bowden’s light determined the race, crossing the finish first in 9.03 seconds at 66.65 mph. James finished in 9.53 second at 66.79 mph, giving Bowden a .104 margin-of-victory. Bowden, who again took care of his own dial-in times, gained a 60 point lead in first place in the 8-12 Junior championship ranking, earning his success with consistent hard work. He thanked God first for his racing, and his mom and dad for letting him compete. Daulton Rogers (11 – Hiawassee, GA) was the sole semi-finalist.

The 13-17 Junior Dragster final was a close run, Blake Griffith (15 – Homer, GA) running against Valerie Clements (16 – Central, SC). Clements was dialed at 7.98 seconds, Griffith close with a 7.93 dial-in. Clements gave Griffith the advantage with a .113 reaction, Griffith leaving the line with a .042 reaction time. Clements crossed the finish a bit too quickly, breaking out with a 7.95 ET at 82.39 mph, while Griffith ran dead-on at 80.95 mph, earning a .03 margin-of-victory. Points leader Bailey Denton (15 – McDonough, GA) and John Gordon (14 – Hiram, GA) finished their day in the semi-final round.

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 2004 events, including the SATURDAY INSANITY "No Box Pro Series" on Aug. 1, may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com .

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SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Don Brown, Jr. ’03 Spitzer Buford, GA 4.82 133.18 (4.79)

R/U: Jon Thomas ’72 Nova Covington, GA 6.48 106.66 (6.42)

Semi: Ricky Page ’90 Mustang Monroe, GA

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PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Sue Wilson ’85 S-10 Pickup Tallapoosa, GA 7.28 87.47 (7.28)

R/U: Rickey Morris ’80 Malibu Ellenwood, GA 6.94 100.37 (6.94)

Semi: Stephen Daniel ’83 S-10 Pickup Covington, GA

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SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Mel Abney ’67 Camaro Cumming, GA 8.43 85.15 (8.37)

R/U: Mickey Morris ’98 Firebird Ellenwood, GA 7.78 90.89 (8.20) (foul)

Semi: Allen Long ’96 Silverado Ballground, GA

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MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Jeff Shropshire ‘08 Kawasaki Dallas, GA 6.03 115.03 (6.02)

R/U: Jay “Bird” Rhyne ’87 Kawasaki Athens, GA 5.86 116.72 (5.81)

Semi: Dennis Johnson ’00 Suzuki Comer, GA

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8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Chris Bowden 13 Homer, GA 9.03 66.65 (8.95)

R/U: Hunter James 10 Cartersville, GA 9.53 66.79 (9.50)

Semi: Daulton Rogers 11 Hiawassee, GA

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13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Blake Griffith 15 Homer, GA 8.02 63.24 (7.90)

R/U: Valerie Clements 16 Central, SC 7.88 78.86 (7.90)

Semi: Bailey Denton 15 McDonough, GA

Semi: John Gordon 14 Hiram, GA

NATIONAL DRAGSTER CHALLENGE RACE INCLUDED MEMORIAL FOR “BUFORD HEAVY”

By: Amy and Tim Glover

(Commerce, GA – July 18) Tonight’s race was the annual National Dragster Challenge and Jr. Drag Racing Challenge, giving racers a chance to win an NHRA “Wally” (the most coveted drag racing trophy). In addition, it was the annual Racer’s For Christ day at the track. All were invited to enjoy lunch and fellowship, and an inflatable playground was set up for all the children (both big and small) by RFC pastors Lloyd Shanks, Scott Griffith and a lot of helpers.

Atlanta Dragway racers were saddened this week to learn about the sudden passing of one of their icons, Eric “Buford Heavy” Duncan (1949-2009). Many folks never knew Duncan’s real name, as Buford Heavy was the only one they ever heard. Buford has been involved with several championship drag racing teams throughout his life, and has helped many other racers along the way. He was a top notch race car fabricator, and many racers were able to continue in competition after their racecar broke during National events, thanks to Buford’s Automotive. He is survived by wife Beverly, sister Florence, and mother Lora Carr. A ceremony was held at the starting line prior to the race in his memory. He had a lot of friends, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Stan Sinack (’69 Dart – Lilburn, GA) earned the bye-run into the Super Pro final, where he faced Thomas Bell (’05 Undercover – Toccoa, GA). Sinack had a two-second-handicap with a 6.53 second dial, next to Bell’s 4.66 dial-in; regardless, Sinack treed Bell with a .033 green light against Bell’s .042 react. Bell chased Sinack’s Dart to the finish, breaking out with a 4.63 ET at 146.23 mph. Sinack won the round by going dead-on the 6.53 dial, at 102.55 mph, earning his first Wally. Sinack dedicated the win to the late Eric “Buford Heavy” Duncan and Harley Chapman (who passed one year ago from tonight), and thanked Bill Boomhower “for all his help.” Sinack also thanked Ed Nalley, a fellow racer recovering from a serious accident, for his visit to the track: “He probably gave me some luck today.” Joe Rampley (’05 Dragster – Gainesville, GA) was tonight’s Super Pro semi-finalist.

Rob Hogue (’68 Camaro – Loganville, GA) and Mickey Morris (’87 Corvette – Ellenwood, GA) made it to the Pro final round. Hogue left Morris behind with a .027 green, Morris following with a much-delayed .102 reaction time. Morris caught up with Hogue, but underestimated his ET, finishing in 6.47 seconds on a 6.59 dial-in, at 96.82 mph. Hogue won, breaking out less with a 7.40 ET on a 7.41 dial-in, at 92.20 mph. Hogue had been up for the Wally on three other occasions, all ending in defeat by a combined total of four thousandths of a second, and has finally earned the racer’s favorite mantle-piece. Hogue celebrated the night with his wife Jennifer, and daughters Chloe and Kyra, and thanked “Del Johnson, and the whole crew that came with me tonight.” He added, “We’re really sorry about Buford – we are thinking about him, and Beverly.” John Norris (’86 Camaro – Royston, GA) finished in the semi-finals.

