Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I stick would be make that thing unbelievably awesome.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

unbelieveably awesome would be a giant understatement, Mr Ryan!!!!

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Good morning boys and girls - in just over two hours we'll it the track for our final qualifier and jump right into eliminations .Weather today you ask - it'll be hot as its expected to hit 92 degrees this afternoon - good news is that it'll be Sunny all day .At this moment its already 67 and climbing fast with the barometer at a stinko 29.50 and 73% humidity but should burn off some .DA is just over 1700 feet .

I joined in last nights cleanup run and it was worthless - one of "those" Maple Grove runs - weather showed it to be much better than what it really was - happens here all the time - the regulars deal with it every week .

Thanks to James Perrone who brought us a real 100% from New York pizza yesterday ......yum-yum .Speaking of food - a bunch of us gathered at the Bender camp last night for some great sausage and peppers followed by deep dish apple pie and ice cream with fresh strawberries - thanks Penny & Bob ! ! !

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

At the gate this morning ... We're at least 3 stockers and 2 super stockers on line including myself

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Don Kennedy made the haul from Arizona!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0137.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Dean Mowery bought Rick Wolf's former GT/DA avenger....

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0132.jpg

John Shaul camp out in the field...

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0130.jpg

Wendell Howes ready for battle....

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0128.jpg

Luke Morris from MD......

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0133.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Stock just finished up with their last qualifying shot. It was 2 to 3 slower than yesterday morning. The weather for today is much warmer, should hit 90 by the time Super Stock runs.

One interesting note today, right after I got off the scales I was pulled into the barn by Ryck Campbell our tech director and Dave ley. They are checking for cars that might be using some type of e-shift. Cars that have the trans controlled by a computer from the factory are okay. I have not heard of anyone getting tossed, but its nice to know that here in Div 1 even at a division race they are checking cars.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Brian Martel

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0123.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

We're probably a solid hour to hour and a half from first rounds - and getting hotter by the minute ........

Several head-up races in Stock -- .CC/SA Thomas v Sawka
H/SA DeMarzo v Pires
B/SA Kreeber v Bialis

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Gary Richard's camp.....

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0122.jpg

Nick Reiter

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0120.jpg

George Taylor checking things out.....

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0125.jpg

Steve Welker's CC/SA camaro

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0121.jpg

oddball combo of the week.... twin turbo AMC top dragster..

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0134.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

How many dragsters do you see with an AMC engine? Leave it to a guy from West Virginia! (Engine also built by a Mountaineer)

Twin turbo AMC might make a good superstocker engine in an AMX wouldn't it?

SSTT/A - Super Stock Twin Turbo/A

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

number 1 qualifier at 6.20 232 mph. It certainly ain't my daddy's Nash.
regards, Roland

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

"Spongebob" Bob Brinkman back with his vette

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0127.jpg

More AMX's....

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0126.jpg

Nova Stocker

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0124.jpg

JC Beattie

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/102_0129.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Great coverage guys. Thanks!

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

More like oddball combo of the decade !! Wow is that neat !!


Kp

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Well the rains finally came and halted the action for the evening - and a real pity because the place was packed and even though there were mostly here for the Alcohol show ( and the Fireworks ) they would have been treated to one of the best SuperStock races assembled here in quite some time .With around eighty of them on the grounds they ranged from '56 Bel Air's to SuperCharged Mustangs - but they'll be back tomorrow .And ClassRacer will cover it for you ...........

And when the racing is done there is always time for going to Shady Maple .

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

A very big thank you to Jack,Ken and Thomas for posting pictures , helps us guys who have to keep the wheel turning with the other chipmunks. See you all at Englishtown. Claude P.S. anyone have a good hotel to recommend the track that might still be available?thanks

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

For hotels at etown... check with Jackie Fricke from Accelerated Travel.... 856-296-8836
jackie@acceleratedtravel.net

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Thank you Thom and keep up the great photos. Claude

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Thanks again to you and your family for all of your hospitality

Mike Jones A114 O/SA

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hey kids get up -- its race day and the Sun is shining ( at least at this moment ) - today will be packed with action as many classes haven't had their first round yet .

Stock was filled with action before the rains came yesterday with several good heads-up races and this seasons first "official " warning concerning execessive finish line braking - Bobby Bender while driving his forty-something hundred pound Kingswood O/SA decided to hit the binders hard while being chased by the 150 MPH P C Richard Mustang driven by Anthony Fetch .Plenty of front tire smoke for Bobby who won the round but was greeted at the scales and was told that won't be tolerated .Guess the NHRA is getting serious about this and rightfully so .Being Mr.Bender hasn't been a previous offender he got a pass -- but their watching ..........

