PSCA California Nationals at Fontana

Words and photos by James Drew

It could have been called the “Heat” Nationals as over 280 racers braved high temperatures at the PSCA California Nationals Presented by Probe Industries at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, Calif. The track was in great shape as the crew kept on top of starting line and made sure they kept the lanes even with the sun beating down on the track surface.

The Hughes Performance Pro Street racers certainly have figured out how to get down the track in these very hot conditions.

Keeping his 1974 Chevy El Camino flat black like a stealth fighter jet, Randy Walker has had a few secret weapons in his arsenal including Pro Mod veteran Charles Carpenter and Jerry Eckman when he gets an off weekend from his NHRA team.

At the PSCA event Walker qualified in the number one spot. On race day Walker started off with a bye run when Dedrickson’s Hemi-powered Pontiac Firebird didn’t make it to the line. Regardless, Walker laid down a 6.399 at 218.90 mph on his single.

Clint Hairston advanced over a tire shaking Mack Moffat in his blown Mike’s Transmission-sponsored Corvette, who could only manage a 7.47 at 147 mph. Haiston’s 6.384/227.96 gave him lane choice in his next match up with defending class champion John Mihovetz in his Cougar.

Jay Alsworth’s ‘38 Chevy coupe powered by a WFO racing engine was no match for Mihovetz in the first round. Alsworth, who just got his license during the last PSCA race at Auto Club Dragway, ran a losing 7.65/175 against the 6.406/222.88 for Mihovetz.

Tim Henry, who runs Pat Musi power, was without Pat or Pro Stock driver Joe Lepone in his pits this weekend as both were over in Qatar helping customers there and even giving a few driving instructions. So Henry and team would be calling all the shots on their own. In the first round he sent Dan Myers’ blown Red Line Oil Racing ‘58 Chevy El Camino back to its box for the trip home as Henry advanced with a 6.98 at 212 mph to Myers’ 7.598 at a charging 204 mph for the loss.