30th Annual Baxter Auto Parts & Bi-Mart Fall Classic at Woodburn Dragstrip

Posted on September 28, 2015 by admin

27 Sept 2015 Woodburn, OR – The end of the season event for a dragstrip tends to be bigger than most other times. For Jay and Joey the co-owners of Woodburn Dragstrip, this date was planned and set up as any scheduled event during the off season as most of this is planned out. They are always looking or talking to the other track operators on their dates as two choices to a racer is mostly about cost. The annual fall classic did not get the way of other events; it is the 30th year for it says that they planned well. It is a favorite for many to attend either racer or spectator alike. This showed in the pits with racers and the field spectator parking how many enjoy it and how popular it is.

The unknown to all this planning is Mother Nature as she reared her wrath on a Nitro Harley and BB/Funny Car event thus the scramble to re-schedule it. That turned out to be this weekend and the photographers talked about the number of and wide range of cars running that had never seen before here. Close on some events but never like this. Watching the creations from the past years with updated safety is a genuine thrill plus throw in the wild creations the Pro Mod people come up with is somewhat akin to the altered runners from years past.

The racers that compete in the 10.5 class is another range of possibilities for racers to play with and trying to control all that horsepower on a ten and a half inch wide slick is why they only race to the 1/8mile. Way too much speed and power beyond that point, safety is most important but they are fun to watch at that distance.

For those at the track on Sunday the chance to see a third generation test his dragster for a Bakersfield event coming up. Walt Austin, his son’s Pat and Mike here to oversee and crew for Pat’s son Drew to make some passes. The awards, accomplishments and accolades this family is way-way more than I have space for both on a national and local level in the sport of drag racing. Great to see them out as a family racing again, Good Luck in Bakersfield.

In a two for one win Dale Green picked up both the race event and by winning he also grabbed the season championship for the Northwest Super Comp Assn. When you have to win to win Dale shows what it takes to do so, congrats to you.

Also check the Series “B” folders for the fine work Breann did covering the event from her perspective. Thank You

Images are broken out into four albums – an “A” & “B” Series for each day of this two day event Click here to go to the four albums – lots of great shots!

A Private Session At Pacific Raceways

Posted on September 24, 2015 by admin

24 Sept 2015 Kent, WA – The private Testing at Pacific Raceways is just that – private. To be invited to photograph one you never know at times who is testing. Thus you go with an open mind and just go with the flow when you get there.

The diversity of those at the track and their reasons for doing so are just as wide. Speed Factory and their semi full of race cars and a freshly built customer’s car out for testing for an upcoming east coast race was onhand, and they were there to get the settings for the customer.

Also testing for an upcoming event Ed Hauter brought his two class dragsters getting at least a half a dozen runs on each claiming the best run ever on one of them. With a surprise to his crew chief Brad Jolly got her to drive down the track, and with some caution on his part he did it, pretty cool for Brad and him seeing his dragster go down the track.

Getting more seat time is not on her plate and Brad put near a dozen runs on the dragster before putting it away. All these racers had the common goal of testing changes and prepping for upcoming events.

The final tester on this day was here to set no speed or E.T. bests, Big Jim Ronan and his 29 Model A Sedan Delivery wheel stander out for more seat time. A lifelong dream slowly coming together as time on the track is a premium so any time on track is precious.

At the end of the day with great help from Breann all appeared to have found what they came for except Big Jim, he wants the quarter mile run under his butt.

Images of all the fun are now online – unique images of one of the least “known” things at Pacific Raceways – A “Private Session” for all to enjoy. Click here to go to the album.

ADDED BONUS!!!! – 2nd Series of Images – In the “B Series of Photos” – Click Here!

Two States, Two Tracks, 3 Events – Busy Racing Weekend!

Posted on September 21, 2015 by admin

21 Sep 2015 Kent, WA & Woodburn, OR – Two states at two tracks and three completely different events. It all started Friday in Woodburn, Oregon for the first day of the last NHRA LORDS for Division 6 race for 2015.

Fog surrounded the track but left the track bathed in sunlight for great racing conditions. It is always great to see those who take part in the divisional events as the yearly visit to Pacific Raceways is the normal and Woodburn is a treat. Now working with Breann to expose her to the other tracks in the northwest and expand her natural talents was great to watch, she says thanks for teaching but you cannot teach what comes naturally. Have to also say thanks to Jay and Joey for their help and to the Division 6 crew as it is always fun around them.

Event pictures are laid out in two albums, make sure and check both, as there are many images from a number of different vantage points.

For Event Folder with Two Albums For 2015 LODRS at Woodburn – Click Here.

It was back to Pacific Raceways for the GM Nationals on Saturday. If you had GM anywhere on your ride it is fair game for this event, held yearly at Pacific Raceways. The car show and drags make the day as the custom and pure original GM rides are showcased for each.

Overcast skies but warm for this time of year made for happy faces sitting watching from the stands or walking the car show. Back where she is happiest Breann went about what she loves to do, create with a camera and getting it to see what she is at that moment seeing. She does amaze me with her creativeness as she is getting more exposure with the camera.

The four classes drew nearly 120 competitors to the strip for a run at the trophy and of course bragging rights for their GM Nationals win.
Six rounds in Hot Rod saw Robert Steffen go closer to his dial to edge John Schwaller. In the Street DOT class Eric Brittion got the win over Pacific’s HS champ Patrick FioRito. Running too quick in the Electronics class Josh Hughes added another win to Fast Freddy Hoffman and his vast collection of hardware from Pacific/SIR. A much better reaction time put Rich Chase in the winner’s circle over Bill Sallia in LS/LT class. T was a great day all around as the growth of the event keeps growing as the word spreads.

