FALLON, NV (June 13) – This weekend the Top Gun Dragstrip hosted the NHRA District 7 National Open. As usual their were a lot of cars that towed in some as far away as Texas and Oklahoma.
The drivers were chasing points so they can be in the ET finals in Las Vegas later this year. While it was warm the races went off without a hitch and there were some close finishes.
Being too eager actually decided several finishes. If a driver leaves the start line too early, even if it is less than 1/100th of a second they get a red light and the driver in the other lane is the automatic winner.
One example was in Top Comp when Jennifer Hoffman scored the victory after Steve Casner left the line just a fraction of a second too early. While a person must be eager and ready to go it doesn’t take much to hand the win to the other person.
Even if a driver doesn’t red light their reaction time can make the difference. In Super Stock/Stock Comp reaction time spelled the difference as Dennis Paz was quicker on his reaction time and won the day.
Another example of how reaction times will make the difference is the final round in Super Comp. Winner Philip Nagel had a reaction time of .014 second against Adam Hicks reaction of .024 and won the championship. And Nagel did this in an older car.
“I’ve been running this car for 21 years. Went back through it this year and now won a Wally so I’m very happy,” he said. “I’d like to thank the track, it was excellent, everyone needs to come out and race it.”
In Super Gas the much quicker reaction time of Dennis Paz earned him a Wally when Bob Hefley’s slower time off the line, despite a quicker ET that put him in the Runner Up position.
Super Street was decided at the line when Marko Perivolaris had a red light giving Ron Kelly the automatic victory.
At the awards Kelly said, “Normally we run Super Gas but switched to Super Street for this weekend. The competition was pretty fierce.”
Only one local won a championship on Sunday. That was Lonnie Grace from Fallon but on the line had had some doubts. However his opponent Katie Reyes got a red light and lost despite a quicker ET and top speed.
Later Grace said, “I knew it was going to be pretty close and I was not in the lane I wanted to be in. So I was a little concerned, it was justified as things went crazy when I went out there.
“It was fortunate that she went red. It just started spinning the tires and moving to the wall so I finally had to lift. I saw my win light come on and I knew I had won so no reason to hang with it and crash.”
Then he thanked Frank’s Automotive.
Pro ET was another example of how a victory can be handed to a driver. Runner up Ryan Haluska got a red light at the start so Nick Bublitz wound up with the victory.
One of the closest races Sunday was in the Sportsman ET final. Winner Bob Choisser had a reaction time of .051 second while runner up Cortney Morris had a reaction time of .083 second. That amounts to just over over three hundredths of a second between them. Their ET was very close and top speed was 109.31 mph for Choisser and 109.33 mph for Morris.
ET Motorcycles was another final determined by reaction time. Aaron Pine time off the line at .051 seconds earned him the Wally while Clay Pollitt had a reaction of .081 second. At the line their top speed was almost identical.
The announcer Davey Munoz guessed there were around 350 cars in the pits and a huge amount of Junior Dragsters were on hand, maybe around 100. These youngsters only run a 1/8th mile course but are as determined as the older drivers.
For one of them, Brian Price from Las Vegas, who races in the 6 to 9 division, it was a great weekend as he won Saturday and Sunday so earned two Wallys. He was one of the two Nevada winners.
Asked about the track and what he does to get ready for a run Price said, “The track was pretty good. Before a run we talk about our dial in and strategy. Then what me and my mom and dad just do I say ‘yes’ they say ‘yes’ we all agree and we put it on and roll out.”
The 10 to 12 Junior Dragster final was decided at the starting line when runner up Aiden Ramos got a red light handing the victory to Payton Romano.
In the 13 to 14 division winner Adrie Gutierrez felt an unexpected gift in the second round set her up for a victory in the finals.
“It was a struggle and my second pass against Kayslee Price she had me on the tree. I honestly didn’t think I was going to win but I somehow pulled through. It was a gift, I shouldn’t have won that round but I got lucky. After that I pulled it all together,” she said.
Then she thanked Lucas Oil, Mickey Thompson, K&N and her family.
Like in other divisions reaction times determined the victory in the15 to 17 division. Ayden Pires got the better light and won over runner up Chris Klostiech.
