10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Hard to believe it's been that long already. It was then, and still to this day, the single greatest race ever for Stock and Super Stock racers.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Right on there Mike!! I was thinking the exact same thing this morning. I can't believe it was 10 years ago. Alot of great individuals with a true passion for the sport of Stock and Super Stock racing put together a great event. Oh.... and it is going to be in the triple digit temps today just like during the event. I didn't even notice it back then. Thank you Alex, your team of workers, the racers and everyone that had a part in that race.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
I was there on Friday & Sunday. It was a great race but it was a little warm.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Amen. It doesn't get any better. It's a shame that it hasn't been duplicated.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
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It Really does need to be done again. Maybe when it isn't so HOT LOL. I wonder if Norwalk would be interested?
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
It doesn't seem that long ago! Wow! This post by Mike deserves to be seen by all:
The Inagural US Class Nationals By the summer of 2000, most, if not all, Stock and Super Stock racers had realized that we were, to quote S/S racer Alex Denysenko, "relegated to the back of the bus", when it came to competing at National Events. Stuck running at absurd times of the morning and late evenings, if they even got to run at all. While I was at the IHRA World Nationals in Norwalk Ohio in August 2000, I was talking to Alex, who told me of an idea to promote and put on a big-time race, featuring the Super Stock and Stock classes, with special races, contigency and big payouts. The race occured July 20-22, at Byron Dragway in Byron IL, the Inagural GM Performance Parts US Class Nationals. It was a very hot weekend, with temperatures in the high 80's to low 90's, with a lot of sun. Classes to be contested were Super Stock, Stock (with both NHRA and IHRA-legal cars eligible to compete), Top Stock (heads-up, no breakout class for legal A, B and C Stockers at 8.3 pounds per horsepower), Nostalgia/Super Stock, Outlaw S/S, Class Eliminations for S and S/S, as well as a Quick 32, two races sponsored by Kendall, for the 32 quickest qualifiers, one for Stock and one for S/S. Friday started out with time trials and qualifying, as well as the Q-32's. The 32's were run like Comp Eliminator, handicapped off the Class Index, first to the finish line wins. The #'s 1 and 2 qualifiers made the final of each. Stock was won by Dayton OH's Don Holmes, in his K/SA 400-powered '78 Firebird won from the pole, defeating Kentucky's Jonathan Terrance's V/SA V-6 '82 Monte Carlo. S/S was won by second qualifier Mike Mans, in his Minnesota-based GT/JA '00 Firebird, in an upset over the polesitter Richard Oakes. New Jersey resident Oakes was crushing the field in his V6 modified SS/DS four speed '87 Camaro, having a near four tenths cushion on everyone. The track had a 6 pm curfew daily, so the hotlapping on such a warm day was Oakes undoing, as the car never got off the starting line past 60', and the starting line bog handed the win to Mans. At the conclusion of the track's activities, racers made their way to a local country club for a cookout. Saturday brought Class Eliminations on. All cars raced against the others in their own class, to determine bragging rights and Class superiority, and of course, the contigency money. Many great runs were made, and the track, overseen by NHRA Division 3 starter Bill "Redman" Flloyd hooked great, even in the cruel summer heat. There was an auction to benefit D.R.A.W. that evening, and many racers stayed even after that, to socialize at what may have been the first major meet in many, many years to bring NHRA and IHRA Class racers together at such an event of this magnitude. By the time Saturday's qualifying was over, nearly the largest field of Stockers in a long time was assembled. 