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How long have you been drag racing?
It all started in 1988 with my first new 5.0 LX. First time ever at
the track went 14.66.
How did you get your start? I was an ex-GM owner and had
been reading about the new '87 LX's and GT's that were kicking butt on
everyone. My dad had a new '87 GT and it was awesome, so I bought a
Ford of my own and have never looked back.
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season? Compared to last season?
Every year the car gets faster so every year it takes more money.
Running 21lbs of boost I was able to go almost two years before
needing head gaskets (thanks Fast Times) but with 29lbs more drastic
measures must be taken to contain cylinder pressure!
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
Living through it all to enjoy the success!!! Finishing runner up to
Lee Howie at WFC5 and collecting $1,500 from George Gonzalez!!
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
Man, I was hooked when Tony DeFeo and Steve Collison were going 13.9's
and 14.0 in their stock Mustangs back in '87!
What are your plans for the future? Race as much as funds
will allow. I plan on going to WFC6, some True Street Races, and local
stock suspension classes to mix it up with the Chevy boys.
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper? I don't race at the level
where this affects me too much. As long as you have a stock suspension
you can fit into just about anyone's True or Wild Street classes.
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track?
I'd say friends and rivals is more like it. And even the rivals are
good, sportsman like competitors. Jason Webb, Rich Jelinek, John
Burton, Damon Dais, are just a few of the good folks I have met out
there.
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
Well...Lee Howie, yup I'd fear him. And let's see...I hope Willie F.
decides to do something other than Wild Street at WFC this year. Shane
Hill is going to be hard to beat. Erica Lugo.
What would you tell someone looking to start out in the heads-up
racing scene? Try not to bite off more than you can chew,
financially speaking. If you can't afford to maintain your car, you
can't afford to race it. This is a conversation I have with myself
everyday. Also, find a good tuner, transmission man, chassis man, and
engine builder and stick with them. Your reward will be much great
than the money you saved on free shipping with that other place.
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track? Gosh, there have
been so many I don't know where to start. Once, I accidentally pulled
the 5-speed out of gear at the starting line when I was anticipating
the launch. Another time, I ran out of gas during a pass. This year at
FFW Dallas, at around 115mph my hood came open about 3 inches due to
the pins not being in. My air filter/elbow fell off my blower on the
starting line in Tulsa one night. Two years ago in Cordova, I forgot
to pay for my gas on the way to the track and a squad car came to the
track looking for me.
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important? My wife, Charlene, is as
patient and supporting as you could ask any wife to be. We have spent
anniversaries and birthdays at race tracks and on the road going
to/from races and ASSC and Fast Times. Jim Summers for all the tuning
help and advice over the years. ProCharger for the support to help me
get into an F2! Tim and Larry at ASSC for going out of their way to
help me with parts and advice. Jeff D'Agostino at Fast Times Motor
works for great engines. Rich Nordholm for all the custom fabrication
work. Lanny Maples for great transmissions and support. My dad, Ray,
for making custom pulley brackets and such. Pat Grady and Bryan Jones
at Amsoil.
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite?
Classic Rock. AC/DC, Sammy Hagar, Rolling Stones. R&B, Soul, Funk,
Dance.
Any nick names for you? Bad Dude from Broken Arrow.
Ha...Ha...The local track announcer started calling me this. I think
it's comical because I don't see myself that way at all.
Do you have any pets? Australian Shepherd. Fish.
Do you have Kids?
Wesley 6 and Courtney 3. Wesley has been going to the races since he
was a newborn and is anxiously awaiting turning 8 so he can drive a jr
dragster.
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
I enjoy rockin' out listening to music with it cranked way up! PC's,
stereo's, watching sports on the big screen, water skiing, making
margaritas.
What track do you dislike the most? Sandy, dirty ones
(names withheld to protect the guilty).
Which is your favorite track to race on? St. Louis.
Do you have a lucky charm? What is it? God above
and my family.
If you could meet anybody you wanted living or not who would it be? Why?
Steve Grebeck. I was at the race last year and saw the accident happen
right in front of me. I did not know much about Steve except he had
one seriously mean hot rod. After his death I learned so much about
his character and kindness for others I thought what a shame I never
went up to say hello before it was too late.
Additional Comments: My goal
for 2003 is to run eights in True Street and showcase the power and
reliability of my new ProCharger F2.
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