By JM Hallas
Marion, Texas – No fooling.
Continuing a San Antonio tradition starting back in 2003, the IHRA Drag Racing Series rolls into town for its more traditional scheduling spot in the spring. The IHRA program has gone through some changes during the off-season including the naming of new president, Mike Dunn. Dunn comes from a huge racing background as not only a driver in Top Fuel and Funny Cars, but more recently years of being a broadcast annalist for nationally televised events.
Going back in time whenever IHRA came to town the weekend’s events started with a media day giving local television, radio, print and internet media the chance to come out early, visit with drivers, new president Dunn and, of course my favorite, ride-alongs in a two-seat car. I do however miss the wings and Hooters girls, but none-the-less an interesting event returning to the IHRA Drag Racing Series.
Our driver today was Dan Verrips, who is also a world class photographer, in his, actually his wife Becky’s, cherry 69 Chevy Camaro. The small block 355, turbo 350 still rocks down the track doing about 120 mph in the quarter mile at around 11 seconds.
This year’s lineup of racing includes the Nitro Funny Cars, Nitro motorcycles, Pro Modifieds and Pro Stocks on the Pro side. Friday afternoon Pro cars have an early test-n-tune sessions slated for 4:00pm, qualifying kicks off at 7:00pm, with round two scheduled for 9:00pm followed by Jet Truck exhibition pass.
Saturday the three of the four Pro classes have one more round of qualifying for Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Nitro Motorcycle at 2:00pm. Pre-race ceremonies will open the show at 4:45pm with Pro eliminations roaring to life at 5:00pm.
Along with the Pro classes, the Sportsman drivers also have a chance to show off their talents in the Pro-Am show racing in front of the huge crowds and livestream coverage. Sportsman qualifying begins around noon (weather permitting) with two rounds for Top Sportsman Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Hot Rod, Quick Rod, Super Rod, NTS 11.50 class and three levels for the Jr. Dragsters.
As part of the Texas Nationals the will run a two-day Pro-Am with eliminations beginning bright and early Saturday morning(9:00am). The Pro-Am continues on Sunday with one round of qualifying after church services, around 9:00am. Eliminations will fire off immediately after qualifying.
For more info on events times, updates, etc. visit www.ihra.com or the tracks website www.saraceway.com or their Facebook pages.
