The "BIG" Boys (..and GIRLS)
Ispent the weekend attending my first National event (as more than a spectator). There is a reason why these boys are professionals... and its more than just a title, folks.
Its been Dan's dream a long time coming to try and qualify for a National event in Pro Mod. So, he took Bill George's '63 Vette to IHRA Rockingham this past weekend. Mind you, Bill's Vette has an older Fulton 706cid nitrous motor, and is undergunned for a National event, but a little consistancy and a lot of heart will go a long way. It was Dan's first time taking the Vette down the 1/4 mile (he races in a local 1/8th mile Quick 8 series) and first round he blasted a 6.33 @ 220 mph. At the end of 1st Round, he was #11 on the roster, and prepped for the final nighttime qualifying attempt. There were 31 cars trying to get the 16 top qualified positions. After another bogging 6.33 @ 221.6 mph pass, Dan landed at the #15 position, and most importantly, in the field for Sunday's eliminations.
There was a no more estatic crew than us... all the other teams in their high dollar motors, matching crew uniforms, radios, and whatnot; us in some raggedy looking Parker Chassis t-shirts (the ones with holes in them) qualifying in Dan's first attempt at a National event. Although he went home 1st round at Rockingham, he accomplished what many can only dream of... myself included. The man knows what he's doing... he can make do with what others could not imagine. He's the reason I'm confident going into Pro this year... with someone that good in your corner, its hard to go wrong.
Anyways, back to what I was talking about... the IHRA difference. It made me aware of how different "Sportsman" type series are. What you constantly hear our racers complain about doesn't exsist at the Pro level. Folks, reality check... you're babied in these other series. These guys mean business, they are professionals, and they aren't worried about this person, the internet, or any other nonsense... they demand the respect of a PRO, and that's how the IHRA treats them. They know their place and they do their jobs well. We moan and complain and beg to be babied.... which marks us as just that... babies in a bigger picture. People I once revered as the epitome of Professionalism in our sport are merely big fish in a small pond... and there is an entire ocean beyond the horizon. Its time to grow up and take notice.... there's a bigger picture out there, and if you want to be respected, its time to act the part.
One thing that was very refreshing was the amount of women participating that I heard over the PA in IHRA. From Alcohol Funny Car (Bunny & the Boys), Top Sportsman, and down the line... there were plenty of ladies in the ranks. That is wonderful and very encouraging to hear!
My turbos finally came in last week! Time to get to work hardcore! D-day is quickly approaching, and I don't want to miss it!
Take care racefans!
Be Safe, Go Fast!
Erica
Its been Dan's dream a long time coming to try and qualify for a National event in Pro Mod. So, he took Bill George's '63 Vette to IHRA Rockingham this past weekend. Mind you, Bill's Vette has an older Fulton 706cid nitrous motor, and is undergunned for a National event, but a little consistancy and a lot of heart will go a long way. It was Dan's first time taking the Vette down the 1/4 mile (he races in a local 1/8th mile Quick 8 series) and first round he blasted a 6.33 @ 220 mph. At the end of 1st Round, he was #11 on the roster, and prepped for the final nighttime qualifying attempt. There were 31 cars trying to get the 16 top qualified positions. After another bogging 6.33 @ 221.6 mph pass, Dan landed at the #15 position, and most importantly, in the field for Sunday's eliminations.
There was a no more estatic crew than us... all the other teams in their high dollar motors, matching crew uniforms, radios, and whatnot; us in some raggedy looking Parker Chassis t-shirts (the ones with holes in them) qualifying in Dan's first attempt at a National event. Although he went home 1st round at Rockingham, he accomplished what many can only dream of... myself included. The man knows what he's doing... he can make do with what others could not imagine. He's the reason I'm confident going into Pro this year... with someone that good in your corner, its hard to go wrong.
Anyways, back to what I was talking about... the IHRA difference. It made me aware of how different "Sportsman" type series are. What you constantly hear our racers complain about doesn't exsist at the Pro level. Folks, reality check... you're babied in these other series. These guys mean business, they are professionals, and they aren't worried about this person, the internet, or any other nonsense... they demand the respect of a PRO, and that's how the IHRA treats them. They know their place and they do their jobs well. We moan and complain and beg to be babied.... which marks us as just that... babies in a bigger picture. People I once revered as the epitome of Professionalism in our sport are merely big fish in a small pond... and there is an entire ocean beyond the horizon. Its time to grow up and take notice.... there's a bigger picture out there, and if you want to be respected, its time to act the part.
One thing that was very refreshing was the amount of women participating that I heard over the PA in IHRA. From Alcohol Funny Car (Bunny & the Boys), Top Sportsman, and down the line... there were plenty of ladies in the ranks. That is wonderful and very encouraging to hear!
My turbos finally came in last week! Time to get to work hardcore! D-day is quickly approaching, and I don't want to miss it!
Take care racefans!
Be Safe, Go Fast!
Erica
Labels: At the Races
Posted by Erica Ortiz on Monday, April 25, 2005 at 12:40 PM | Permalink 
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