TOPMA Season Opener at North Star Dragway
By Celeste Smith

After what seemed like a long winter, there were over 13 teams ready for the season opener at North Star Dragway on March 1st.  After two rounds of qualifying here’s how everything ended up.  The #8 qualifier was Chuck Poindexter in the Luvamaro truck with a 4.617.  The #7 qualifier was Steve Gorman with a 4.594.  The #6 qualifier showed up in a brand new Jeffers Pro Cars built ’70 Cuda and was none other than the Texas Bounty Hunter’s “Hell Fish”, Gaylen Smith and he ran a 4.473 at only 135 mph.  He had one shot to get in the field and he made it while sitting in the car for the first time.  The #5 qualifying position was held by Michelle Wilson with a 4.383 and Heath Harvey would be her competition for the first round in the #4 spot with a 4.172.  The #3 spot was held by Terry Murphy from Missouri with a 4.171 at 165 mph and Gene Hector’s small block captured the #2 spot with a 4.166 at 172 mph.  The #1 position was held by Mr. Consistency, Ken “Bad Bird” Thomas with an impressive 4.032 at 181 mph.

Other drivers that did not make the show included Travis Swearingen (who finally made a nice run in testing (4.01) after not qualifying), H.T. Wilson, Tim Cruce, Dave Moser, & Mr. Browning.

First Round:

Heath Harvey (W) 4.150 at 173 mph (.040 RT)  **Personal Best**
Michelle Wilson (RU) 4.698 at 120 mph (.025 RT)

Michelle had the hole shot advantage over Heath but she couldn’t hold off the Hemi power.

Gene Hector (W) 4.301 at 174 mph (.054 RT)
Steve Gorman (RU) 4.420 at 162 mph (.361 RT)

Not sure what happened to Steve off the line but Gene Hector’s small block got the job done on an off paced pass.

Terry Murphy (W) 4.750 at 123 mph (.116 RT)
Gaylen Smith (RU) 6.660 at 69 mph (.083 RT)

Terry Murphy experienced severe tire shake and had to lift and the Hell Fish shook and darted towards the guardrail so Gaylen wisely lifted.  Mind you this is only the 2nd pass on the new car.

Ken Thomas (W) 4.007 at 182 mph (.330 RT)
Chuck Poindexter (RU) 4.679 at 154 mph (.118 RT)

Neither driver had great reaction times but Ken blows by the luvamaro for the win.

Semi Finals:

Gene Hector (W) 4.053 at 179 mph (.038 RT) Competition Bye
Terry Murphy (RU) NT

Nice run for Hector but an unfortunate accident for Murphy as the fuel log broke on the pass before and they didn’t catch it in between round maintenance. They started it up and sprayed raw fuel which ignited the car in the staging lanes. Terry is ok but the car will need some work. They had to change a rear slick before they could even move the car. Glad you're ok Terry, hope to see you at the next race.

Ken Thomas (W) 4.022 at 181 mph (.095 RT)
Heath Harvey (RU) 4.205 at 169 mph (.003 RT)

Heath was going for the hole shot win but could not over take the wrath of the Bad Bird who will have lane choice over Gene Hector in the finals.

Final Round:

Ken Thomas (W) 3.981 at 180 mph (.030 RT)
Gene Hector (RU) 4.081 at 161 mph (.019 RT)

Mr. Consistency starts off 2008 just where he ended 2007.....in the winner's circle. Congratulations to Ken & Susan Thomas and the TMS team for their outstanding performance all night long. Congratulations to Gene Hector and team for their runner-up finish as well.

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