Gary Densham Columbus Review

Densham is Out... But so is School.

Remember when you couldn't wait for school to be out for the summer so you could spend more time with the one you love?

Well, that's what Bellflower, Calif. Auto Shop Teacher Gary Densham, Owner and driver of the NEC/ Auto Club of Southren Calif. Dodge Avenger Funny Car is waiting for.

"This is the time of year that my family and I leave California and go full-time Nitro Funny Car racing", says Densham.

Densham and Crew were disappointed by their failure to qualify at this weekend's Pontiac Excitement Nationals in Hebron, Ohio.

Rains forced the delay of many qualifying rounds, changing track conditions in minutes. "The rain was a major factor this weekend, said Gary. Just after the burnout in Round 3, the rains started again and Tony Pedregon and I were moved to the back of the lane.After the rain,it's too late to make any tuning adjustments at that point.

As Gary and Team NEC floated on the bubble all weekend, they never gave up hope. " All it takes is someone elses mistake, and you're in the show", says Densham. Unfortunatly for him, before him was the quickest Funny Car qualifying field in NHRA history.

In Qualifying Round 4, Densham was on a great pass, but the car headed for the centerline, and Gary was forced to abort the run giving him a 5.42@234.134 mph., not enough to make the program.

"I've seen enough rain this Spring to last me a lifetime, jokes Gary." "I think it followed me from California!!!!!"

For more Team NEC/Auto Club of Southern California information, please visit our web site at www.nitroFC.com