Northeast Dragway launches season in style

New season, new timing system, no problems

By Wendy Curling

Warm air and blue skies overhead, spectators stood shoulder to shoulder neatly filling every possible space against the protective fence that surrounds the launch area at Northeast Dragway Saturday afternoon, eagerly waiting for their favorite drivers to pull to the line. Speculation of off season upgrades, new cars and new drivers added to the intensity of each run.

A newly installed and highly requested timing system at the track quickly proved to be worth the wait as anticipated cliches were all but non-existent as to the full field of racers who filled the pit area. This allowed for greater focus on the job at hand, winning rounds and collecting valuable points in the first scheduled points race of the year.

Michael Crumpler and Donnie Edwards were the final competitors in the Top Eliminator class where Crumpler ran dead on his 6.64 dial and nailed the tree with a near perfect reaction time of .002.

In the Modified class, Anthony Griekspoor of Belle Haven quickly broke in the newly built motor in his Chevy, taking the win in the final round over Tim Taylor of Harbinger. Griekspoor, who celebrated the win with his father/crew chief/engine builder, remarked that although the first round was not great, he’s now in the groove and feels this will be a very good season. He posted a .008 reaction time and ran 6.05 on his 6.02 dial in the winning round.

Rich Walker found himself to be even richer as he collected the most points and the first place trophy in the Street Class. Off to a great start in his Dodge Dart, Walker ran 7.83 on his 7.80 dial to take the win over Mike Harrell by a margin of .096 at the finish line.

Rookie racer, Barry Pryer, Jr, had his hands full in the final round of Pro Bike as he faced reigning track champion Big Kev Richardson in the final round. Pryer’s first win was instantly realized as Richardson fouled with a red light off the starting line. Pryer went on to run 8.00 on his 7.81 dial.

Girls ruled the Junior Dragster class, taking first and second place. Erin Arledge of Chesapeake won all rounds including the final against rookie racer Hannah Winslow, giving her an early lead in the points chase. Arledge ran 7.95 on her 7.90 dial in her half-scale dragster called “Daddy’s Girl”.

Racing action continues next weekend with ET Bracket racing and Open Testing for Pro Mods on Saturday followed by Test and Tune on Sunday. Log onto www.northeastdragway.net for more details and upcoming events.