187 Stockers had made the trip to Byron to compete, from all seven NHRA geographical Divisions. With the Class Nationals being an all-run field (Indy only takes the 128 best cars), it became an eight-round race to take home the money. Add in nearly 100 S/S cars, 20+ Top Stockers and a pretty good field of O/SS and N/SS, the race had over 300 cars in just five eliminators contested that weekend (four, if you count the fact that T/Stk competes within Stock and were part of the 187 Stocker field). Sunday brought about more great racing. Racers were thrown a curve later in the day, as a cold front rolled in with clouds and a pretty good tailwind, which made dialing the cars a handful. The best persevered, and shortly after 5 pm, the winners were crowned, and the Inagural US Class Nationals was deemed an overwhelming success. The event received TV coverage on Inside Drag Racing, with stories, coverage and interviews by the great Bret Kepner, and VHS copies of the race were later sold, done by Stock racer Bill Bureski. Willie Devore (S/S), Jeff Tueton (Stock), and Matt Morgan (T/Stk) were the big winners. Plans were already rolling on a second race, and possibly more. Sadly, it never panned out, for whatever reasons. But, those of us that were there, we will ALWAYS have fond memories of maybe the greatest Class Racing event ever take place. I even gave up bracket racing at an IHRA Divisional at my home track to make the 400+ mile trip to spectate (didn't have a Stocker yet). Every so often, there is discussion and thoughts on messageboards about "We need to have another Class Nationals...", and who knows, maybe in the future, we will see a part 2 of this awesome event. S/S Winner, Willie Devore, Rock Island IL, GT/H '87 Camaro R/U, Denny Steward, Dover PA, GT/EA '87 Daytona Stock Winner, Jeff Teuton, Houma LA, FT/SA '97 Ram R/U, MJ Quinn, Louisville KY, K/SA '85 Camaro T/Stk Winner, Matt Morgan, La PLata MD, '69 Mustang R/U, Al Corda, Elk Mound WI, '00 Firebird __________________ Mike Carr, BuffDaddy Motorsports Enon Valley PA Tri-State Stock/Super Stock Association President buffdaddy_1302@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/buffdaddy1302 . |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Someone needs to get another one of these started! I was too young to race in the first one, and I'd love to be able to now.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
It was definitely hot, I used more money for LP to run the generator on the motorhome for 4 days than I did for fuel to drive from Minnesota to Byron and back. It was a very good time
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
There was a rumor early this year that one of the mid west stock/ super stock associations was trying to put one on at the Tri-State Earlville, Iowa facility for late this fall. I heard it from a couple sources but radio salience of late. This also would be also be a great venue for another such race and I'm sure would draw lot of cars.
Like the rest of you the best race I have ever attended/ participated in. However it was a little warm that week if I remember correctly, still great event Alex, thanks for the effort. Jim Parsons. |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Without a doubt the most fun at one event we ever had. HOT is an understatement but it was WELL worth it. I Still wear the T shirt. Earlville could be a good location in the Fall.
I hope some group would take on that project. Good Luck I might drive there just to volunteer to work. |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
WOW 10 YEARS!
It was truly a race I will never forget! THE BEST DARN S/SS RACE EVER!!! HANDS DOWN!!! I'd L.O.V.E. To see another one! I think, I still have sweat running down my neck from that race;) Man it was H-O-T!! Glen DeMenge |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
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I still have a "New-in-the-Bag" Class Nationals T-Shirt!! The only other shirt I have like that is the "First In The Nines" (on the scoreboard) Bobby DeArmond shirt! Two Classics! THANKS ALEX AND CREW!!! wow, 10 years...... |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Memories...our woodstock....got there about midnight, lost, finally at some intersection we spotted a small sign to dragstrip....pitted in a field....hot hot hot....quick 32, car wouldn't run in the heat, class pics in another field...too many time trials....needed Pro filler cars (!).....standing in the food line next to Larry Hill, someone said he played in NBA once....still not sure.....did I say HOT.....thanks to Red and all the crew.....the place flat out hooked every time....still can't get over the shut down and exit area...we booked a Howard Johnson's, and room was wide open, sheets and white powder all over room...went to desk, was told room was out-of-service and they couldn't get in the last few days, waiting for locksmith!?
