06 June 2014 Kent, WA – This race date started a little early as the rained out High School Drags fell to this date. It began with a mandatory drivers meeting at the starting line.
Track officials and three very experienced racers explained to those who were here for the first time and to refresh those who raced last year on proper procedures to race on the strip. “SAFETY” First and foremost was put to the driver’s after introductions by drag strip manager Ed Garfield. Be safe in what you are about to attempt was stressed by all those who spoke, each with personal experience on what can happen when things go bad.
In layman’s terms the drag strip is two lanes with a center line and two containment walls on either side. Bad things can happen when you cross that line or hit those walls, both points made and stressed to the high school students. How to exit the track and who has the right of way when doing so explained by top end man and the first person to respond to an incident in that area, Jeremy Scrivner.
With all questions answered the students dispersed to their pit areas. With most high schools from around the area represented the time trials began. With the time trial ET slips in hand the students were helped in the staging lanes put together a good dial-in, what their car should run according to the slips.
Mix in now the Car Club and Jr. Dragsters doing their time trials thus giving the students cool down time and a chance to watch two very different types of races. Four wheels and run what you brought cars and when you count the” wheelie” bar wheels an occasionally a motorcycle in car club and the very structured and similar looking, other than logo’s Jr. Dragsters, 1/8 mi. for them and 1/4 for the CC.
Non-stop racing now as round after round went by. Come dusk and what had to be the highlight of the day was the “burn-out” contest for anyone who wished to enter with part of the proceeds going to charity.
Two minutes to burn rubber and make tire smoke. Good wind conditions made for a large gathering of spectators. There were many getting loud cheers for blown tires and covering themselves in smoke.
Images of all the action are now available – Get a photo of those first runs down the quarter mile today, click here to go to the album.
WINNERS
High School: Christian Deolivera with a closer run on the D/I beat Brenda Rensberger
Jr. Storm: Alexis Krier stopped Anastazia Gossette
Jr Lightning: Katie Kapler’s reaction beat Brianna Lindsey
Jr Thunder: Ryan Lamoureux got by Luke Cavar
CC: Dennis McGinnis over John Lemma
Alumni: Sergio DeOliveira beat Brandon Glatt
SAMPLES
08 June 2014 Kent, WA – What a difference one night will do the weather, from sunny all day yesterday to a marine layer of clouds that covered the track till early afternoon. That moisture laden air improves performance but when the sun comes out it’s a whole new game.
