New Beginnings with Similar Results

Words and photos by Greg Burrow

Todd Howard

Concerns were everywhere in beginning the 2012 Big Dog Shootout season at Piedmont Dragway. New ownership, new rules, and, oh yes, bigger purse. There also is the new Qualifying Challenge with money put up by title sponsor CV Products to sweeten the pot.

Money is always a great incentive, as Chris Rini was in the house from New York by way of High Point, NC, and Ed Hoover brought his blown Camaro from South Carolina to try his luck as well. After a rain delay of a week, the crowds were there and 16 Big Dog cars were present to qualify for the eight-car field. Ron Senecal and new general manager, Gilmer Hinshaw, can now rest easy with the first event of a new season behind them.

Activity started with shakedown runs with Rocky Raynor’s new Camaro going 4.06 with Chris Rini next at 3.91 and Andy Beal, winner of 2011 season ending event at 3.91.

With Nesbitt Engines as title sponsor for the Renegades, the excitement was there for that class as well. Shakedown runs saw Jay Cox at 4.25 and Jamie Chappell’s new Corvette go 4.27 to get everyone ready for qualifying.

After two more rounds of qualifying the bump for Big Dog was a 4.018 held by Andy Beal. Danny Perry, in the ex-2012 Rickie Smith Camaro at 4.013 with sixth spot going to the new “Warbird” Trans Am of Jason Harris at 3.983 and fifth going to Travis Harvey at 3.972. The top four spots went as follows: 4th went to Chris Rini at 3.947, third to last year’s champ, Todd Howard at 3.908 at an incredible top speed of 193.29 mph. The top two were the blower cars of Ed Hoover at 3.906 and Todd Tutterow at a record 3.859 ET.

Notables in the bottom eight were Brian Teachman at 4.035, Ronnie Gardner at4.037, Matt Giangrande at 4.039, and Wayne Chambers at 4.070. Ernie Everette went 4.072, Rocky Raynor went 4.076, Bubba Turner matched a career best at 4.14 and Rick Moore completed the 16 cars with an off pace 7.54 ET.