Re: 4 Days in May
 

I know stock rules can be totally different than any other NHRA class, and not trying to take anything away from that amazing accomplishment. My question is was it legal to even dial in the 9's with just a short sleeve t-shirt?

Re: 4 Days in May
 

I don`t recall if NHRA had made the Stocker drivers wear a SFI jacket yet in 2001, but I think any such ruling would be more based on the ET ran, not a shoe polish number on the window.
As one of the fortunate few to have been there early that chilly Sunday morning, I recall that Bobby was the first in the lanes with a 9.99 dial, several others soon changed their 10.0 dials to a 9.99. When Bobby DeArrmonds blue 69 Camaro hiked the front wheels high in a first round race against Gary McCoys yellow E/S AAR Cuda, and headed down track, it seemed to take a while, and then the 9.99 popped up on the score boards, and history was made. Cheering by some, and likely some cursing muttered under the breath of the other racers hoping to be first. And although it was not a record run, as Robert Pond had ran a corrected for altitude 9 at Boise a few weeks earlier, Bobbys 9 was the first un corrected single digit pass. And to erase any doubt, Bobbys engine was voluntarily subjected to a full NHRA teardown, including removing the engine from the car, and dropping the oil pan, under the watchful eyes of the NHRA Tech crew, and then DD Jerry Valentine. It was quite an experiance.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

By the way, its a good thing for Bobby he ran the number in the first round, as he actually redlite against McCoy.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

I watch the video today at lunch and I was there that day also what history was made. I see Rory made it in the video in the stands. Wish I had a stocker back then just to be in the field. I didn't get to see the run cause I was in the staging lanes the next class to go out.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

Quite an accomplishment from a great guy and family. I enjoy the Christmas cards every year from Bobby and his family. Deserves a separate chapter in the book "The History of Drag Racing ".

Re: 4 Days in May
 

Another piece of history was the 1st 7 second run by an SS car (John Galina) that happened at Mission also a couple of years later. Mission can be crazy fast.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

that was another great race I happened to be at as well. That was some fast car.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

I was there as well!


I think I'm even in the video, as well as Larry's other one. I think it's called Monsters of Launch?


Larry is a great guy!

Re: 4 Days in May
 

Certainly was. Having Bucky and the Bartons come west to race your team was a real treat for us locals.

I think Don Little was the most surprising Stock performer, not many people would have chosen him to run a nine first and he almost did. Robert Pond spun the tires just enough to kill the chance for a nine.

Re: 4 Days in May
 

Thank you very much with your help I was able to contact Larry. I purchased the "4 Days in May" and when we were talking I told him I am Buick owner/racer so I also bought the Galina first 7 second super stocker video. I will ask Larry if he wants me to put his email on a public forum and will keep everyone updated. Thanks to all the input , greatly appreciated. :D