New cars debut at WCHRA season opener

Words by Tim Rigby
Photos by Paul Schmitz

The West Coast Hot Rod Association was founded In November 2006 by a group of racers/investors that believed there was a need for more choices for the heads-up doorslammer racers on the West Coast. The very first event was held the following February. The WCHRA (www.westcoasthotrod.com) is based out of Southern California, which is also the location of their home track, AAA Auto Club Famoso Raceway.

The 2009 season opener Mike’s Transmission Winter Nationals was held Feb. 27-Mar. 1 at Speedworld Dragstrip in Surprise (Phoenix), Arizona.

First round Saturday proved to be a tough one. With the economy taking its toll on the local Bracket/Gasser (Sportsman) car count, the track suffered early with the lack of any tire rubber down on the track to produce any nice groove, making traction a problem for most of the field.

PRO-STREET

In the first round of Pro Street, the WFO Motorsports/Magna Fuel Monte Carlo of Kelly Bluebaugh had the quickest run with a 6.510/213.98, followed by Allan Bessant’s  6.842/166.85.

Randy Walker’s first pass on the newly rebuilt El Camino was a 7.224/130.93.