Unfortunately Erica had a scheduling conflict and wouldn't be able to make the IDRC event. It would be up to Pete's bug and the VW Manx driven by Wyatt Radke to represent team Dalcorp.
As you would expect it was a little warm in Fontana but it didn't seem to effect the cars or their drivers. After the first qualifying passes everything seemed to be going as planned. As Pete entered the water box for his second pass and began his burn out, a major engine failure ended his day. It appeared to be a part failure in the number 4 cylinder.
Wyatt made three very consistent qualifying runs and the team felt as though they had a handle on the car and it's performance. After getting the first round win it was on to the second round and running the same 12.35 dial in. Everything was going as planned until Wyatt had a little trouble with 2nd gear and just missed getting to the stripe first. The car in the other lane had a near perfect run taking the stripe and the win light.
Although we didn't come away with the results we would have liked it was a great day. It's hard to describe the feeling you get from pulling together as a team and what it's like to experience the highs and lows of racing, win or lose. Some would look at the race as a bad day given Pete's engine failure and Wyatt going out second round. But as the saying goes, "A bad day of racing beats a good day doing anything else." It was great having Pete back in the car and with us at the track. Even with the second round glitch Radke put on quite a show for the crowd showing the speed and consistency that recently won Top Eliminator honors at BUG-IN 34. Thanks to all the IDRC staff for their hard work and a great event. We'll be back!
The Thursday before Fontana at Irwindale for a
little test n' tune. After 18 months out of the seat it
was good to have Pete back behind the wheel of the
GNP/BG Oil turbo'd bug.
In the lanes, "Big Jim Costanza" giving Pete a
few pointers.
....a couple of last minute adjustments.
Ready to rock n' roll...pulling up to the starting
line.
Pete looked great and made a nice clean run.
Erica was also doing a little testing after the
installation of a new shift controller. All systems
were go.
Brother AJ bringing her into the water for a
crowd pleasing burn out.
Saturday morning at Fontana. It was off to tech
and then qualifying.
Don't we have people that do this? Wyatt Radke
checking his own tires? I guess you're not driving
top fuel anymore, Rad. What a team player!
It seems as though Pete always has a crowd
around him. Young and old, Pete always has
time for everyone.
Usually it's a bunch of guys around Radke talking
about his top fuel days. Here he had some fans
offering the shade from their umbrella to help
him beat the heat. Drag racing families are good
people.
The first qualifying run was right down the center
and in the groove.
At Fontana in September it's all about shade.
Hurry up and wait......
Heading into the water box for second round
qualifying.
"Houston, we have a problem..."
The number 4 piston didn't like where it was
so it decided to exit prematurely...right out the
top of the case. "Hey dad, I think we can fix it."
The parking place nobody likes...under the tower
and waiting for a tow.
Wyatt had the Manx right on the numbers.
Between qualifying rounds Pat, Pete and Wyatt
go over what happened to the bug. It appeared
to be parts failure but the final word wouldn't
come down until after the autopsy.
Lookin' good......
Going over the numbers...it's all good.
The view every drag racer loves.
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