Darlington Warm-up Wednesday Report

Darlington International Dragway’s Premiere Doorslammer Test Session & Race

February 17. 1999 DARLINGTON, SC-- The Majesty Homes Groundhog Warm-Up opened with competitive times produced by some of the International Hot Rod Association’s top professional teams. Australian Troy Critchley was the quickest of the day as he piloted Johnny Rocca’s “Tin Indian” 1933 Willys to a best elapsed time of 6.407 seconds at over 218 mph The Pro Stock contingent were well represented and veteran driver Ron Miller proved to be the quickest of the factory hot rods by producing a 6.667 lap at over 207 mph. NHRA Pro Stock driver Tom Martino was the quickest of the 500-inch entries with a 6.967/194.93 in his Century21-backed Pontiac.

The quickest three Pro Modified entries following Critchley for Wednesday were Mike Castellana (6.528/212.11--4.237 1/8 mile), Carl Moyer’s ‘57 Chevy (6.559/210.32--4.259 1/8 mile) and Ed Hoover’s ‘63 Corvette (7.223/125.31--4.234 1/8 mile).

The quickest three Pro Stock entries following Miller for Wednesday were Steve Speiss’ Monte Carlo (6.708/204.22--4.333 1/8 mile), Tom Lee’s Ford Probe (6.705/206.70--4.339 1/8 mile) and Dwayne Rice’s Firebird (6.753/204.40-- 4.355 1/8 mile)

The Majesty Homes Groundhog Warm-Up will continue with unlimited testing runs on Thursday and Friday. Pro Modifed, Pro Stock and Top Fuel Harley racers are given free testing under the stipulation that they compete in an open race on Saturday. There will be a 16 car field for both the Pro Modifieds and Pro Stocks. Any other cars that wish to test are welcomed to do so at a $200 per day fee. Qualifying for the race will begin with sessions on Saturday at 10 AM and at Noon. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM. Spectators are encouraged to attend on Saturday and the admission will be $10 per person.