By JM Hallas
Marion, TX. – After an interesting look into the inner working of the newly revamped IHRA Drag Racing Series during an earlier media day, it was time for the sounds of roaring engines and screeching tires and the smells of burning rubber, racing fuel and Nitro!
But Mother Nature had other plans. First she threw scattered showers at the track and racers. If that wasn’t enough, she decided to change the wind direction. What had been a near true head wind out of the east changed to a blustery north wind.
The Sportsman kicked off their first round of qualifying, albeit a little late but about three quarters of the way through the running order, a Super Rod Chevy Vega got out of shape, tagged the wall, then barrel-rolled down the track before a flash fire erupted. Safety crews were quickly on hand to get the fire out and remove the driver. He was taken by transport ambulance to hospital for observations, but was expected to be alright, the car, not so much.
The Pro cars, excluding the Nitro Motorcycles, held their late afternoon ‘Happy Hour’, but only to the 1/8th mile, then IHRA officials decided to pull the plug on the remainder of the day due to excessive wind. Saturday will be a full day of racing starting with Sportsman qualifying early, then Pro classes will have two rounds of qualifying followed by eliminations.
Saturday, April 2
Sportsman Qualifying Rd. 1 8 a.m.
Pro Qualifying Rd. 1 11 a.m.
Sportsman Qualifying Continues
God Speed Church Service Noon
Pro Qualifying Rd. 2 2 p.m.
Pre-Race Ceremony 4:45 p.m.
Pro Elimination Rd 1 5 p.m.
Pro Stock, Nitro Funny Car, Nitro Motorcycle, Pro Mod
Sportsman Eliminations Continue
Pro Eliminations Rd 2 7 p.m.
Pro Stock, Nitro Motorcycle, Pro Mod, Nitro Funny Car, Jet
Sportsman Eliminations Continue
Pro Finals 8:30 p.m.
Pro Stock, Nitro Motorcycle, Pro Mod, Nitro Funny Car, Jet
Sportsman Eliminations Conclude
Tickets purchased for Friday, April 1 will be honored tomorrow. Race fans holding Friday tickets need only present a ticket stub or a receipt at the gate for entry into the Good Vibrations Texas Nationals Fueled by Sunoco at San Antonio Raceway. To purchase tickets, please go to BuyIHRATix.com and for more information visit IHRADRS.com or call (210)782-9578.
