BRACKET NATIONALS THIS WEEK AT ROCKINGHAM
More than 300 of the nation’s top bracket racers are expected at Steve Earwood’s Rockingham Dragway this week for the annual Ironman Classic Memorial Weekend Bracket Nationals. Earwood has added a new element to the 2008 event by offering free entry to every competitor who buys a $50 weekend admission pass.
In addition to Top Eliminator and Footbrake, champions will be crowned each day in Jr. Dragster. Furthermore, each of the three days of racing will count toward Rockingham Dragway track championships and toward determining which drivers will represent The Rock at the IHRA Summit Team Finals.
Sunday’s race will be a designated North Carolina Motorsports Hall of Fame event with the Top Eliminator and Footbrake champions acknowledged at the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies next January.
“With the rising price of fuel in mind, we are offering at least three separate races and possibly as many as six races over the holiday weekend with only one trip to the dragstrip,” Earwood said of the Ironman Classic. [5/21/2008]
GILBERTSON HEADED FOR IHRA RACE AT MILAN
Bob Gilbertson, owner/driver of the Tradicion Azul Tequila nitro Funny Car, is on a mission and is looking to rebound at this weekend's IHRA Suzuki Motor City Nationals at Milan Dragway.
Gilbertson, who hasn't had a great start so far this year, is optimistically confident about his chances in Michigan as he made his best run so far this year last weekend on the NHRA circuit at Bristol Dragway, a 4.847 at 318.77 mph backed up by a 4.96, and it gives him and his team momentum going into the third stop on the IHRA circuit.
"It's no secret that we've been struggling this year but I think we've turned the corner and the whole team is looking for big numbers this weekend at Milan Dragway," Gilbertson said. "My crew chief Nicky (Boninfante) and the guys have been working really hard to give me a car I can win with and I believe that we're now ready to rumble."
"We've had a tough time so far this year with little gremlins haunting us but now that we've hopefully ironed all of them out I think we'll be a threat at Milan," Boninfante added. "Bob's been doing a great job driving the car and he's been cutting great lights, all we have to do is make sure everything is right and the car goes to the end of the track under power and we'll be in good shape. We've got a lot of catching up to do in the points chase and our goal is to go there and get every point we can." (Rich Singer photo) [5/21/2008]
‘HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE’ SET FOR BRAINERD
The fifth annual High School Challenge will be held June 4 at Brainerd International Raceway for Minnesota high school students ages 16 to 19. Participants must have a valid driver’s license and a street-legal vehicle. The event is put on by Fast Cop Inc. (www.fastcop.com), which promotes safe and responsible driving with various programs throughout the state.
In addition, there will be an open street-legal class for those not taking part in the High School Challenge. [5/21/2008]