Josh Crawford of Oakdale finally was able to debut his new NHRA Full Throttle “Big Show” fuel funny car at the AAA of Southern California Famosa raceway in Bakersfield on Saturday.
The first run started without any problems, but as Crawford performed the burnout procedure done to clean and heat the huge rear drag slicks to improve traction, the timer switch below the throttle was unknowingly activated. That caused the engine to receive more fuel than required as the car left the starting line. On the run, too much fuel was applied, causing several cylinders to get more fuel than they could properly burn that early in the run. Crawford was quick to react and quickly shut down the car, aborting the run, before any damage was done to the engine. Crawford’s second run provided the team with another learning experience. After he completed his pre-run burnout procedure, he was unable to get the car to go into reverse. With no reverse available, Crawford could not back up from the burnout procedure, so the run had to be aborted.
Though both runs had to be aborted early, the team did gain some valuable knowledge with regards to the racecar, which they will apply during their next testing efforts. The team is planning some more testing efforts in the near future, as soon as they can get the track scheduled. If possible, they may try again at the California Hot Rod Reunion, held at the same track in October.
Meanwhile, Mike Graham of Oakdale came into the “Live the Madness” Whelan All American Series Final Points Race, leading the Super Stock season points battle by just 14 points over Garland Tyler of Modesto. Graham came into the season with a class-leading four wins and Garland had two wins. Points are earned throughout the season for “heat win,” “trophy dash wins” and main event finishing positions (Top 5’s and Top 10’s).
When the checkered flag fell, Graham was in sixth position for the race, only three positions behind Garland, who finished third. The points awarded for the sixth place finish gave Graham the 2011 Stockton 99 Speedway Super Stock series championship, winning the title by just four points over Garland.
The championship trophy and awards will be given out at the awards banquet to be held at the Jackson Rancheria casino on Nov. 19.