The Sportsman class featured a duel between two SUV’s; Mark Hancock in his wife’s ’00 Jeep against Scott Preves in an ‘07 Trail Blazer. Both Commerce locals were staged for 16 second runs, Hancock leaving with a .033 green, while Preves launched too early with a -.026 red light. Preves ran it out, 16.45 seconds on his 16.45 dial, at 84.88 mph. Hancock finished in 16.16 seconds at 84.01 mph, on a 16.02 prediction. Notably, Hancock was last year’s National Dragster Challenge Sportsman winner, in the very same vehicle, and thanked his wife Paula for lending it to him. Hancock, a pallbearer at Buford’s funeral, said, “We raced today with heavy hearts,” and gave his “sincere thanks to Atlanta Dragway for accommodating us for the funeral service, letting us race today.” Hancock gave special thanks to track director Ray Wilkings and Mike Savage. Greenville, SC residents J.D. Burford (’07 Corvette) and D.A. Streber (’02 Hyundai) were the Sportsman semi-finalists.

Tim Sutton (’83 Suzuki – Clermont, GA) faced points leader Jay “Bird” Rhyne (’87 Kawasaki – Athens, GA) in the Motorcycle finals. Sutton had Rhyne on the tree, with a .026 light against Rhyne’s .041 reaction time, chasing Rhyne to the win stripe. Rhyne broke out with a 12.31 ET on his 12.33 prediction, at 101.53 mphh, while Sutton triggered the win light with a 9.32 second run on a 9.27 dial-in, at 133.84 mph. Sutton thanked his wife Jennifer for her dedicated crew work, and Jay “Bird” for borrowed parts, helping him win his first Wally. Wade Clark (’95 Kawasaki – Lawrenceville, GA) and Steve Jackson (’00 Motorcycle – Bogart, GA) finished in the semi-final round.

Chris Bowden (13 – Homer, GA) and Hunter James (10 – Cartersville, GA) raced in the 8-12 Junior Dragster category final. James had a slight handicap with his 9.51 dial-in against Bowden’s 8.96, and left the line with a .146 green light. Bowden launched after with a .040 reaction, chasing James to the win stripe. James’ run came a little too slow, in 9.59 seconds at 66.95 mph, while Bowden had a tighter run, in 9.02 seconds at 69.35 mph, securing the win and regaining his points lead. Bowden stuck with the 8.96 dial-in the entire race, and attributed the Wally win to “the memory of Buford.” Because Bowden’s dad Bobby was also a pallbearer for Buford, Bowden took care of preparing his car for each round, and asked Scott Griffith to set the idle for his car just prior to staging. Madison Lee (11 – Campobello, SC) was the 8-12 semi-finalist.

Points leader Bailey Denton (15 – McDonough, GA) competed against Dylan Hutchins (14 – Monroe, GA) in the 13-17 Junior Dragster final. Hutchins cut a .096 light on his 8.01 prediction, Denton following closely with a .057 green on a 7.90 dial-in. Despite Hutchins’ 8.03 ET at 80.81 mph, Denton gained the win with a 7.94 ET at 82.40 mph – the victory coming down to performance at the Christmas Tree. Denton won the Wally with a .021 margin-of-victory, and gained a 110 points lead for the top position in the 13-17 Junior Dragster ranking. Kelsey Lynn (15 – Marietta, GA) and Mitchell Hennessee (14 – Dallas, GA) finished in the semi-finals.

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 2009 events, including the SATURDAY INSANITY "No Box Pro Series" on August 1, 2009, may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com .


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SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Stan Sinack ’69 Dart Lilburn, GA 6.53 102.55 (6.53)

R/U: Thomas Bell ’05 Undercover Toccoa, GA 4.63 146.23 (4.66)

Semi: Joe Rampley ’05 Dragster Gainesville, GA

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PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Rob Hogue ’68 Camaro Loganville, GA 7.40 92.20 (7.41)

R/U: Mickey Morris ’87 Corvette Ellenwood, GA 6.47 96.82 (6.59)

Semi: John Norris ’86 Camaro Royston, GA

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SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Mark Hancock ’00 Jeep Commerce, GA 16.16 84.01 (16.02)

R/U: Scott Preves ’07 Trail Blazer Commerce, GA 16.45 84.88 (16.45) (foul)

Semi: J.D. Burford ’07 Corvette Greenville, SC

Semi: D.A. Streber ’02 Hyundai Greenville, SC

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MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Tim Sutton ’83 Suzuki Clermont, GA 10.64 123.84 (10.59)

R/U: Jay “Bird” Rhyne ’87 Kawasaki Athens, GA 10.34 135.36 (10.10)

Semi: Wade Clark ’95 Kawasaki Lawrenceville, GA

Semi: Steve Jackson ’00 Motorcycle Bogart, GA

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8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Chris Bowden 13 Homer, GA 9.02 69.35 (8.96)

R/U: Hunter James 10 Cartersville, GA 9.59 66.95 (9.51)

Semi: Madison Lee 11 Campobello, SC

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13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN

Win: Bailey Denton 15 McDonough, GA 7.94 82.40 (7.90)

R/U: Dylan Hutchins 14 Monroe, GA 8.03 80.81 (8.01)

Semi: Kelsey Lynn 15 Marietta, GA

Semi: Mitchell Hennessee 14 Dallas, GA

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