(Words and photos: Darr Hawthorne) – As the nitro funny car class continues to grow and grow, any one of the following owners and drivers could make it the 2014 March Meet Winners Circle at Auto Club Famoso Raceway on March 9th. Here’s a listing as we see it, not every entry is listed, yet there are so many variables on the way to holding the Wally at the end of the event. Make your own pick and see who sits in the Famoso Winners Circle.
This isn’t scientific and it’s sure to piss off some teams, but it’ll also provide some much needed, “Oh yeah, I’ll show you” attitude from others. Hey, this adds an element of fun for everyone sitting in the stands and those tuning in on BangShift. If anything, you should print out this list and then taunt us with how badly we botched it all up by the time the race is over on Sunday afternoon. If you’re not on the list you can make us look REAL bad by slaying them all.
Remember to wager amongst yourselves, the top of the grandstands near the finish line is the best view, and betting is optional!
The Odds:
(2-1) Tim Boychuk “Forever, Forward, Faster” ’77 Firebird
The “Hawaiian” Roland Leong is back on last year’s March Meet FC Champion, hard to bet against.
(3-1) Kris Krabill “Northwest Hitter” ’77 Firebird
New Victory chassis and Bucky Austin horsepower. Nothing more to say.
(3-1) John Hale – “Mike Burkhart Tribute” ’69 Camaro
No doubt this combo knows the winner’s circle, CHRR win shows that.
(3-1) Jason Rupert “Bays & Rupert” ’69 Camaro
Three-time Heritage champ, awesome performances when he needs them.
(3-1) Dan Horan “Patriot” ’66 Mustang
Ronnie Swearingen has this car back running like a bracket car, ran 5.75’s last year, needs to repeat those.
(4-1) Brad Thompson – “Jailbreak” ’78 Camaro
Surprised everyone with Low ET of the Meet at CHRR XXII (5.62) – could go all the way.
(4-1) Anthony Bronge – “Crop Duster” ’77 Monza
Frank Ousley horsepower, 5.62’s nothing more to say
(5-1) Mark Sanders – “Mr. Explosive” ’70 Mustang
Good qualifier, goes rounds and needs to seal the deal.
(6-1) Tim Nemeth – “Iceman” ’77 Firebird
5.693 set low ET in CHRR XXII Qualifying, has the horsepower, but needs to go farther.
(6-1) Peter Gallen – “Poverty Sticken” ’77 Monza
Multiple IHRA wins and Final rounds, but the March Meet is war.
(7-1) Robert Overholser – “California Hustler” ’77 Firebird
Tip the can boys, you’ve got pistons… it’s going to take 5.70’s to win this.
(8-1) Rian Konno – “Kazanjian Lemon & Konno” ’73 Mustang
New sponsors, new hauler, newly found performance last year.
(8-1) Steven Densham – “Teacher’s Pet” ’69 Camaro
Solid runner another strong team of nitro veterans.
(9-1) Del Worsham – “Worsham Racing” ’77 Arrow
Big Show winner, this March Meet field is even tougher, should be a who’s who of nitro tuners.
(9-1) James Day – “Pedaler” ’79 Challenger
New tuner Chris Nance, completely new car, has all the pieces he needs. Awesome paint by Santini.
(10-1) Cory Lee – “Back in Black” ’69 GTO
Must stay focused to find 5.80’s, tuner Lee now a tuner/driver.
(11-1) Todd Paton – “Crusher” ’69 Camaro
CHRR XXII Qualifier, sidelined by equipment failure. A contender, so nostalgic it’s still running a water block.
(12-1) Roger Garten – “War Horse” ’72 Mustang
Been off the circuit for a while building a replacement flopper, lots of horsepower.
(15-1) Steve Easton – “Burn-N-Money” ’72 Cuda
Owner Godfrey knows what to do, new lightweight body and cool vintage paint, long shot. (shown above)
(16-1) Dale Van Gundy – “Quarter Pounder” ’70 Challenger
Smart driver, with Keith Clark, they make a pair of crafty funny car racers.
(18-1) Dwayne Patton – “High Voltage” ’69 Chevy Camaro
Needs to step it up for this field, may provide shocking surprise.
(20-1) Don Hudson – “Beachcomber” ’71 Plymouth Barracuda
Former alky FC driver, new car, experienced crew, welcome to the jungle.
(25-1) Mendy Fry – “Darkside” ’79 Challenger
New Arias engine, smart driver, who knows?
(30-1) Scott Cousimano – “Nitro Mafia” ’77 Arrow
Knows bikes and Pro-stock motors, Pop’s Cusimano may help
The guy that’s going to hold the Wally is the guy that wins every round. That’s not an easy thing to do. It’s up for grabs.
Parts and Patience will win this years MM, not Raw horsepower!
The BURNING question. Will Todd carry BangShift sponsorship again this year?
I’m pulling for Mike Cook Jr., Stone, Woods and Cook, he should at least make the show this year.