Richmond post-race notes

IHRA Momentum Keeps Rolling: 2004 A Year of Growth!

Reflections on the ACDelco Nationals presented by the Richmond Times-Dispatch at Virginia Motorsports Park, May 28-30, 2004, race 3 of the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series:

"Welcome Aboard"
Fifty-seven new racers attended the event, racers who had never competed in an IHRA event before.

"Cattle Call"
The final Pro round (Pro Modified, Funny Car and Pro Stock) ran in less than 30 minutes, avoiding the oncoming bad weather.

"Extra, Extra!!"
The race dominated the front page of the Monday Sports section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, despite the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 results.

"A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned"
25% of the attendees Sunday used the discount coupon available in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 3% is typically the average.

"I Can't Drive 55"
The final round of qualifying saw the first side-by-side 215 mph pass in Sunoco Pro Stock.

Left Lane: John Nobile      Runs 6.492 / 215.37

Right Lane: Frank Gugliotta  Runs 6.518 / 215.03

"Records"
Competitors in the professional categories broke every track record except Funny Car speed. Not to mention John Nobile resetting both IHRA Speed and ET World Records in Pro Stock.

"Not Bad for a Couple Crotch Rockets"
The X-Treme Bike Team "wowed" the crowd between rounds with wheelies, indoes and other tricks.

"Giving Back to the Racers"
The largest sportsman payout for a specialty race of its kind was awarded Saturday during the Moser Axle Mania shootout. Congratulations 2004 champion Gil "Homer" Carty Jr.

"What Ever Happened to the Carpool"
VMP officials opened an overflow parking lot that has only been used one other time in the track's history

"One Big Party"
ACDelco entertained 600 guests on Saturday in their hospitality tent.

-ihra-