The first pair featured the “Power Play” machine of Rich Howell (above) and the “Hemi Hunter” of Aaron Leyda. Howell’s car sounded like an orchestra of horsepower as crew chiefs Jim Cullen and Allen Meyer had the wick turned up for this one. Howell blasted to an outstanding 3.80 at 200 mph with header flames high and mighty, which sent every fan in the house to their feet.It was all for not as his 3.80 meant nothing when the red bulb was left glowing on the starting line as Howell went -.045 red. Leyda clicked off his best pass of the night with a 4.30 at 166 mph to take his first OFAA round win!

Everyone picked their jaws up off the ground after witnessing the earth rattling blast by Howell and racing continued with David Purifoy and Nick Poloson, who provided a great side-by-side drag race. Purifoy (above) drilled Poloson on the tree with a .012 light and went 4.208 to take the win over Poloson’s slightly quicker 4.205, both at 167 mph. 

Poloson and car owner/tuner Tom Wood discovered a broken rear end upon their return to the pit area which will sideline the team for a few events, but they hope to return for the OFAA Finals Oct. 3 at North Star Dragway. 

Terry Anglin and Chris Trussell lined up next and Trussell’s car unexpectedly failed to come to life. Anglin blasted to a solid 4.202 at 170 mph to take the solo win. Trussell discovered a faulty magneto kill switch back in the pits, one of those silly little gremlins that just hit at the wrong time for Trussell and company. 

DoDad Burton and John Broussard fired up next and Broussard was given the signal to shut off immediately as fluid came flowing from the front seal of the transmission, ending their evening. Burton went on to a 4.37 at 166 mph to take the round win in the “Free Spirit” machine.