“Old driver” learns new tricks at school

By Wendy Curling

Thirty years of drag racing adds up to a lot of seat time and a whole lot of experience. So what’s a seasoned veteran, do to improve his game? He goes back to driving school.

Johnny Grubb of Chesapeake found new love in an old flame after attending Scotty Richardson’s Drag Racing School held at Richmond Dragway in March. Founder and operator, Richardson teaches everything from the basics to how to win. The five time NHRA World Champion promises after attending one of his schools “there will be nothing left to learn”all for the bargain price of $150.00.

Grubb wholeheartedly agreed as he took what he learned and drove straight to Northeast Dragway’s Top Eliminator winner’s circle Saturday night in his first race since attending the school. “ I took much of what I learned and applied it here tonight, and it really worked,” boasted Grubb. “I learned things I never thought about before.”

While Grubb gave praise to the school in addition to a well-prepared track surface, he was quick to point out other important factors to his success. The 750 horsepower 528 cubic inch Mopar engine that powers his 2004 Race Tech dragster was built by Kurt Bosch of Magnum Machines. Grubb’s wife Brenda, of thirty-seven years, is his crew chief and first mate who he in his words “depends on for everything.”

Grubb faced Randy Trahan in the final round where he posted a .032 reaction time and ran 5.06 on his 5.05 dial for the win.

Dave Reilly defeated Earl Watson in the final round of Modified action by the narrowest of margins. Watson ran closest to his dial but Reilly’s reaction time made the difference at the finish line.

Troy Styron dominated the Street class and secured the first place trophy with his final round win over Charles Fambrough of Elizabeth City who fouled with a red light start.

Delton Dove rolled to victory on his Suzuki Hayabusa in the Pro Bike class for his first win of the year. Big Kev Richardson was runner up.

In the Junior Dragster class, Megan Poyner of Barco earned a bye to the finals where she faced David Wayne Light. Both drivers ran even on their dials but Poyner cashed in with the best reaction time for the win. Light collected the most points by winning all rounds except the final.

This Saturday, the 4.90 and 5.90 Index classes are on tap bringing heads up, pro-tree action to the line for the first time this year. The newly formed 5.90 Index Association has accepted membership dues from thirty-six committed racers with several more pledges to join. Initial interest is high and promises to provide competitive side by side racing action to the delight of both racers and fans.

Gates open at 11:00 a.m., time runs begin at 1:00 followed by eliminations at 3:00 p.m. Friday night Test and Tune will be held from seven to 10:00 p.m. Log onto www.northeastdragway.net for more details and upcoming events.