Ah, it feels good to be back in the drivers seat! Chris (my dad) and I took the week to get the car and trailer ready. We cleaned it out the trailer, which is easier said than done. Hours were spent cleaning every nook and cranny. After we had wore ourselves out, it was onto the car. We took off the panels and stripped each one of the contingency stickers and vinyl graphics. Apparently there is a technique to this. After using a careful ratio of heat gun to razor that failed more often than not, we simply brought the panels inside. Genius! Now this project will only take hours instead of days. After the car was clean, it looked so different. I finally feel like the car is beginning to be mine. After our long week, we packed the car and trailer. I’m not sure how much our neighbors love our loud car, but they seem to be getting used to it. We have been quite careful about when we start it up. It’s hard to believe for us drag racers, but not every loves that beautiful sound a hot rod makes.

On Saturday (Chris’ birthday, by the way) Chris and I woke up at the crack of dawn and headed out to Bremerton for a day at the track. I’m sure the entire neighborhood heard us leave with our diesel truck and 30 foot trailer. There is nothing that truck hates more than being cold and pulling a trailer. After a good drive, (Well, I assume it was good. I have a tendency to fall asleep on the road, but NOT the track. I promise.) we made it there before the track opened and had plenty of time to set up before the 9AM call for engines. After a surprise tech inspection at the door, we set up camp and quickly fell into routine. It was just above freezing, which made warming up the car quite a lengthy process. But after a good warm up, the car and I were ready to race.

We waited and waited for our class to be called, but the track simply was not able to hold the Super Pro’s that early. It was very cold and although Bremerton is a good track, it’s not a professional track. It was made out of an old air strip and maintained quite well. However, after spending the day at the track it was obvious that it was a track designed for the Pro class (basically our class, but without electronics). Since the Super Pro class was the fastest class at the test and tune, the track officials wanted to make sure it was safe for us. Finally, a little after 11AM they called our class we were able to get a chance to run. Many people would believe that every track is the same. But there is a feeling to a track and it’s tough to adjust to a new setting. Especially since there is so much to be aware about when you are in the car. If Jack taught me anything about drag racing, it’s that it’s all a mental game. Long story short, it was a much different feeling at Bremerton than Pomona or Bakersfield.

We were able to fit in three runs on Saturday. They were great runs and every time I get in that car I feel more comfortable. Our first run was a 9.05, mostly due to the fact that the track was really loose. Our second shot at racing was quite an ordeal. I strapped in to the car and attempted to avoid claustrophobia as I watched three oil downs in a row in front of me. An hour or so later, it was my turn. And boy, was it worth it! They had just laid down a series of layers of VHT, so I knew the track would hold. I hit a .033 light and ran a 8.93 at 166 mph. That run was such a great pass and it was everything Chris wanted for his birthday. We got another opportunity to run and replicated the first run, except for my .002 light! I’ve been working on lights and it felt great to hit it that close. All in all, we were quite pleased with our passes.

I ran into a couple of problems at the track. First, I did not realize that the track was running a full tree, instead of a pro tree. I have yet to run a full tree and have even been practicing on a pro tree, since that is what Super Comp tends to run. So, my first reaction time was horrendous due to my confusion with the tree. Secondly, I had some trouble with the transbrake. To back up in my dragster, I have to hold the transbrake button to lock it into reverse. After I am done backing up, I let go of the transbrake and shift into first gear. However, the throttle stop does not know the difference between backing up and a pass. Therefore the car shifts into second gear as I’m coming up to stage. So, I had to alter my routine at the line to make sure the car is in first gear.

The next step is to makeover the car and trailer. The trailer goes in for a paint job on Friday and the panels for the car will be taken in for a paint job as well. I promise to keep you updated on the makeover as it progresses!