Post by Jeff Kempton on Jun 18, 2012 22:56:04 GMT -4
ACSSA 2012 STOCK/SUPER STOCK CHALLENGE RACE #1;
Presented By Cottman Transmissions, Dartmouth, NS
RACE REPORT
The kickoff event for the ACSSA 2012 season on June 16 brought 18 class cars to Greenfield to battle it out, and what a battle it was! The turnout would have been even bigger, but delays in parts deliveries kept two cars apart when the deadline came, and a third car was stranded without a tow vehicle due to unexpected motorhome problems. The good news is that all three of these racers hope to be ready for Race 2 in PEI in a couple of weeks!
All week long the weather forecasters promised great conditions for the weekend. Sure enough, when it came time for our first qualifying round on Saturday morning the cool, dry temperatures and a nice tail wind had everyone licking their lips in anticipation of unleashing last winter's horsepower gains. An oildown on the left launch pad just before our first qualifying session restricted us to right lane singles while the cleanup continued, and it was obvious that nothing was wrong with that lane as most racers ran quicker than last year and several ran their personal best ETs. The second qualifying session had both lanes back in action, and several racers further improved their times in that session.
FINAL QUALIFYING ORDER:
01. - John Armstrong, Melvern Sq., NS - SS/BA 1969 Corvette 8.716 / 10.20 Index (-1.484)
02. - Fred Thibeault, Wilmot, NS - B/SA 1969 Camaro 10.128 / 11.55 Index (-1.422)
03. - Chris Howes, Rothesay, NB - B/SA 1970 Challenger 10.153 / 11.55 Index (-1.397)
04. - Jody Noble, Middle Sackville, NS - K/S 1965 Chevelle SS 11.472 / 12.85 Index (-1.378)
05. – Bruce Riley, Lake Echo, NS – SS/EA 1971 Chevelle SS 9.412 / 10.65 Index (-1.238)
06. - Greg Nickerson, Lr. Sackville, NS - C/FIA 1996 Firebird 10.699 / 11.90 Index (-1.201)
07. - Jack Keirstead, Onslow Mtn, NS - J/SA 1978 Nova 11.590 / 12.75 Index (-1.160)
08. - Kelly MacKay, Mineville, NS - G/SA 1972 Demon 11.156 / 12.30 index (-1.144)
09. - Jeremy Keans, Brooklyn, NS - H/SA 1985 Camaro 11.336 / 12.45 Index (-1.114)
10. - Mark Howes, Rothesay, NB - SS/JA 1971 Duster 10.217 / 11.30 Index (-1.083)
11. – Scott Underhill, Bedford, NS – E/SA 1971 Pontiac T-37 11.034 / 12.00 Index (-0.966)
12. – Terry Knapper, Moncton, NB - I/S 1978 Camaro 11.586 / 12.50 Index (-0.914)
13. – Billy Ervin, Grand Bay, NB – GT/AA 1984 Camaro 9.725 / 10.40 Index (-0.675)
14. – Bill Sheppard, Lakeview, NS - H/SA 1973 Duster 12.089 / 12.45 index (-0.361)
15. - Don LaVoie, Dieppe, NB - B/FIA 2003 Corvette 11.370 / 11.55 Index (-0.180)
16. - Chris Chapman, Debert, NS - G/CM 1992 Camaro 11.674 / 11.80 Index (-0.126)
17. – Bill Campbell, Moncton, NB – E/SA 1969 Fairlane conv. 11.937 / 12.00 Index (-0.063)
18. - Alan Harper, Salisbury, NB - SS/KA 1980 Mirada 11.543 / 11.55 Index (-0.007)
Bruce Riley suffered an untimely setback with his good looking Chevelle when he experienced an engine failure in the lights on his second qualifying pass. Although that issue parked his entry, he and Sharon stuck around for eliminations before heading home Sunday morning to determine the extent of the damage. Here's hoping that the carnage isn't major and he can be back out racing before long!
The "Bounty Hunter" bonus is back again this year; with the most recent race winner taking his turn in the crosshairs. For this race the target was Don LaVoie, and ironically he ended up paired in the first round with Greg Nickerson; the guy that he beat to win the Bounty Hunter bonus in last year's final race. Greg had worn the bull's eye for most of last year and wanted it back by starting off 2012 with a win. Other pairings of note in Round 1 were the wheelstanding rides of John Armstrong vs. Mark Howes, and the showdown between the Keirstead machines. Jack was driving his familiar Nova, while Chris Chapman was driving the new Camaro entry owned by Jack's son Lloyd and powered by Chris' crate motor.
