Rockingham October 22-24, 2004

Crew: Bill, Kimberley, Matthew and Eric

Friday nights qualifying was supposed to be at 7 pm. Due to a wreck, roll over and several oil downs, we didn't run until 9:30 pm. The track was getting better with each minute that went by.

Once we got the go ahead, several of the funny cars ran five second passes. Frankly, I was getting a little nervous with the field going as quick as it was, that we just wouldn't have enough to be competitive. I was wrong! (hmm first time in my life I actually like being wrong) LoL!

Bunny and Bill did side by side burnouts dazzeling the crowd. Both cars staged and the RPM's went up. Bill pulled out all the stops beating Ms. Bunny off the line and proceeding to run his quickest run ever a 6.061 @ 229.66 mph. Our crew as well as, Bunny and her crew were absolutely ecstatic. I am not sure who was more excited for Bill, them or us. Bunny said her crew came racing up toward her yelling and all excited so she thought she must have had a great run (which she did). To her disbelief, her crew just kept going and passed by her, running up to Bill. Once Bunny heard Bill's time she understood and couldn't wait to get out of her car to join the celebration. There was so much excitement, wife Kimberley had to wait in line to give Bill a congratulatory kiss. It was a great moment for Bill and the Shooting Star team and we are so happy to have shared that momnet with our long time friends and fellow race team Bunny and the Boys.

Bill ran Hernandez for his second qualifying pass. This pass was even quicker than the first and that was with Bill clicking it off, before the finish line. The pass was an awesome 6.02@ 215 mph, however Bill asked just a little to much of the motor and it responded by kicking out the rods.

Back at the trailer, Bill ran all the numbers and had he not shut off early, he clearly would have run his first five second pass.

Even though the motor had a nice window in it, Bill was still ecstatic with the run and hardly seemed bothered by the damage to the motor. In fact he was circulating through the pits rounding up phone numbers for people with parts for sale.

No sooner did we get back home, then Bill was on the phone following up on leads for replacement parts.

Not wanting to miss what may be the last race of our season with Southern Fuel Coupes, Bill has worked tirelessly every night rebuilding the damaged motor.

We will be heading out early Saturday morning for Southern Dragway in Douglas, Georgia. Hope to see you there! m