DRAG RACING NEWS
TOMATO NATIONALS AT IMMOKALEE REGIONAL RACE WAY
The Tomato Nationas took place the weekend of Jan 19th-20th 2008 and what a weekend. The event was full of ups and downs, chrashes, wheelstands, fast cars, good food, sunshine, clear skies, cold, and of course, rain. Thru all the weather, the Immokalee Regional Raceway crew kept their wits and composure and after a bit of a wait, gave us something to go home and talk about. What can you say about the crew that after a slight rain delay, provides a track a radial tire can go 4.85 on. "Hats Off" to the crew and owner of Immokalee Regional Raceway.There were many classes to be run which provided for alot of racing. Some classes were called because of rain, otheres got to finish. The owner left it up to the racers.
The 6.50 class had over 30 cars including 2007 Sunshine Speedway Champ, Amanda Long. Several cars were on the "Dial In" after eliminations, but unfortunately the rain cut them off after the first round.
The Super Pro Street Class also was cut short, but not before Jeff Ensslin, Russ Crump, Doug Mills, and Ray Cash put some 4.30's and even some 20's on the board. Also, got a chance to meet some crew members from Hank "Hit Man" Hill's team. Not only is that a beautiful car, but also a classy group of guys. The "Hit Man" came all the way form Atlanta, GA and will be at the U.S. Nationals, so stop and say "Hi" to him.
The 10.5 Class was nothing less than awsome. Brian Markewiecs and Brian Whetherington both going in the the 4.50's. There were also a few turbo cars that were dipping down close and in a practice set "Awsome" Bill Futch went into the 50's with his beautiful, twin turbo camaro. If the rain would have permitted, this would have been a great showdown.
In the 5.50 Class there were some beautiful race cars and some good racing. Alot of the racers seem to be locals with alot of experience. Much like the 6.50 Class, this class provides the racer on a budget a heads up class to run and I think you'll see more people come to this class.
The Hot Rod Class was something I have never seen because I haven't been around that type of racing very much. The throttle stops and delay boxes I'm sure add a high degree of difficulty to win. So before you come to this class to race, you had better brush up on your skills.
The event of the night was the Stock Suspension Class. Refusing to go home after the rain, these guys were here to to battle. The "Alabama Slammer" Shane Stack, came to this race with a winning attitude and proved it by putting up some 4.85's through out the night. The man you "Love" or "Love to Hate", Troy Pirez, wasn't going to sit back and let hm just take it home. Troy put up a 4.87. The "Good Timers" Tony Ridenhour ran good all night along with Bobby Deblasio and a host of others. There were 5 or better 4 second radial tire cars on hand which was very impressive to see.
At the end of the night it came down between Stack and Rdenhour. Tony was hurt but he went out and gave it a run hoping for the best, but Stack had too much power and was too consistent. Those boys come to race and anybody who is going to deal with them is going to have to step up their program.
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Jeff Shawver's Twin Turbo Big Block 10.5 car
Pass 1, Pass 2, Pass 3, Pass 4, Pass 5