27 Sept 2015 Woodburn, OR – The end of the season event for a dragstrip tends to be bigger than most other times. For Jay and Joey the co-owners of Woodburn Dragstrip, this date was planned and set up as any scheduled event during the off season as most of this is planned out. They are always looking or talking to the other track operators on their dates as two choices to a racer is mostly about cost. The annual fall classic did not get the way of other events; it is the 30th year for it says that they planned well. It is a favorite for many to attend either racer or spectator alike. This showed in the pits with racers and the field spectator parking how many enjoy it and how popular it is.
The unknown to all this planning is Mother Nature as she reared her wrath on a Nitro Harley and BB/Funny Car event thus the scramble to re-schedule it. That turned out to be this weekend and the photographers talked about the number of and wide range of cars running that had never seen before here. Close on some events but never like this. Watching the creations from the past years with updated safety is a genuine thrill plus throw in the wild creations the Pro Mod people come up with is somewhat akin to the altered runners from years past.
The racers that compete in the 10.5 class is another range of possibilities for racers to play with and trying to control all that horsepower on a ten and a half inch wide slick is why they only race to the 1/8mile. Way too much speed and power beyond that point, safety is most important but they are fun to watch at that distance.
For those at the track on Sunday the chance to see a third generation test his dragster for a Bakersfield event coming up. Walt Austin, his son’s Pat and Mike here to oversee and crew for Pat’s son Drew to make some passes. The awards, accomplishments and accolades this family is way-way more than I have space for both on a national and local level in the sport of drag racing. Great to see them out as a family racing again, Good Luck in Bakersfield.
In a two for one win Dale Green picked up both the race event and by winning he also grabbed the season championship for the Northwest Super Comp Assn. When you have to win to win Dale shows what it takes to do so, congrats to you.
Also check the Series “B” folders for the fine work Breann did covering the event from her perspective. Thank You
