I just don’t know where to start. This was one of the biggest weeks of my short career as NC ProModer. I traveled over 4000 miles in the last 7 days and was fortunate enough to attend 3 races in 3 different states. As you all know, we attended The World Series Of Pro Mod event just outside of Denver CO., at Bandimere Speedway. I truly believe we were able to provide the best view of any live feed that was broadcast. I can’t thank everyone at Drag Illustrated for allowing us to stream the event. Congratulations to Jim Bell and his team on the $100,000 win. If you have never been to the Denver area, it truly is a great tourist destination. If at all possible, I will return in 2019. It is worth the trip!!
Our 2nd stop was Thursday night at Piedmont Dragway for the August issue of “The Big Dog.” We were blessed to have 13 cars in attendance trying to make the show. This was the largest field in three years. After two great qualifying rounds, Brett NesBitt led the way with a 4.03 on a very hot race track with the his very stout 632 NesBitt Performance engine on board. Brett marched through his side of the eight-car ladder to meet up with Cam Clark, who was also equally impressive on his march through his side of the ladder. Cam was in his third final in a row, picking up wins in the previous two. Unfortunately, Cam’s car developed a terminal engine issue during the burnout and he was unable to make the run. Little did anyone know, Brett’s car was also down on power in the finals. He reported in the end that it was down a cylinder or two. Brett took the green light and idled down the track for his first Big Dog win of 2018. He was a winner in 2017 as well. Brett stated they are working very hard to improve the performance of his car to continue to be a front runner in the series. I also need to recognize the efforts of Brian Shrader’s team; they basically re-fabricated a car he owned and competed with in another series to meet the rules of this class. I understand it was a lot of work; fabricating new headers, engine plate, as well as wiring and plumbing changes. Thanks again to everyone that came out to spectate and compete. The other classes of 6.0, 7.49, and the Outlaw Door Slammers put on a fantastic show.
Stop number three was at the beautiful Virginia Motorsports Park owned by Tommy and Judy Franklin. This was on Saturday, with a dual event being held: Pro Mods in The Park and Extreme Night Of Fire. We were fortunate enough to have 11 Pro Mods onsite trying to make the $10,000 to win. After the first round of qualifying, Jay Cox led the field with a 3.776, with Tommy Franklin right on his heels with a 3.779. Tommy was running his new car, which he brought out earlier in the year, but parked it to make a few modifications after an eventful first outing in FL in January. During the 2nd session, Chris Rini took control of the situation in his ATI Performance, Buck Powered machine to take the number one spot with a very impressive 3.762 on a very hot track. Tommy Franklin also improved on his second run with a 3.768 to secure the second spot. Randy Weaterford made some nice runs in his new #WSConstruction machine that was competing in its first event. Unfortunately, Mother Nature took the win as a light drizzle began as Sidney Frigo was preparing to make a 1/4 mile exhibition pass for the fans in attendance. The drizzle turned into a large and long downpour, which ultimately caused the event to be canceled. Weather is one of the few things in the world that you can’t control. I’m glad I made the trip, it’s always so much fun to visit with all of the teams that I am building relationships with in an environment that is not quite as stressful as many of the national events we attend.
As usual, I could ramble on, but I’ll stop here. I am beyond blessed with the success of this outfit. In seven days we had close to 100,000 views from the videos we put up. Just remember, if you’re close to an event I REALLY need you to attend. It is not my intention to hurt the attendance at any event. I want to help them get fans in the stands so we can continue to bring the action to those who live far away.
Thanks for helping me with this in advance!
Jay “The NC ProModer”
