Southern Californian Donny Watkins, who, after getting his funny car license started the new year with the theft of his entire tow rig, trailer and racecar, is getting stronger now that Big Ray Gandy is acting as crew chief.  Watkins got his trailer and funny car back without any major damage, but not so good for his Dually.  The "Thunderstruck" Plymouth Arrow failed to qualify for the tough California Hot Rod Reunion field.  (Mark King photo)

Mike Lewis, Senior Vice President at Don Schumacher Racing, took over the seat in Bob Godfrey's "Burn-N-Money" Camaro for the Reunion ending up as the second alternate at a 5.908.  When Paul Romine could not answer the call to the lanes for the first round of eliminations, Lewis moved ahead of first alternate Dale Van Gundy who was not ready to meet Mark Hentges.  Lewis, who said he had a ball piloting the flamed Camaro, will probably return to drive again at the 2012 March Meet.  (Mark King photo)