ROUND 1:
Chris Howes .080 RT, 10.222 (10.22) defeated Terry Knapper .051 RT, 11.556 (11.61)
Kelly MacKay .114 RT, 11.366 (11.20) defeated Bill Campbell .042 RT, 12.213 (11.95)
Greg Nickerson .049 RT, 10.749 (10.73) defeated Don LaVoie -.042 RT,11.383 (11.38)
Scott Underhill .092 RT, 11.179 (11.09) defeated Fred Thibeault .052 RT, 10.422 (10.29)
Jack Keirstead .038 RT, 11.624 (11.59) defeated Chris Chapman .132 RT, 11.708 (11.68)
Jeremy Keans .025 RT, 11.405 (11.33) defeated Alan Harper -.203 RT, 11.630 (11.50)
Jody Noble .052 RT, 11.949 (11.45) defeated Billy Ervin -.050 RT, 10.358 (9.77)
John Armstrong .115 RT, 9.562 (8.88) defeated Mark Howes -.004 RT, 10.206 (10.23)
Bill Sheppard -.023 RT, 12.096 (12.12) defeated Bruce Riley (broke)
Several pairings in Round 1 were decided by redlights, including the Bounty Hunter bonus when Don left early and lined Greg's pockets by $50 right off the bat. Of the winners, Chris and Greg ran the closest to their dials, providing evidence that they had their game faces on.
ROUND 2:
Chris Howes -.154 RT, 17.253 (10.26) defeated Jack Keirstead -.018 RT 11.624 (11.60)
Jody Noble .013 RT, 11.591 (11.47) defeated Kelly MacKay .126 RT, 11.210 (11.20)
Jeremy Keans .067 RT, 11.398 (11.40) defeated Bill Sheppard .076 RT, 12.110 (12.17)
Greg Nickerson .014 RT, 10.820 (10.74) defeated Scott Underhill .078 RT, 11.210 (11.18)
John Armstrong .992 RT, 16.837 (8.88) defeated BYE
In Round 2, Chris benefitted from the first red light rule when Jack went red first. The other three pairings were also decided on the starting line, and John took an easy pass into the next round on the Bye.
ROUND 3:
Chris Howes .063 RT, 10.412 (10.27) defeated Jeremy Keans .022 RT 11.363 (11.40)
John Armstrong .021 RT, 8.956 (8.88) defeated Jody Noble .025 RT, 11.589 (11.51)
Greg Nickerson .075 RT, 10.690 (10.74) defeated - BYE
In Round 3, Jeremy got out first against Chris, but took too much stripe and broke out while trying to judge the distance to the fast closing Hemi. Jody and John had a tight race too, but John got a nose on him to take the win light. Meanwhile, Greg took the Bye to advance to Round 4.
ROUND 4:
Greg Nickerson .066 RT, 10.697 (10.68) defeated John Armstrong .076 RT, 9.582 (8.95)
Chris Howes 1.571 RT, 00.000 (10.27) defeated - BYE
While Chris opted to save the big Hemi for the final round by just taking the green, Greg advanced to the final when John's Corvette spun on the launch and couldn't match his dial.
FINAL ROUND:
Greg Nickerson .042 RT, 10.677 (10.67) defeated Chris Howes 0.049 RT, 10.365 (10.37)
The final alone was well worth the price of admission. Greg got off the line first but not by much, and Chris caught him well before the finish line and the throttle "whomping" began. Greg prevailed, getting the win light when Chris took the stripe and broke out by only .005 of a second. It was a great finish to a great day of racing, and a fantastic start to our 2012 season.
Thanks to all the racers who took part, the track and other volunteers who make these races possible, and the growing fan base that gives us encouragement. Race 2 is only two weeks away; hope to see you in PEI!
ACSSA 2012 STOCK/SUPER STOCK CHALLENGE RACE #1 WINNER
--------------------- GREG NICKERSON !! -----------------------
ACSSA Stock/Super Stock Challenge Race 1 Payouts
Event Winner: ($550)
Greg Nickerson
Event Runner-Up: ($300)
Chris Howes
Event Semi-Finalist: ($150/person)
John Armstrong
Event Quarter-Finalists: ($100/person)
Jody Noble
Jeremy Keans
Event 2nd Round Finishers: ($50/person)
Jack Kierstead
Scott Underhill
Bill Sheppard
Kelly MacKay
The following special awards were also presented:
Top Qualifier Award (Sponsored by A&J Automotive):
John Armstrong: $100
(8.716 on a 10.20 index (-1.484)
Best Package In Eliminations Award (Sponsored by BMR Structural Engineering)
Greg Nickerson $50
(.049 RT + .019 over the dial = .068 package in the 1st round)
"Bounty Hunter" Award: (Sponsored by LaFarge Concrete):
Greg Nickerson $50
(defeated our most recent race winner; Don LaVoie, in the 1st round)
"Just For Fun" Stk/SS Series Award: (Sponsored by Dents & Stones Automotive):
Billy Ervin