Volume IX, Issue 11, Page 30

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Bob LaBrecque’s ’73 Nova was one of only five cars in Modified Street action on raceday, primarily due to breakage among several class regulars at both the previous race a week earlier in South Carolina and during testing and qualifying at Huntsville. Two-time race winner Spurgeon Adkins had a severe engine fire in his ’89 Mustang on Friday night, while Brian Murphy blew the engine in his ’88 Stang and Dustin Mewbourn found the Huntsville wall during qualifying with his 1989 Mustang. Despite a huge .177 holeshot, LaBrecque fell to Rakestraw in the semis.  

Above: If ORSCA hands out a Rookie of the Year award it has to go to Rakestraw, who went to four of eight finals this season, winning three of them and earning the championship in his first year of racing—ever. “I just wanted to finish in the top five this year. I never expected to win a race, much less the championship,” the 20-year-old said. “It’s just awesome; I don’t know what to say.”

Right: Ryan Rakestraw (left) and team owner Scott Taylor, himself a former ORSCA champion, scrape off all but the number “1” their ’67 Chevy II will be sporting in 2008 after Rakestraw claimed ORSCA’s first-ever Modified Street championship. Rakestraw took care to thank Mickey Thompson, Speedtech Nitrous, Matt Bishop Racing Engines and Taylor for their support this year.

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