I watched Alex D get TV interview & he was worn out....he took too much underserved criticism from a few that didn't feel it went as advertised....I hope some of these posts assure him that the majority appreciated his efforts a job well done Thanks Alex |
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I was at a points meet and Alex asked me to take my two stockers to his event. How can anyone say no to Alex....I drove my G/SA 69 Camaro (which the week before Tony Goodman went 8 rounds with it at Mid Michigan) and I also took my freshly built 86 Camaro (now owned by Matt A.) and I think that was J/SA...Alex and Tony meet us at the gate and thank us for coming. Michael Beard was there taking a ton of photos...GM had a big semi rig there and lucky for me, Holley was there as my J/SA puked an electric fuel pump....nothing like changing a fuel pump in one of the hottest and stickest days of my life...If you buy the video you can see they called G/SA class first as that class had the most entrants....As usual, when they called G/SA I was the first one there....watch the video...They ran one race over twice and it was me....my second bulb was burnt out and they said "get back up there and run over"...it was the same outcome...the PONTIAC got me on the top end..
My J/SA had no chance as the motor we ran at that event was a real stocker and I mean stock..I think we had to run a 12.75 or something and if the heat was gone we could have done it...the driver of the J/SA ran a "hitter" with an injected Pontiac and he got lucky as my driver had a .00? light but could only run a 12.91 ( A week later at the IHRA Northern Nationals at Stanton it ran a 12.32) we were parked in the dust bowl along with a 57 Chevy ( he admitted in the post before me....I love that car) with fenderwell headers.....I love those cars and those headers but they sure make a mess... I think it was Jeff T. who bought a real nice supper for everyone and it was appreaciated. I remember several racers leaving before eliminations on Sunday as it was predicted to be hotter than Saturday with no chance of cloud cover. After we both lost we stuck around for a while on Sunday. I drove straight from Bryon Dragway to Holland with the AIR CONDITIONER wide open all the way...my tow vehicle had cloth seats and it was soaked.. I would love to go again only try September? I've had a few people tell me that I should try it....I even thought about it seriously then I came to my senses...I still have my Class Nationals Licence Plate ....If anyone wants Plates or T-Shirts, I think Jeff Lee (formerly of IHRA) or his dad, Fred Lee still has some... Phil |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Thanks for starting this thread ,Mike. I meant to get one going. I didn't realize the date was upon us already.
Hot it was alright. Not just the numbers like here , but the humidity was sky-high over there in corn country. I remember starting my generator in the m/h when I was about an hour away because the dash air and refrigerator couldn't keep up . I never shut it off the whole time we were there. I never do that normally. You couldn't even sit outside in the shade. Non stop time trials, seven ladder sheets for Stock, cars called for first round by ladder sheet 1, 2, etc, flat out racing, Top Stock, Nostalgia Super Stockers, free party at the clubhouse, Tequila shots with _____, ( I'll leave out the names) Great time and memories. It truly was the Woodstock of S/SS racing. I doubt it will ever happen again, to that magnitude. I tried to get a West Coast version started out here the week before the Phx Nat's in October... I didn't get one reply on here ??? |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
I was talking to Alex today about something unrelated, and I looked at this tall trophy I got (only race I ever won) and again told Alex what a great race it was, and how much everyone appreciated it. Maybe again? Who knows. There are too many stories to tell about the race, but Alex you did it and it was great. I will go again when you have the next one, but I will bring more cars next time.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
It is still one of the best races I raced at even though my car would't fall out of a tree, It never ran good in the heat anyway. We had a really good time, met many new faces, and never forgot the race. Also Jeff bought dinner and I don't remember if I said thanks then, but I am now. If was funny how many golf carts were driven to the golf course for the dinner.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Jeff what a GREAT JOB you did.. I was there and will always remember "HELL" of a DAY
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
It truly was an unforgettable event. It was the first time I'd ever been east of Idaho. Flew into Chicago with my 2 sons on Thursday night and when I stepped off the plane I turned around and said"What the hell is this?" as my shirt stuck to me instantly,,also the first time I'd heard the term "Heat Index".
