Live from Atco, NJ - NHRA PC Richard National Open

[Tony Curcio]

The H/SA record was at 10.91, and G was at minimum, so young Mr. Butcher has gone quicker than both existing marks. My brother called from the track to tell me he sheared the wheel studs on the back up run for H. It's not clear if they'll allow a back up run during the last qualifying session- the flyer leads me to believe they might not.

I wanted to be there badly, and spent lots of money this spring to take a shot at one of these records. Broke a driveshaft right off the line last week, which in turn allowed the engine to freewheel for half a second, which broke a lifter puck, which fell into the cam tunnel and broke the cam.

To be honest, I don't know if I could have topped a 10.88. Probably not. These guys are to be congratulated on one of stoutest records in the eliminator, and kudos to anyone who volunteers for a teardown like that.