JP1738's Stocker and S/G car

[1matcoman]

Originally Posted by JP1738

Alright so everybody at this point already knows I stumbled up the stairs into the winner's circle at National Trails Raceway (now Darana Raceway) at the IHRA national event. I'd like to take a moment to share what my experience was like at the event and some pictures I captured while there.

For all of those people who are on the fence about attending or supporting the IHRA, let me put those worries to rest. This race was totally kickass. They had a huge crowd of sportsman cars, including 40 STK and SS cars each, 27-29 TS and TD cars, 40+Hot Rod, and more than 20 SR and QR cars. The race was well staffed and efficiently run when it wasn't raining. It was a national event that didn't feel like a national event, but not in the way you might think. It had all of the grandeur that you have come to expect from NHRA, without all of the pomp and circumstance. Officials were laid back, staff was extremely friendly and genuinely glad you came, presidents and owners were present and attenable, pro drivers were out and about visiting with fans, and the entire event just felt like a big celebration of friends and drag racing. The racer appreciation dinners were legit, too! I sat right next to Larry Morgan and was able to pick his brain on everything IHRA was doing now and what their plans are for the future. When's the last time you got to sit, eat, and socialize next to the President or any high ranking member of NHRA management?

The race ended up being delayed due to weather, not much the track could do about that, but they made sure that when cars were on track, there was no down time. When they called, racers answered and the next class followed closely behind. It was organized, efficient, and professional. But somehow, simultaneously, it didn't feel like the stakes were high. They made the atmosphere so inviting, that at no point did I feel the pressure that it was a national event. Racers were friendly because we were all there to support a movement we believe in. I'm thrilled I was able to attend and over the moon I came out on top.

As for the competition itself, after Thursday's rainout, the pro-am was moved to Sunday. They allowed all racers to get there money back for that race if they could not stay, no questions asked. I was able to transfer my entry for the Pro-am to the national event without any trouble.

Friday morning we ran one qualifying hit and first round. We were originally scheduled to get 2 qualifying attempts, but thanks to exceedingly cold temperatures, the race could not start in the morning as planned and was pushed back so the track could build some heat. After first round we were done for the evening and I enjoyed watching the plethora of pro categories they had lined up. They had full fields in every category including 12 FC and 13 TF cars qualifying for an 8 car field. Very fun race to watch!

Saturday morning we got another round in after some lite showers, then went into pro eliminations. Midway through pro elims, they stopped the show in order to get another round of sportsman in Saturday evening. I don't know if NHRA would have stopped the show so sportsman drivers could make a hit in front of the crowd, but IHRA did and that meant the world to me! The race ran late and was called off due to rapidly dropping temperatures around 8:30 and was finished Sunday morning/afternoon.

We ran 4th, 5th, and 6th round Sunday morning for stock where I was able to clinch the win in the final. I was .032 green and ran 12.715 off my 12.73 dial-in after my opponents red light. What an AWESOME moment! A life-long dream of mine coming to fruition! All the hard work, learning, and struggling I've gone through with my car finally paid off and I stood alone on the return road where I was stopped, handed an Ironman, and interviewed post race! I passed weight and fuel check and that made it official.

I can't thank IHRA enough for the excellent show they put on and great race. They iced us, fed us, and made us feel like we were supposed to be there. I will be back for more!

Headed out Tuesday after work!


Blown header tube on Wednesday fixed!



Racer appreciation dinner!



Getting behind for the win Friday morning first round!


Biiiig shout out to the class racer faithfuls! I was representing!


A trailer never one a race, but it feels good to win one with this set-up!


Celebrating in the Winner's Circle!

Awesome!! And thanks for the report!!!
fyi - looks like your chassis set was a bit low in the front in that first round win. j/s lol

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by 1matcoman

Awesome!! And thanks for the report!!!
fyi - looks like your chassis set was a bit low in the front in that first round win. j/s lol

Can't imagine why... lol

[JP1738]

Well Darlington was a complete bust. ended up .005 behind second round of the divisional after an .012 light and got absolutely destroyed first round of the open but Vic Cagnazzi. The car was decent but through me a few curve balls over the weekend that made it tough to dial.

Overall though I had a blast with my friends. We went out Friday and Saturday night on the town and hit a couple cool bars. Even tailgated off the back of my wagon after my friend and I got beat Saturday afternoon. Just tossed the cooler in the back and went for a cruise till we found a good spot!


Me looking like the Beverly Hillbillys rolling from track to track


All set up and ready to race


Time to tailgate!



Tough draw E1