Crew: Bill, Kimberley, Matthew, Eric, Cowboy and Buddy.
Coastal Plains October 2, 2004
We were not sure this one was going to happen. That is if you listen to the weather forecasters, which we don't. We left the house at a bright and early 7:00 AM and arrived at the track at 12:30 PM. Cowboy was already there and was elbow deep helping another team out, while he waited for us to arrive.
The crew got busy readying the car for first round. Once the car was ready, we warmed her up. We found a couple of minor problems, which were quickly remedied. Just before we were called to the line, we did another quick start up and then headed out.
We were paired up against the infamously crazy Charlie "The Godfather" Gambino. Just before firing up we discovered the shift light was not working. Bill would have to shift the old fashioned way, by ear.
The two cars fired their motors and the fight was on. As always both cars did long smokey burnouts and backed up to stage. Not to be out done by each other, they did two dry hops. The crowd couldn't believe it. They got two burnouts for the price of one. Other racers were even excited to see two burnouts. Just like the old days.
Both cars quickly got back to the line and staged. The RPM's went up and off they went. Charlie got Bill off the line and beat him to the green. Bill lost with his 4.155 @ 173.12 MPH vs. Charlie's 4.018 @ 175.87 MPH.
The new steering box did its job making it a nice straight pass. The clutch disks from Dennis of Bunny and the Boy's, made a huge difference. Bill said there was virtually no tire shake. It was a smooth, straight pass. The likes of which we haven't seen in awhile. Thanks Dennis!
Back to the pits the crew quickly got to work getting the car ready for round two. Everything checked out fine and off we went back to the line. This time we were paired up against Todd Bauknecht.
Both cars fired up, did their burnouts and quickly got back to the line. According to Bill he felt something go away from the motor in the burnout, but he backed up, staged and then ran it through first and second. The car headed for the centerline, showering the track with sparks. Not sure what the problem was Bill shut it off. Todd took the win light with a 3.997 @ 169.69 MPH vs. Bill's 4.562 @ 123.62 MPH.