PSCA at Fontana
Records fall at PSCA World Finals
The Pacific Street Car Association had plenty of action going down at their 2008 Edelbrock World Finals at Fontana, California's AAA Dragway. Since this race is the last event on the schedule before the Street Car Super Nationals in Las Vegas November 20-23, the west coast boys wanted to throw down some great numbers at the finals as numerous ET and speed records fell during the event.
Over 225 racers came out to play on Friday, Nov. 7, to test and tune, but Mother Nature kept the guys and gals racing to the eighth mile for most of day. Around 3:00 p.m. the strip was cleared to run the full quarter mile as the wind calmed down.
Ron Weems continued where he left off in Vegas last month by making 200-mph passes look easy. Not to be outdone, the Garrett Turbo-sponsored Mustang driven by Ron Lummus and Team TMZ's Rich Zehring also broke the 200-mph barrier.
Saturday would be a fantastic weather day as over 375 racers were greeted by 85 degrees with sunshine and no wind. The AAA track crew did a terrific job on the racing surface and matched with great air meant almost every PSCA record would be surpassed!
Unfortunately, going into Sunday morning the weather had changed again as during the night a storm moved in from the north and brought high winds and cold temperatures with gray clouds. That meant the racers would need a whole different tune up for their cars and a change of clothes to jackets and sweatshirts for themselves.
Clint Hairston from Bakersfield, CA, in his TanGlo Orange Pontiac GTO would be in the final against PSCA newcomer Mike Maggio in his blown Chevy Corvette. Maggio left the starting line a tenth ahead of Hairston, but Clint quickly made up the difference and blasted a 6.43 at almost 226 mph. This was the second win of 2008 for Hairston Motorsports and the second consecutive final round appearance by Maggio.
Plasticman Ed Thornton debuted his new car, "The Black Beast," a 1963 Chevy Corvette. When Ed gets the bugs worked out, the car will be a top contender.
As for the 2008 Hughes Performance Pro Street Champion, John Mihovetz in his Accufab Mercury Cougar beat Giuseppe Gentile in his 2008 "Muscle Motors" Shelby Mustang by just 10 points.
The West Coast boys promise to kick butt at the Street Car Super Nationals Nov. 20-23 in Las Vegas, the place to see the best of the east take on the best from the west coast. Also, as a special treat for race fans, legendary Pro Stock racer Bob Glidden will come out of retirement and drive Top PGA golfer Kenny Perry's Grand Am in Outlaw 10.5 competition. Also competing will be Bob’s son, Bill Glidden, the newly crowned Extreme 10.5 champion for the ADRL.