PSCA Mickey Thompson Tires Spring Break Nationals

Words by Tim Marshall
Photos Donna Bistran, James Drew and Tim Marshall

Fontana, California’s Auto Club Dragway track personal and the Pacific Street Car Association staff made the best of what was left of a half-day show after inclement weather crippled Saturday qualifying sessions. With over 300 entries, Sunday looked to be an awesome day before heavy desert winds put off eliminations for the first round until 1:00 PM.

The total effort by everyone at the Spring Break Nationals crowned winners in five classes until darkness shut off racing.

PRO STREET

Thirteen of the country's finest Pro Street cars were on hand in the inclement conditions with only Giuseppe Gentile’s turbo Mustang able to get the power to the ground at a tremendous 6.260@233.03 mph, a feat in itself.

Then Gentile backed it up in the first round of eliminations at another fine pass of 6.300@217.11 mph and did it on a single pass! Veteran racer and engine builder John Scialpi easily advanced to round two in his '57 Chevy Bel Air while Mike Bowman struggled to get his turbo Chevelle to hook up at all. Scialpi’s 6.723@194.97 mph was good for the win.

NHRA Competition Eliminator racer Scott Graham put together a new GTO for PSCA racing and when the light went green, he had it going before Ed “Plastic Man” Thornton. Both cars had traction problems, but Big Ed’s 7.103@209.69 mph was just enough to spark the win light over a close 7.621@181.86 mph.

Newcomer Nicole Lyons put her ride into the second round with an 8.658 @ 111.11 mph as she clicked it way early as Gary Soulgas, in his primered Ford Lightning, could not make the call.

The newly Lucas Oil backed turbo Mustang of John Mihovetz advanced to round two on a bye when Tony Marino’s '57 Bel Air didn't make the call. Mihovetz didn't let that slow him down, blasting out an easy 6.786 @ 227.54 mph.

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