I thought it was neat that they honored Al Provoast by letting him make the first pass, and then called every stick car on the property to the lanes,,over 60 of them if I remember correctly. The class elims were great and its still the only Top Stock show I ever saw, and of course Matt had everyone covered. At the end of the day Saturday I went and shook the hand of the video man and told him he was one bad hombre as I never saw him leave his post, even to take a leak! He said he didn't have to go as it sweat out of him all day long. I hated that we had to leave mid day Sunday to get to the airport, we left just as the raindrops started falling. I've still got the videos, T-shirts and decals, not to mention over 300 photos that I shot. Great memories forever,,,Thanks again Alex and crew. Danny Durham |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
I agree, Best Race EVER. Even if it was hot. Had both of our cars there and had a ball. Best of all O'Malley and me share the same birthday so the party was the best ever. Met alot of great people there. Wish we could do it again!
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Anybody have a video they wanna sell or make a copy for us??? If there is another you can bet we will be there
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Yes it was a good race to attend.car got too hot in the finale.funny,i was at maple grove last sat & the heat got to me this time,was not able to run 2nd. Q. Run.{dehydrated}
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
i know i worked my butt off,
your welcome |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Nitro, how you figured out the field on about 4 sheets. I guess that's why I sell used cars, and you are the stat man. Thanks to everyone. Too many stories, not enough beer to tell them all. How about another race? Then we can tell all the stories. I got too many that I can remember, and when the memory trip hits, I got some more.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Great race. Towed from Tyler Texas and worked on my car all weekend. Ended up having a bad pick up in my distributor and a faulty fuel regulator. Worked and sweated all weekend and would do it all over again to be part of the best and most fun race I've ever been to.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
We all owe Alex and Tony, Terry, Joe and everyone a great thanks.
http://www.dragracecentral.com/Serie...ilter=&Month=7 Scroll down to find the qualifying sheets and round-by-round results. If the link doesn't work, go to IHRA, archives 2001 and July. |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
WOW! What a great time! Have to thank EVERYONE that was involved with that race! Tom and I had a blast and both made the quick 32 race (both runnered up first round too), but I didn't hear anyone mention how HOT it was.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Left Phx AZ to cooler weather and well it was the same temp in Byron. Went to Joliet the Tuesday before to test and I had to much gear to short of tire or not enough motor. It was RPM ing like crazy. Alex parked me Thursday and I asked if he needed help and he was tired but had everything under control. I knew I couldnt win class or any heads up but had the desire to make the trip and race on Sunday to win. Lost second round and stayed for awhile then headed west. Bret Kepner interviewed Kendra Weber and myself for Inside Drag Racing but I never knew if we were on the show. Alex gave me a hat for making the long trip. I still cherrish everything about the event.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
I regret being a latecomer to class racing for many reasons, but one of those most prominent would be missing the Class Nationals. I remember absorbing the coverage of the event in a subseqent issue of SS&DI and planning my entry to Stock eliminator. My current car was purchased from Div. 2 competitor Scott Bailey, who made the long tow to Byron and "has the sticker to prove it". That decal will remain as testimony to what most would agree was a high water mark for our group......just hope to have a second chance!
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I'm gunna complain |
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It wasn't just Joe! Nitro and me did the ladder all by hand took several hours to do. He took one side and I did the other side. I rember the IHRA officials wanted to just do random pairing first round and then ladder. Nitro Joe, Alex, and Myself told'em no way! Not at the U.S. Class Nationals at least. |
Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Jeremy was the brains behind that, trust me, we wanted to make sure everybody was paired. What a great event, but his weekend at Columbus seems to be as hot.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
I had a kidney stone that weekend, (and was less than friendly to several folks) , but I still consider it a great event.
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Best fun..we didn't have a car together. Never forget the [just around the corner] 3 mile golf cart ride to Teuton's country club well after dark...and BACK! Bill Brewbaker..Lynn Balek..Rick Johnson
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Re: 10 years ago today--U.S. Class Nationals
Now I can finally forgive you, Bret! :~) LOL!
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