22 August 2016 Kent, WA – Continuing on from the hot weather the Pacific date for the NW Division 6 qualifying began. Along with the division race the sportsman finals from the NW National rain out was on the docket and a whole different set of conditions to deal with.
As for the reminders about staying cool and hydrated, it was everywhere. Bottles of water were in hand and a cool towel around the neck. Also seen where more “bumpershoots” than on a rainy day in the northwest. Having endured the heat on Friday and Saturday, Sunday the marine cloud layer brought out the coats and sweatshirts much to the joy of all.
Now all the data gained in the heat is out the window with as much as a twenty degree drop from the previous days. In the heat Saturday though the sportsman finals were run and Chuck Glanz took the Top Dragster class and local racer Brian Phillips home the Top Sportsman “Wally” in Super Stock, second generation racer Cody Lane added to his trophy case, also up from Tigard, Or. Steve Laskowske grabbed the Super Gas win and from further away Jerry Denton from Tempe, Az. will long haul the “Wally” from Super Street and what had to be the best winner after over four decades of racing Tory Lea got his first “Wally” running in Super Comp.
Congrats to the National event winners now on to Sunday. As mentioned it felt good to have a jacket on and no umbrellas in sight. There was great side by side racing as the best of the division went rounds as the temp rose to a very comfortable shirt sleeve day. For those in the stands it could not be better soaking the sun and racing.
In what had to be the highlight even before the finals for the division race began is local history. I know it did not happen on the same day as normal finals at a NHRA event nor did it happen on the same date but under the heading “Protect The Harvest NW Nationals” class winners list will be father and son Jeff and Cody Lane from nearby North Bend. None the less it is rare indeed for a father and son to win at the same national event; great job you two and your crews.
Link for images of the event, organized into FOUR albums – over 2,000 images! – click here.
Also ahead of the list Jeff can claim winning a National and Divisional “Wally” on the same day. On to the winners with a great big “Thank You” to Pam Gorman for keeping my info straight:
Top Alcohol Dragster: Garrett Bateman
Top Alcohol Funny Car: Chris Marshall
Competition Eliminator: Jeff Lane
Super Stock: Rick McKinney
Stock Eliminator: Greg Kielman
Super Comp: Trevor Harkema
Super Gas: Greg Hehr
Super Street: Jeff Jackson
Top Sportsman: Shawn Herbst
Top Dragster: Tony Burton
Sportsman Motorcycle: Danny Patridge
Super Pro: John Chitwood
Pro: Dennis McGinnis
