Johnny Rocca/Troy Critchley - Epping Report

Ironhorse Proves To Be A Pure Bred Stallion In Qualifying, But Loses By A Nose In The Semi-finals At The IHRA Parts Pro North American Nationals

EPPING, NH -- After setting a new track elapsed time record with a 6.313 in qualifying, the Prolong-sponsored, Ironhorse team of Johnny Rocca proved to be a horse of a different color at the IHRA Parts Pro North American Nationals in Epping, NH. The 6.313/222.14. was a career best for Critchley. The car was hooking up and going straight and it seemed as if this team of purebreds may have run away with it all. A pesky holeshot from Steve Vick was all that stopped the classic Merc in its tracks.

Critchley made the opening Qualifying session a costly one as he wounded the motor en-route to a 6.46/215.48, good enough for the sixth position. He then shocked the Pro Modified contingent on the final qualifying lap with a 6.313/222.14.

By virtue of Critchley's top qualifying position, he faced Mike Janis and his JAN-CEN automotive Corvette in the first round. Critchley and Rocca proved that the number one spot was no fluke, running a 6.337/221 to Janis's losing 6.856/148.92.

The U.S./Aussie duo then set their sites on Quain Stott in the Quarter-finals. Stott left first, but the Ironhorse galloped to victory with a 6.368/219 to Stott's 6.460/217.556. This win and the re-emergence of the early-season high performance gave the Ironhorse team lane choice in the semi-finals.

Critchley then faced Vick in the semis. Vick played a staging game with Troy, and it worked to his advantage. Vick got the holeshot he needed and ended a fabulous day for the Rocca-owned, team. Vick won with a time of 6.410/220.26 to Critchley's quicker 6.386/219.01. The margin of victory was a slim .011.

Rocca and Critchley are slated to return to competition at the IHRA CARQUEST Autumn Nationals presented by Prolong, in Rockingham, NC on Sept. 24-26. The Native American and Aussie duo, along with each Pro Modified contestant, will be afforded two qualifying attempts on Friday and another two on Saturday with final eliminations slated for Sunday. This event will be televised on ESPN2 with the dates TBA in an upcoming issue.