There were some high emotions in the winner’s circle as this was Rupert’s first win in the Nostalgia funny car. His parents and family were there, along with his friend. Brad Littlefield, whose dad the car pays tribute to.

Asked to describe what he was feeling, Jason was honest, humble, and witty as he said, “Well, I missed my flight, but I think it’s worth it. I’m happy, I’m disappointed for Steven ’cause I wanted him to do well; we’re a team deal here.

“The crew was just awesome, they worked hard all weekend. It was nice to beat Bucky, even though Bucky wasn’t driving. We only hurt four pistons all weekend, and wear and tear on clutch disc and tires, so I think the engine is happy and that’s good.”

Rupert was also very appreciative of the New family, who own and run the Firebird facility. “It was so cool to hear my name on the radio advertisements; that has never happen before. I used to listen to those ads growing up as a little kid you know, and it very cool. I like old school racing how they do it. I don’t think it really has sunk in yet.”

He was also appreciative of both his father and Gary Densham too. “Mom and Dad come to every race, and we do the leg work, and Pops is still the main cog when it comes to tuning this thing, him and Gary. I can walk up to Gary and ask him things and it’s a huge confidence builder.”

He also wished to thank those who have supported him throughout the years, Dave Schwartz, Lucas Oil, and all those manufacturers who have stuck with him through thick and thin. “We are a bunch of longtime friends, and that’s what makes it cool,”Rupert said. The sentiment was the same for Brad Littlefield. ”There are no words to describe it, I’ve been around racing forever, but you don’t get to experience this every day, you know. Jason is more like a big brother than a friend, and it exciting for him, and having dad’s name on the car, there are really no words to describe it.”

When asked if he had called his mom and told her of the win, he laughed, “I texted her on the way down the return road.”

The win moves Rupert into the HRH series points lead with a runner up finish at the first event to go along with the Boise win.

LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES

In the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series also held at Firebird, there were a couple of other interesting stories. One being the double wins in Stock and Super Stock of local Eagle, Idaho, racers. They just happen to be husband and wife, Mick and Jackie Alley.

The other was the record setting runs of Rob Harrison and Jeff Lane.  Lane who ran an 8.12 on an 8.83 index on Saturday afternoons last run nearly lost the car in the process, as right after the multi-colored Chevy Cobalt crossed the finish line in the left lane, the car lost the right front tire, and made a huge move towards the right lane and the guard wall, superior driving, and perhaps some divine intervention kept the car upright and off the wall, the fact there was no car in the right lane was fortunate also.

The other Comp record was the one set by Rob Harrison who is driving a white “Ford Escort” J/Altered that looks very much like a Chevrolet Cobalt. Even with the blue oval sticker on the nose, the only person who might buy this Escort deal would be Stevie Wonder. Nevertheless, Harrison’s 7.71 on an 8.45 index was a huge run.

Here’s a link to the complete LODRS results.

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