Fastest of the Junior Dragsters is the Junior Comp Class. Bigger engines and drivers shift two or three times heading down the strip.
While many junior drivers had a quick reaction time Jonathan Flores cut a perfect light or .000 of a second and won the round over Chris Klostiech. At the end of the day Flores was the only driver at Top Gun Sunday to cut a perfect light.
Now everyone has gone home, the Top Gun crew will get a very deserved rest. As for the competitors they’ll head for other national open meets as they attempt to earn enough points to race in the ET finals at Las Vegas later this year.
REPORTER’S NOTE: There is a photo gallery after the results with photos of most of Sunday’s winners. Nation Dragster, when this event is published should have photos with all the winners and their Wallys.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Are you an experienced motorcycle tech looking for work. Well there is an opportunity for you as Moto-Source has a job opening. If that’s you please send your resume to rich@moto-source.com.
• On Wednesday, starting around 5 p.m. the Sparks A&W has a cruise in. It’s located across the street from Reed High School.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. In northwest Nevada, and all the way up to Susanville, it can be heard over the air at 1060 AM.
There is also a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm or it can be seen live on Face Book. The show is focused on all things automotive, trends, new developments and trivia.
SPONSOR LIST:
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Tread Connection is our newest sponsor and Blake Sobiloff owns the local franchise. The business brings the tire store to the customer so they don’t have to take time off work or even leave home.
Once the tires are ordered Sobiloff picks them up and arrives where the customer’s car is in a van packed with state of the art equipment. He observes all safety precautions and it’s no contact so tires can be chosen and paid for online.
Another service he provides is scanning tires as that will tell if any alignment is needed. A useful service for fleet owners so they won’t find several vehicles need new tires at once. There are discounts for First Responders, veterans as well as active duty military and members of the National Guard and Reserves.
His primary area is Reno and Sparks and one can either go to the Face Book page or check the website at www.treadconnection.com. The direct line to the business is 775-870-3600.
Next sponsor is G.I.S.L Land Services that, while having a global client base it has a Western U.S.A. Focus. Owner Greg Ekins is a long time off road motorcycle racer competing in the MRANN Series as well as the AMA National Hare and Hound series.
Among the services offers are Surface and Mineral Title Reviews and Cartographic Services. The website is www.gislandservices.com.
Next sponsor is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
The shop services older and new transmissions and how has a section for high performance units and those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Racing photographer Melissa Coker is another sponsor. If you raced at Summit in Elko, Battle Mountain, Lovelock, Rattlesnake Raceway or Diamond Mountain Speedway she probably has a photograph of your car on the track.
She’s also been at the Duel in the Desert, Northern Nevada Modified Tour, Wild West Tour and the IMCA Super Nationals. She produces hero cards and memory books. To see her collections or to place an order, check www.melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com.
Two of our sponsors are first class motorcycle shops located in Reno.
Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need and the store also has a full service shop.
Their location is at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Store’s phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
The next shop is Moto-Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they are a full service shop plus about any thing a rider might need or want.
The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night, good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
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RESULTS:
TOP GUN Dragstrip – NHRA National Open
• Sunday, June 13 – Final Round:
+Top Comp:
#1 – Jennifer Hoffman – ET 4.731 – 147.15 – MPH
R/U – Steve Casner – No times listed
#1 Qualif – George Prather – ET 4.368 – 158.57 MPH
+ Super Stock/Stock Combo: #1 – Dennis Paz – ET 11.974 – 110.24 MPH
R/U – Len Schneider – ET 10.604 – 126.35 MPH
#1 – Qualif – Scott Loge – ET 11.904 – 111.40 MPH
+ Super Comp: #1 – Philip Nagel – ET 9.297 – 155.88 MPH
R/U Adam Hicks – ET 9.279 – 167.24 MPH
#1 Qualif – Adam Liberatore – ET 9.300 – 168.35 MPH
+ Super Gas: #1 – Dennis Paz – ET 10.265 – 126.90 MPH
R/U – Bob Hefley – ET 10.259 – 150.56 MPH
#1 Qualif – RogerKato – ET 10.303 – 165.92 MPH
+ Super Street: #1 – Ron Kelly – ET 12.029 – 122.06 MPH
R/U – Marko Privolaris – ET 11.249 – 129.35 MPH
#1 Qualif – Kristine Cloug- ET 11.317 – 128.02 MPH
+ Super Pro: #1 – Lonnie Grace – ET 9.619 – 107.61 MPH
R/U – Katie Reyes – ET 8.023 – 170.47
#1 Qualif – Bruce Wallace – ET 0.001 – 124.18 MPH (I’m guessing this ET is actually reaction time.)
