I have to disagree with you a on this one. Yes, people were pretty pumped when we beat Charlie, yeah everybody likes Jim because he is awesome....but have you ever met Charlie before? Ever had a conversation with him somewhere besides the racetrack? Or only read what he types on here occasionally. He is a main reason why this class has become such a success lately. His performance and consistency has made everyone else jump up a level, and has made for better racing across the board. Will he ever get supplanted from the top? Possibly. Will he fight like hell to get it back? Absolutely. That's what he does. No one works harder than he does at it. If you think he is cocky or whatever, how would youlike it if you succeeded very well at your job (whatver it may be), and everyone claimed it was because you manipulated something, or backdoored your way there? Wouldn't you feel a little slighted, too? Plus, the last time I checked, this racing isn't a popularity contest, it's who gets to the finish line fastest. No one ever praised WJ for being America's sweetheart, but I'm pretty sure he's on NHRA's top 10 list of best drivers of all time......

I'm just calling it like I see it...

Well Said!

If CW seems a little cocky on here he has the right to be .He is on top of his game and all his hard work has paid off best of luck to CW and his dad keep up the good work

My take on the Dutch:

It sure is cool to have a mixture of awesome air and a great track. And everyone should realize how awesome of a move it was for D1 to move the shootout up to Friday. The weather was perfect, and made for great racing, and it's still raining there now, I think.

1.) Daniels... you the man!!! You have worked hard and your car has shown it, and you are by far one of the top drivers in the class now, and have the trophy (and check!!!) to prove it.
2.) Charlie and Sr.... what can I say, you guys are so fast it's not even funny. Congrats on the record!!! And you sure have the 4 spd car running awesome!!!
3.) Jeff... very impressive!!! who would've thought you be this far along already. Good work man!!
4.) David B.....Just a little better light and you would've been in that semi!!!
5.) Big Jim Pancake... what can I say about Jim except that he is like a big brother to me, and it sure is a blast to be racing with the best driver and car out there!!! 1.135!!!!!!!!
6.) Almost forgot Comella!!!!! You are my hero, man. I was telling a few guys Thursday morning to check you out, because you definitely get the most improved award!!!
Anyways, the Dutch was a blast. Everybody was fast, and it was some awesome racing on Friday. IF you didn't make it you sure missed out. If you do go to these shootouts, you need to make sure and thank Jon Clark. He is the rep from Mopar that puts these together. Tall and always wearing Mopar stuff....he is super cool and knows how cool these cars really are. And thanks to all the racers that show up and make it a good show!!!

Congrats to Big Jim.
And to Charlie Jr on the .38. Good air or not, thats quick. Have to agree with Ben on Charlie.

As for chutes. Read the rulebook. Not required in SS or S. Page 75 under General Regs-parachutes states "If outlined in Class Requirements,". It is not mentioned in S or SS class requirements. It is called out for Comp, SG and SC and ET bracket cars. As for the ET chart in the back saying 9.99 or quicker or 150mph+ that chart also states that the chart does not supersede the rulebook. It is only a quick reference guide and it directs you to the correct section in the rulebook. My guess is NHRA will require them soon.

Thanks for the great pics,Could not get away from work to go.Love that rolling thunder.
With the tension there among the racers I bet it was like the old westerns in the center of town.
BIG JOHN

Could somebody please post some pics ? I'd love to see the Native American , 67 Plymouth , also.. Thanks.. Great news . Keep it up , guys.

i can tell you how charlie jr would be if someone was consistently outrunning him,,, his dad would be bringing him plates of food down to the basement or dyno room, and reminding him when its time to goto sleep..

i remember a few years back at belle rose,, charlie and bucky had a time run against each other and bucky was inching away from charlie in high gear,, charlie said to me,, what the hell is that all about????? implying noone could do that,, all you need to do is give him a little inspiration and the next race youll see the result when he possibly might be driving away from everyone.

Thanks , glad we're buds now, next thing you know you will be jumping off the ground when I lose like .
You were within 3 or 4 of the "king", you should be proud of that. I thought maybe ben holt should have given an award for "high jump as a result of others misfortune award".
We had a good year overall, we dont like to lose, but everyone needs a turn once in a while to keep the class moving forward. I talked to Jon Clark for a while this weekend, and as I have been telling everyone, the sky isnt falling because MP is on the skids. I think things are going ahead next year as they have been in the past.
later
cw

i think i was the one high jumping, high 5ing,, asking if anyone caught that on video so i could see it again,,,, i won that award i think...


yes,, i guess i am a fan of big jim

, you seemed a little shocked when I introduced myself. Congrats on 8.38's. I wasn't there to see them though. I was still in CT when you made those runs.

I too agree with Mr.Holt Mr.Westcott seems like a true ambasdor to racing, to get the ss cars running like they do, you better be siked up if you win, Charlie also took the time out of his day to e-mail me back with information I requested and he doesn't know me from adam. Thanks Mr.Westcott

Congratulations to Jim Daniels! Also to Charlie on his 8:38 great run.

It may be about us, but it is good for the class as a whole.
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8177&Itemid=24

dutch daniels coverage

http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8289&Itemid=6

later
cw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDMfL4HxhBU

some guy that was at martin when we were testing posted this.

sweet

Nice

No matter what happens with Mopar's involvement in the Hemi Challenge (things change here every day lately), I wanted to post my thanks to everyone for how hard y'all work to go fast and the way it inspires the rest of us to go for it.



The folks at Maple Grove really get what we're trying to do.

Please don't mis-interperet this post as an early indication of plans to cancel the program. Charlie emailed me to say he made sure to get his check right into the bank!

I am blessed to be associated with a class of high-quality drivers, engine builders, car builders, etc.

Best of luck for the remainder of '08 and we'll see you in '09.