Diamond Wally Win in Great Bend!

Hi Friends!

On a mild night in Great Bend, Kansas, after a long trip the day before bouncing between track-to-track in search of a Diamond Wally, we took Project 68 to SRCA Dragstrip, where the humble beginnings of the NHRA started, and it ended with diamonds.

Deciding to double in both Sportsman and Street, the Charger was on a rail, running the number twice, including kicking it to be dead-zero in the semi-final. A squealing belt issue from the alternator proved to be annoying mid-race, but overcoming it and the hustle of being doubled-late proved to be worth it.

The competition was tough as racers from all over came battling for the special 75th Anniversary Diamond Wally from the NHRA. Not only that, the specialized Championship Ring given to the winner tied in a special achievement this year, which really came with a lot of pressure to win. The car and driver combo ended 10-1 on the night, winning in Street sometime around 1 am, while semifinaling the Sportsman category. While I would have loved a double-up Wally win, my opponent in Sportsman’s semi-final just flat beat me on the line and at the top-end navigation. Can’t win them all!

All in all, a successful trip to Great Bend for the first time. Wow, is this location cool? Lots of history, as it was the location of the first NHRA National Event, making this win even more special. It holds a HUGE circuit all the way around the racetrack. Locals tell me it’s almost a 2.5-mile drive from pit to track to pit again, and I believe them. The concession stand is affordable, and the track surface was stellar. At one point, our 60′ moved 2-thou over 4-runs.

I’m thankful for the support of my girlfriend, Rebeccah, for the win, as well as the support of local friends and travelers who made the trip. The racers of Great Bend are very, VERY friendly! It was great meeting them and chatting them up. I look forward to seeing them next month at the Division 5 Summit ET Finals!

Thank you to partners Red Line Oil #Teamredlineoil, H&M Transmission, Mopower Masters, On Track Performance.