Side note - half an hour or so from now I'll be loading my GTO for its trip to Texas - I can tell you for sure that some of me is going with that car .......I'll just work harder today and try not to think about it ..........Kind of fitting - when building that car I said it was to be "The Last Indian" - now its going the land of cowboys and indians . Bon Voyage my friend -we've been good together .

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Like I promised Stock was exciting this morning - plenty of run-outs , redlites ,and just plain great racing - weather is very close to yesterday morning .SuperStock up soon ......

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

So Jack-for someone who loves your live reports and follows your racing exploits from the far away west coast-I am interested to hear what direction you are taking. I saw a "Chieftain" Firebird in a video from there this weekend-moving gfrom the GTO to a firebird and if so, how did I miss that? Please get me up to speed!

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jack has had the firebird for years.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Thanks Dennis-I wasn't aware of that. Followed the GTO build up from the beginning, and never realized there was a Firebird in the background.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Scott - Yes , you saw my Trans Am here this weekend but I'm not driving it ---------------- Jeff Jewell is at the controls this weekend and doing a fine job .But I'll be back at the helm next week at Englishtown .BTW , "Chieftain VI " has been in my stable since 1995 and is at this moment " for sale " .

And thanks for the kind words .............

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

SuperStock got their first round in -- again an exciting deal .I watch from downtrack in the stands and you wouldn't believe how many racers lost just because they had a huge lead and didn't look and lift ........Guess its easy to armchair quarterback .

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Some video from this weekend....

Bender & Fetch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mysNUDD7hmo

DeMarzo & Pires
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJCifmyw6m4

Sawka & Thomas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2rbKd1dSg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Scenes from the Grove....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7...2abd911b_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_017 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7...da110781_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_011 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7...45e4efe5_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_089 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7...813ef15b_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_059 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7...6f30ab5f_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_030 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

More...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7...b94047d7_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_025 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7...83bc627e_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_255 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7...1841440f_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_251 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7...dffd2a3a_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_223 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

And yet a few more....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7...3f5a44c2_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_220 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7...a20d0479_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_218 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7...3b4b9b66_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_208 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7...bf9be2e0_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_175 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7...0d37d92e_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_151 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7...8e3294d9_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_130 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7...d258397c_c.jpg
5-12_GROVE LODRS_141 by Joe Grippo, on Flickr

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Stock just finished round three - almost a great heads-up between Shaul and Buburka - Johnny cruised to an easy win after Jimmy went red .SuperStock coming up ...

And John Bender broke a rear just off the line in his D/SA Mopar ......

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/u...570/Bender.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Toby, how do you feel about this?

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I don't think there is anything wrong with smoking the front tires as long as you don't get sideways. After watching the video it looked to me like Bob had it well under control and probably didn't even know he smoked them until somebody told him later.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The rules say you smoke the tires your out. If they are going to call him out for it then the officials saw it. Should have been disqualified.
Chuck

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Rules probably vary in each division, but in division 6 & 7 you get one warning per year and the next time you do it you are DQ'd. Sounds like that's the way they do it in D1 also.

I usually get one warning every year. I have even got a warning on a time run. :D


-Toby

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I love it Force uses up the whole lane and it's a great driving job. A stocker hits the brakes a little too hard in break out racing and they want to throw you out, Kiss My ***.

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

.... ok.... Here's our favorite D1 staging lane employee... Bill Holmes.
Bill just had an accident!

As rd 2 of SS was running, one of the competitors asked Bill to change his dial-in. By the look, of things I think someone slipped bill the "exploding shoe-polish bottle".

Good thing I had my camera with me!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...llmgd12012.jpg

Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hey kids - first I've got to say sorry for ditching you this afternoon but to say my plate was full is an understatement .First off early this morning with a very heavy heart I said goodby to my faithful GTO when it left for Texas .Like I said then I was just going to throw myself into my work today and things will be OK .Things were going well with my plan until Jeff Jewell ( who was driving my Trans Am today ) decided he was going to go rounds .So much for my plan to work this afternoon as helping him - well , one round led to another and before long there we were -- in the final .Thats were the Cinderalla story ends as Pie Dent drove a little better as Jeff ran out - congrats to Pie .And to Jeff - keep your head up - you drove well all day and have nothing to be ashamed of .

And as far as SuperStock goes - 'Lil Joey Santangelo was the class of the field today - no doubt about it .Congrats Joe ..........And buy you're pop a beer - he's one hard working crew-chief .

And contrary to Ken's beliefs I did work hard this afternoon in spite of being extra busy and I've got a zillion photos to prove it - and in the next twenty four hours I'll sort thru them and get the best posted .

Think I'll watch NASCAR awhile and relax as tomorrow inspite of being Memorial Day its off to work for me .