Round One Eliminations

First pair up for eliminations matched number-one qualifier Ortiz against Willett. Ortiz slowed from qualifying pace and ran a 4.83 at 159.35 to cover Willett’s 5.03 at 117.37 to take the win. Roach regained some of his earlier performance as he went 4.42 at 160.46 to advance as Benham’s debut ended with a no time, the result of rolling the lights as he staged. Final pair of the opening round saw Blomberg run an effortless 4.31 at 160.18 to beat Gulitti’s way off pace 6.62 at 98.48.

Semifinals


Bengt Blomberg

Two long-time regulars in the TAO series came up first for the semis. Blomberg showed the consistency we are accustomed to, logging a 4.34 at 161.73 to cover Roach’s 4.42 at 162.65. With only six entries the second semi run would be a competition single for Ortiz, who did not hold back, cranking out a 4.21 at 170.33.

Finals

The final had the makings of a very competitive match up with two of the more consistent TAO nitrous-motivated machines ready to do battle. When the tree went yellow both Ortiz and Blomberg were early and tripped the red light. With the first-or-worse rule coming into play Blomberg’s -3.896 red, running a 4.25 at 171.56, was defeated by Ortiz -3.930 red losing traction and shaking 8.88 at 82.12. The victory was Ortiz’s first win in asphalt competition being a three-time Pro Mod Series Champion in the Lucas Drag Boat Series.

“We have all kinds of new stuff on the car for this year,” Ortiz said. “There is still more we can do it.” Ortiz was also quick to thank his crew, Jeff Owen, Chris Vang and Doug Ivey for their help and a big thank you to his wife Brittany Vann Ortiz for her support in the win.

The next race on the TAO schedule will be April 18, at State Capitol Raceway in Erwinville, La., just outside Baton Rouge.