The final round came just one hour after the 9 p.m. finish of the semis as the teams hurried to turn the AA/FC’s around and get to the track before the notorious Cordova dew really settled in. So, just before 10 o’clock the two cars were pulled out of the lanes into the water boxes. Although there was dew on the windshields of the racecars and tow vehicles, the track appeared to be in great shape.

Halladay’s tuner, Jerry Newman, said he took timing, nitro percentage and clutch out of his combination and installed some newer Goodyear tires for the final run. Ditto for his opponent Troy Martin, who could be seen adding beakers of alcohol to the fuel tank and using a  “buzz-box” to back down the timing a degree or two after his initial warmup.

(Dennis Mothershed photo)

With track temp in the low 80s and air temp so cold you could see your breath, and despite being detuning for the conditions, the nitro engines cackled and popped big time as the two “tribute” cars - painted and looking just like they did thirty years ago or more - came to the starting line. Halladay’s car had flames coming out of every pipe until they put the fuel pump over on the “high side”. Both drivers staged carefully, but before the green could flash, Martin left the line and DQd himself. 

Halladay planted his foot in the throttle and the Arrow shot downtrack moving around quite a bit on the top end, but the ol’ pro stayed in the throttle 'til the finish, running a very respectable tire spinning  6.290/230.02 for the win. 

This was a classic drag race and the crowd that came to see the AA Funny Cars race at Cordova definitely got their money’s worth this night. Halladay and Martin left the event first and second in the points. Mickey Thompson Tires, Victory Performance Products and Comp Cams contribute to the championship points fund.

The next stop for DragRacingOnline.com AA/FC Challenge presented by Mickey Thompson Tires will be at Kansas City International Raceway on July 15-17.

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