+ Pro ET: #1 – Nick Bublitz – ET 12.376 – 109.41 MPH
R/U – Ryan Haluska – ET 14.292 – 95.80 MPH
#1 Qualif – Bob Choisser – ET 12.508 – unlisted
+ Sportsman ET: #1 – Bob Choisser – ET 12.571 – 109.31 MPH
R/U – Cortney Morris – ET 12.200 – 109.33 MPH
#1 Qulif – Bob Choisser – ET 12.508 – unlisted
+ ET Motorcycle: #1 – Arron Pine – ET 8.463 – 145.14 MPH
R/U – Clay Pollitt – ET 8.707 – 145.13 MPH
#1 Qualif – Gary Stoffer – ET 0.008 – 140.34 MPH (Once again I’m guessing the ET is his reaction time.)
The Junior classes all run 1/8 mile and sometimes a driver’s reaction times are listed where their ET usually goes. Junior Dragsters:
+ 6 to9: #1 – Brian Price – ET 12.036 – 51.56 MPH
R/U – Parker Howe – ET 12.024 – 52.99 MPH
#1 Qualif – Abigail West – ET 0.013 – 53.76 MPH
+ 10 to 12: #1 – Payton Romano – ET 9.210 – 69.98 MPH
R/U – Aiden Ramos – ET 9.030 – 77.01 MPH
#1 Qualif – Madalynn Price – ET 0.010 72.04 MPH
+ 13-14: #1 – Aadrie Gutierrez – ET 7.923 – 80.22 MPH
R/U – Kade Renoll – ET 7.930 – 81.93 MPH #1 Qualif – Beaudy Peralta – ET 0.005 – 80.73 MPH + 15-17: #1 Ayden Pires – ET 7.920 – 78.48 MPH R/U – Chris Klostriech – ET 8.060 – 79.73 MPH
#1 Qualif – Haylee Ramos – ET 0.003 – 81.33 MPH
+ Junior Comp: #1 Jonathan Flores – ET 6.913 – 97.49 MPH
R/U – Chris Klostriech – ET 6.885 – 97.71 MPH
#1 Qualif – Chris Klostriech – ET 9.906 – 99.04 MPH
PHOTO GALLERY:
Getting ready for her final run Jennifer Hoffman got a gift when her opponent got a red light at the start. 
Super Stock/Stock Combo winner is Dennis Paz and he double duty and won in Super Gas. Lonnie Grace from Fallon was the only local to win a championship on Sunday. Here’s he getting ready for his final run in Super Pro. Phillip Nagel used a quicker reaction time to win the final round in Super Comp. And he did it driving a 21-year old car. 
The Sportsman ET winner was Bob Choisser who defeated another Vega to win the title. 
Dennis Paz won his second title Sunday racing this immaculate 41 Willys to victory in Super Gas. Jonathan Flores lines up for his final run. He would be the only one to cut a perfect light on his way to winning the Junior Comp title. Adrie Gutierrez won the Junior Dragster title on Sunday. She is just one of the several girls and woman where racing on the weekend. 
Ayden Pires, shown before a run, won the Junior Dragster 15 to 17 division. Young Brian Price shows off his two Wallys he won by winning on Saturday and Sunday. The 9-yeaer-old is from Las Vegas and is one of the only two Nevada drivers to win on Sunday. 
Payton Romano’s father makes sure everything is ready. Then Romano went on to win the Junior Dragster 10 to 12 division. As his father checks to make sure everything is right, young Brian Price gets ready for a run. He went on to sweep the weekend in Junior Dragster 6 to 9 division.. Ron Kelly used good runs and a red light from his opponent to claim the Super Street crown.
