Outlaw Fuel Altered Assn. at Denton, Texas

McSwain Masters Wild Season Opener, Marriott & Smith Walk Away From Top End Crash

Words by Chris Graves
Photos by Chris Graves, Russell Brown and Steve Scott

Bobby Marriott had a terrible explosion in the final qualifying pair.

The Outlaw Fuel Altered Association kicked off its special 20th Anniversary season at North Star Dragway in Denton, Texas, on Saturday, May 7. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 80's welcomed a full field of these wicked machines in what would be one of the most thrilling events in recent history. Defending series Champion Jimmy Jones was in the house, but some fierce competition joined him in the hunt for the first win of the season. With new title sponsorship from Lone Star Forklift, the OFAA's 20th season will be a memorable one as action got underway with eager spectators lined up past the finish line and both grandstands at maximum capacity.

The first qualifying session was a showcase of horsepower as teams dipped into the three second zone on the regular, led by Ken Singleton's "High Risk" with a 3.84 blast at 177 mph. Bobby Marriott's "Shockwave" blistered the strip with a 3.89 at 193 mph and the Darby & Buchanan "Nitro Relapse" entry posted a solid 3.94 at 190 mph. Jimmy Jones' 3.95 secured his spot in the field and Donny McSwain, Nick Poloson and Donnie Massey joined the company with 3.99's. Fifteen cars made passes in less than thirty minutes as the action was non-stop and teams returned to the pits to prepare for the final qualifying session.