Event pictures are laid out in two albums, make sure and check both, as there are many images from a number of different vantage points.

For 2015 GM Nationals at Pacific Raceways – Series A Images Click Here…

For2015 GM Nationals at Pacific Raceways – Series B Images Click Here…

Ending the 3 events weekend was the Silent Thunder event – is as it says “silent”. Though not quite true as these electric powered cars can do a tire smoking burnouts and the “guttural” sound the cars hit the power is very distinctive.

I had never heard a Tesla on the streets punch the power but the traction grip that the dragstrip crew provides for all races has to really test these power plants. Are these the highest powered electric cars moving up in the world? The improvements that have been made and the innovations of others may prove to be on the right track for the future.

2015 Silent Thunder Images are now available – to go to the album, click here.

Doing this event solo but with Breann on site working the social media aspect completed three days and three totally different events for a change from the norm and the smile I ended with trying something and seeing the what the student is teaching me.

Images from all three events are now available – we thank you for your continued support and purchases!

VW Nationals At Pacific Raceways

Posted on September 12, 2015 by admin

12 Sept 2015 Kent, WA – When the German car was invented I am sure they could not have imagined the many combinations that it could be morphed into. The imagination of these owners is as wide as the owner’s themselves. Between the car show and the drags you could see these imaginations at work.

If it came with a VW oval it is fair game to alter to suit your own tastes and pocket book. Just about any combination or theme you can think of made its way to the show.

Many of these looks show in Breann’s images as she wandered through the car show, no teaching this. The drag racing portion saw pure street to pure race cars going down the quarter mile. A few first timers had to be directed into the lights but after that no issues but cutting a good light. Those working their way thru the rounds showed they had gotten the hang of it.

In the end the three class winners emerged with Johnnie Balfour claiming the Sportsman class. In Pro Brian Cook took the goods, and in the fastest class Quick 8 Jerry Caddell took it over Scott Tiplady.

Lots of Images for this event – be sure to take a look at all the pages in the album – Click here to go to the photo album.

Porsche Club Day At Pacific Raceways

Posted on September 11, 2015 by admin

11 Sep 2015 Kent, WA – As the last 2015 date for the Porsche Club event falls on a special day for America the honor went to the Pacific Raceways flag pole. Everyone remembers in their own small way and these club members are no different.

Thoughts aside, it was time to pay attention to your driving and why you are here in the first place. A lot were here just for fun and the thrill of driving and others with the more race prepared car getting the seat time that is needed to become one with it. Either way it is a full day of lapping the 2.25 mile surface at Pacific Raceways.

The number of cars here today lets you know how popular this day is to the club. Got a Porsche and want to see what you can do with it safely? Check out the Porsche Club for next year’s dates.

Images from a bunch of different spots on the road course today – click here to go to the photo album. As always, thank you for your support and purchases!

2015 ET Finals At Firebird Raceway

Posted on September 6, 2015 by admin

03-06 September 2015 Boise, ID – Firebird Raceway is just outside Boise Idaho, and was the setting for this year’s E.T. Finals. It’s a ten to sixteen hour trip for most of the Pacific Pirates. Wednesday saw many already there with Thursday and Friday bringing in those that had to get away from work.

Wednesday and Thursday, the weather could not have been better at Firebird Raceway. It was a little cooler than normal but a welcome break from the heat that has been around all summer long in the whole northwest. Test and tune Wednesday and Thursday was in the past as we rolled into Friday’s Gambler Race the weather was a changing.

The sky thickened and all eyes were on it. Weather checking on all the smart phones were saying the same thing, Get Ready. And come it did as the wind picked up and moved anything that was not tied down and those that were scrambled to keep it from going to Kansas. The wind put a halt to racing as it coated the track surface with sand leaving it looking somewhat like sandpaper.

With just a few rounds left to finish the powers that be could have cleaned the track to continue but the threat of rain when getting that completed put an end to the idea there. It was great decision on their part as the rain came.

Saturday morning started dry then Mother Nature again threw a wrench into the works soaking everything. The plus side to this was the long and continuous lineup for Firebird’s yummy breakfast, with biscuits and gravy. They are good as I joined the others going through the line.

Once the Race of Champions got started the day went off without a hitch completed with the crowning of the class champs that will represent Division 6 in Pomona. Mighty Joe Lind will take his bike and represent Pacific Raceways as not only the track champ but as the Division 6 champ, Great job Joe!

Sunday’s race weather could not have been better though quite chilly early. Racing today for all attending was for class champions in each of the E.T. classes with points for each win to determine the overall track champs, and once again the group from Woodburn in a tie breaker won, laying claims for 2015.

With the finals going north of the border next year plans to do so start now and will require ID to cross, hope to see you there.

I would like to thank David Atkins of Atkins Rotary for introducing me to Lauretta. Quite a skilled photographer with a sharp eye on nature. Having never photographed drag racing before I offered up a camera for her to shoot what she sees and have fun. Here to spend some quality time with her father most of her shots followed him as is natural. By her own admission “I know nothing but would very much like to learn”. Looking at her shots she is right though there are shots that show her natural ability and just a few pointers will bring those skills that she has already has to the top.

Maybe our paths will cross again to see what she has learned and pass those little pointers along. Thanks Lauretta for your additional pics and a glimpse into your look at a first timer to the drags, could not have been a better choice to get away from everything and see what your father enjoys.

The images are organized by day – in four albums – click here for the Event Folder with links for all four days of the 2015 ET Finals! Good Luck in Pomona!