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[Myron Piatek]

Don't know how long before it shows up on DRC, but did Stock include several solos or random pairings due to some racers leaving?

[Mike Delahanty]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Don't know how long before it shows up on DRC, but did Stock include several solos or random pairings due to some racers leaving?

52 cars first round of Stock - about 20 cars did not stay for first round.

And S/S - 39 of 65 made first round.

[Brett C]

Was told random pairings.

As far as leaving early, personally I have a commitment at home on Monday that would not allow me stay and race on Monday. As well, last flight out would not allow me to race late Sunday evening. As a racer, I did not feel right to possibly run a couple of rounds, then back out. Let the people that can see it through to the finish fight it out.

Good luck everyone there.

[Steve Szupka]

I am in the exact same situation as Brett and feel the same way. Needed to be home for early Monday morning and the last flight out was 745pm. Hated to withdrawl but you have to make it to spend it. Looking forward to Charlotte.

[Ken Miele]

If was a tough call for many racers, there was not much we could do about it. Here are some photos from Super Stock round one. I will have more time for photos since my day ended in the first round of stock. The pros are running now and the weather is great.

[Ken Miele]

Its been a long race, but for me its been a blast as always. We had to wait a long time to race, but at least we all made the Sunday show. I know it was a hardship for many races, but the race was finished in a timely manner. With the weather we had, it looked as if Monday was going to be the sportsman day. I know many may not like this, but hats off to NHRA for getting it all done.

Something I need to share with you all, and I think its a good sign for the sportsman racer. This morning Stock was first out. I'm not sure which one of the sportsman announcers was doing Stock, but I was pleased when I heard what he had said. I am paraphrasing, but this is what he said essentially to the fans. "Folks, you don't get to see this many Stockers on a Sunday morning, what do you all think of watching Stock. I was blown away when I heard the applause from my pit area. We all know that the fans are here for the pros, but its nice to know they appreciate us also. I was very impresses with how many fans walked through the pits with such kinds word and enthusiasm about the sportsman cars.

I have many more photos and some videos, but will most likely not get them uploaded until I get home in a few days, be sure to check back.

Congrats to all the winners !

[HR9121]

Thanks Ken for the reports! Even with everything that happened the last few days I hated that I had to withdraw and was not there to help you. I agree that NHRA did a good job getting this race finished today and hopefully it's sunny skies the rest of the season!

[Ken Miele]

No worries James, looking forward to your reports in the future. Here is a quick video in the staging lanes before first round of the Factory Stock Showdown.

I have more photos to edit and upload, please check back later today.

[Paul Merolla]

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

I'm not sure which one of the sportsman announcers was doing Stock, but I was pleased when I heard what he had said. I'm am paraphrasing, but this is what he said essentially to the fans. "Folks, you don't get to see this many Stockers on a Sunday morning, what do you all think of watching Stock. I was blown away when I heard the applause from my pit area. We all know that the fans are here for the pros, but its nice to know they appreciate us also. I was very impresses with how many fans walked through the pits with such kinds word and enthusiasm about the sportsman cars.

I watched the race last night on nhraallaccess, and also was blown away when I heard that! Also, it was a terrific broadcast for the sportsmen...multiple camera angles, excellent commentating, etc. If all the event broadcasts turn out as well as the Gators, it will be well worth the hundred bucks!

[Ken Miele]

Stock final photos and video. The video is not that good, my batteries in my new camera went dead and I had to use my cell phone as a back up.