How long have you been drag racing?
I have been drag racing for about ten years.
How did you get your start? I bought a brand new 1991 Mustang GT when I graduated from Western Michigan University. I immediately took the car out street racing on Detroit's West side. I got my butt kicked. So like most Mustang enthusiasts, I added some go fast parts (an off road exhaust and 3:55 gears).
The car seemed a lot faster. I was curious just how fast it was. I heard Detroit Dragway was the place to go so I took my little street car to the drag strip to see how bad it really was. My first day at the track rewarded me with a 14.0 time slip, on radial tires. I guess I wasn't as fast as I thought I was.
The 91GT soon progressed into a 12 second daily driver. Mid 12's, 20+ MPG, on motor, with pump gas. Cool car!
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season? Compared to last season? My biggest challenge is the ever increasing talent pool in the NMCA's Super Modified class. Those guys are a tough group and there's not many easy round wins over there. This year should prove to be even more
competitive than last year.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
Building and racing a competitive heads up class car. Being a racer in the first place.
Making all (or most) of the races is tough proposition. A lot of people start out with the intention that they will run a national series (NMCA, NMRA, etc.). Very few actually follow through and make it happen.
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
I'm not really hooked on the Mustang scene. There's no place for me to
competitively race a back halved, 4-link, small cubic inch nitrous car in the all Ford stuff. My car was originally slated for double duty in Pro 5.0 and Super Street. We all know what happened to Pro 5.0.
What are your plans for the future?
Compete for the 2003 NMCA Super Modified Championship.
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper?
I think that the sanctioning bodies need to stop making radical rule changes that make cars completely obsolete. Several people don't have time to finish a car before it is made obsolete by rule makers. Most racers, at this level, can not afford to build a completely new car every year. I've seen several people throw in the
towel and quit before they even finish their race cars. We need to give these racers time to get their cars done and hopefully help the different classes grow and prosper.
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track?
In NMCA Super Modified (my class), Ted Pelech has the record, and Jim Huber is the champion. Those guys have the bull's eye on their backs right now. I'm really getting sick of Jim Huber kicking my ass! He's a great racer but one of these days!!!!!!
As for Mr.Pelech, I have a really neat dart board with a picture of his car on it!
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
The guy with the oil dry! That's always a BAD sign.
What would you tell someone looking to
start out in the heads-up racing scene?
First, go see some of the races!
Next, pick a class that interests you. Look at the rules. Imagine what you could build if money was no object. Assume that someone will build this combination some day. Re-evaluate if you can afford this class. Consider travel expenses when you do your evaluation.
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track?
I left my nitrous bottle valve open after a run. I shut the car off in the pits and went to help another racer. I had a leaky nitrous solenoid. I tried to re-start the car after it had been sitting for a while. The motor was full of nitrous and I blew the hood scoop as high as the track's lights. BOOM! STUPID!
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important?
My Crew Dan Scheidiman and my wife Christina
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite?
Hard Rock Mostly, no favorites, I play guitar so anything with ear piercing guitar licks is ok with me!
Any nick names for you?
Gumby, feed me beer and you'll know why.
Do you have any pets?
An African Grey Parrot.
Do you have Kids? Two boys, 5 and 3 yrs old.
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
Hockey, I played for most of my life. Now my kids play and I coach from the bleachers.
Snow skiing. It's kind of like drag racing of you don't turn.
Playing guitar. I was a long haired wanna be rock star in a former life.
What track do you dislike the most?
Milan Dragway. Milan, MI. Worst track surface in the world! Detroit locals call it "The Milan Ice Rink".
Which is your favorite track to race on?
Any track the NMCA crew preps.
Do you have a lucky charm? What is it?
Some day, when I get lucky, I'll let you know what it is.
If you could meet anybody you wanted living or not who would it be? Why?
N/A
Comments:
Monson Racing would like to thank Hardcore5.0 for providing this forum. We also would like to extend an invitation, to all Harcore5.0 members, to stop by our pit area, at any race we attend. We'll probably put you to work, but the pay is horrible and the hours are long. What a deal!
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