WILD STREET
With a nine-car show in Wild Street where all the competitors could conceivably win this event. Al Jimenez, who has been extremely hot lately was the #1 qualifier at a 7.735 at 157.47 mph. Al made the trip to Fontana really worth while by making it to the final round for the third straight race with PSCA and he was crowned 2008 World Champion.
(James Drew photo)
George Raygoza (shown) took the event win as Jimenez blew a head gasket in the semi’s. Raygoza finished a mere five points behind Jimenez.
LIMITED STREET
Gary Brandt (Tim Marshall photo)
Even though this fine class has lost a lot of competitors, the five that were on hand were the nation’s very best. Both Craig Williams and Gary Brandt have been the guys to beat all this season, and then both drivers unfortunately crashed on the same run at the Strip in Las Vegas. Brandt did fix his ride on the spot at LVMS and made it to runner up while Williams honestly thought about throwing in the towel and selling everything he had left. But Craig is a true racer, so guess who the two top qualifiers were? Brandt and Williams, of course, with the Brandt family operation Mustang #1 at 8.951, 151.88 while Craig put his Camaro back together and was #2 at very close 8.959.
Craig Williams (far lane) beat Mike Saiki in the final and took the championship. (James Drew photo)
Mike Saiki, a former champion in this class himself, put Brandt on the trailer in the semi’s and that set the final against Williams and only a few points between the rivals Williams and Brandt. Williams had to win this event to take the championship back to Los Angeles and that is what he did with a career best 8.862, 155.57 mph to a 9.103, 154.44 for Saiki’s Vette. By a mere five points, Craig Williams wins his first K&N Filters Limited Street Championship!
OPEN and MEAN STREET
Mike “the Machine” Nordahl has just been superb in both these classes, and it has really paid off. The Fontana, CA, racer in the 1973 Chevrolet Vega has done something for the first time in PSCA history, winning the championships in both these classes. The wet weather and no lights at Fontana kept us from crowning him officially but if you look at the points there is NO WAY anyone can catch this driver in either standings. This is Nordahl’s third straight championship in Open competition, which is one tough class. That’s right 2006, 2007 and now 2008, and this year the veteran racer adds Mean Street to that list.
Fourteen drivers will conclude this at the upcoming Super Nationals. Nordahl is in the competition of course, and 12 are still in Mean Street. Congratulations to Mike, his wife Candy, and right arm, Mary Broudy, on these championships!
MUSTANG MADDNESS
It really appears that Dan Marciano, who has been the toughest competitor in this all-Mustang class, will be crowned the champion. The Alta Loma, CA, racer in still in competition with a total of eight Ford Mustangs left to be run off at the Strip. Next round Dan faces his toughest competitor and closest rival, Scott Dool, to decide the Mustang Maddness title.
SUPER STREET (7.60 and 8.60 index)
With nine hardcore racers left at Auto Club Raceway, darkness made it unsafe to continue this class too. Both Doug Crumlich and his black Corvette from Irvine, CA, and Brian Rogers’ Corona-based Nova have been the hottest in this category. Looking at the standings, Crumich looks to have the slight edge, though.
QUICK STREET (9.60 index)
North Las Vegan Michael Hadtrath Jr. in his little green ‘71 Vega looks to be the 2008 Champion here by just going round after round in the class at every event PSCA has put on. Six top-notch competitors will square off here at the Strip.
BRACKET #1
"Jerdog" Jerry Hops in his awesome ‘68 Camaro has probably put the Bracket #1 trophy in his back pocket. His bright red Camaro runs consistent every run. Running 8.80’s all day long and great reactions have really helped. His good friend Mark Rapp gets some credit here too. There are 156 cars left in this class not including Jerry, who lost first round but has enough points to take the honors. Congrats to the Reseda, CA, veteran drag racer and his side kick Ritchie who also helps NHRA Comp racers Ed Sigmon.
TROPHY CLASS
Trophy is the only class that will be run off next year in March at the first race of the 2009 season, as there are not points awarded in the bracket. Twelve racers are still in contention there.