Shannon Jenkins Darlington test

DARLINGTON, SC - Shannon Jenkins let the nitrous contingent know who was the master after the first day of testing at the Majesty Homes Groundhog Warm-up presented by 1320 Web Services. After recording a 6.29 earlier this year in Houston, TX., ...

DARLINGTON, SC - Shannon Jenkins let the nitrous contingent know who was the master after the first day of testing at the Majesty Homes Groundhog Warm-up presented by 1320 Web Services. After recording a 6.29 earlier this year in Houston, TX., the two-time Pro Modified champion from Tuscaloosa, Al., who answers to the nickname "The Iceman", gave a glimpse to the competition of an arsenal that he has in store for them. His objective on the first day was to establish a formidable eighth-mile combination and by the looks of a 4.069/180.36 blast on his first run, he has more than enough. Jenkins had a 1.014 sixty-foot elapsed time.


Shannon Jenkins Photo: Harley Communications

Jenkins warns that the competition need not make that run their goal because he has plenty more to come.

"This was a mild tune-up and our starting point," explained Jenkins. "I think the 1968 Camaro is a very good car to slice through the air. I am very pleased with our first run and I'm very much aware that this car has even more. To tell the truth, we're just starting. I don't know where we will end up at, but I promise you it will be quick."

Jenkins estimates that the progressives would have netted him a 6.25 or possibly a 6.24. He is quick to point out that a strong top-end charge is the key to the whole run.

"We are running it to the half-way point and lifting," explained Jenkins. "I really want to get back on top of my game after last season and I think we're headed in the right direction with everything. When the season opens, we are certainly going to let the competition know we mean business."

Jenkins has teamed up with Mike Castellana for the 2001 season and the two have shown tremendous promise thus far. Both drivers dipped into the 6.20s in pre-season testing.

We're not going to put away our pencils and papers yet because there's still three days left of testing. Besides, Jenkins told us not to.