The number “3″ seems to be the magic number as far as possible benchmarks are concerned heading into this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags VI presented by Mickey Thompson.
For the first time in class history, 3-second runs are possible in both Extreme Pro Stock and Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman as near-flawless conditions are expected for both Friday and Saturday.
In addition, a 3-second run could come in Pro Extreme Motorcycle for the first time in 2012, ensuring there could be a number of record-setting storylines, not only in that class, but in every ADRL class on what should be a picturesque weekend at Summit Motorsports Park.
PRO EXTREME: We’ve seen a number of drivers hit 3.60 in 2012, but we’re still looking for our first run in the 3.50s.
Will it happen for the first time at Norwalk and is Frankie Taylor’s 3.581 in jeopardy? It certainly seems that way after Taylor himself went 3.600 earlier this month in Memphis. Jason Scruggs, Brandon Pesz and Mick Snyder, among others, are definitely capable of reaching the 3.50s. There could be a new record-holder in the world’s fastest doorslammer class after this weekend.
PRO NITROUS: How many drivers will reach the 3.70s?
So far in 2012, only Doug Riesterer and Bob Rahaim have done it, with Riesterer going an incredible 3.75 in winning at Virginia. Mike Castellana set the track record in Norwalk last year with a 3.79, and that certainly should be re-set over the weekend.
MICKEY THOMPSON EXTREME 10.5: Dan Millen set the record with a 3.82 in 2010 at Summit Motorsports Park, and Alan Pittman and Billy Glidden could get that with the perfect run over the weekend. Pittman went 3.80 in St. Louis, but couldn’t back it up, giving him another goal to shoot for along with the world championship he is chasing.
McKinney
PRO EXTREME MOTORCYCLE: Can Eric McKinney break into the 3s?
He’s already practically clinched the world championship, and a 3-second run at his home ADRL track would be the icing on the cake for one of the best seasons in ADRL history.
After going 4.02 at Memphis, McKinney is certainly capable of getting into the 3s, which would be absolutely incredible in PXM, where weight was added to the bikes before 2012.
EXTREME PRO STOCK: There was considerable buzz in the pits, on message boards and everywhere in between leading into the weekend in Norwalk, and much of it centered around the first 3-second run in Extreme Pro Stock.
Most seem to think the first entry into the Sonny’s Racing Engines 3-Second Zone will happen this weekend at Summit Motorsports Park, but who will it be? Plenty seem to be capable and it will be a race to get there on what may be the best opportunity to get into the 3s in 2012 in XPS.
AEROMOTIVE FUEL SYSTEMS PRO MODIFIED: Mike Castellana’s 3.84 seems to be safe, but after Todd Tutterow’s banner performance in Memphis, nothing is safe in this wild class.
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT TOP SPORTSMAN: Travis Harvey nearly crept into the 3-second zone in Charlotte for Dragstock IX, going 4.01, but the 3-second mark certainly seems feasible for a number of drivers in this wildly-competitive class.
Another terrific, close and quick class is expected, and some may dial it up a little extra to become the first Summit Racing Top Sportsman driver to reach the 3-second zone.
Travis Harvey
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
