8th Annual Flagstar Bank Funny Car Nationals

U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, MI
Saturday, September 8, 2012

Photo Credit: Dave Ferrin

When this event started it was a small exhibition show that was mainly some late model funny cars, a few jet cars and that was about it. Well it has blossomed into one great event that is action packed from start to finish.

This year The Mickey Thompson Tires/Drag Racing Online AA/FC Challenge made it's debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. Also added to the show was four AA/FA, 8 GLNFCC cars, the Pro Dragster series that runs at IHRA events, the Great Lakes Gassers, PT Crusier Wheel stander and a jet powered S10. Also on hand was Dom Lagana with his Top Fuel Dragster.

The funnies were set to run Friday night but that session was cancelled due to rain. Saturday morning started with the air dry and the sun shining. As the day progressed the action heated up and the spectators were busy in the pits getting autographs and talking with the various race teams.

The nitro funny cars had two qualifying sessions and showed that they could navigate the track just fine. When the field was set, the bulk of the 8-car field had run in the five-second zone.

Photo Credit: Dave Ferrin

After the first round of nitro funny cars came the AA/FA, the pro dragster and then it was our turn to take the stage.
First up, the Dazed & Confused Camaro driven by Jerry Streb, which was up against the Beautiful Mopar Crazy Challenger driven by Chris Schneider. Both cars came out strong with the Camaro doing a full half-track burnout. Once the cars were staged, the challenger moved first but had lots of trouble, as the car never seemed like it wanted to hook up. The Camaro went through the lights with what would be the low E.T. & top M.P.H. for the night with a 7.19/190.

Second pair was the skilled veteran Rocky Ausec in the Solid Rock Mustang taking on the youngster Nick Tilley in the Shyster Corvette. Nick treed Rocky but ran into some shake down track with the Mustang passing the Corvette.

Next up, the Blue Thunder Camaro driven by Monty Stotz taking on Lance Good with the Sharky's Machine Omni who drove all the way from Pittsburgh, PA to be a part of the show. Both cars wowed the crowd with smoky burnouts and Lance added a few old style dryhops. Lance laid down a great .03 light and held on for the win with a 7.35/179 to Monty's 7.60/177.

Photo Credit: Dave Ferrin

Last pair was the Gold Cast Charger driven by Mark Horvath taking on the recently completed Parts Peddler Cuda driven by Steve Timoszyk. The Cuda looked to have some engine issues and was shut off after the burnout. The Charger had some issues with the tricky left lane and turns the lights on with a 7.68/173.

The sun had set and it was time to see if the evening dew had set on the track or would the U.S. 131 surface still hold the racecars.

First out for The GLNFCC was the Mopar Crazy Challenger taking on the Blue Thunder Camaro. Again the Challenger did not like the track and gave the driver a ride down the quarter mile. It seems that the team has the car making the horsepower but the old Logghe chassis just wont hook up. Monty & the Blue Thunder Camaro made another consistent 7.60 /179 pass. Seems like Monty has the Camaro headed in the right direction.

Next up was the Gold Coast Charger taking on the Solid Rock Mustang. Both cars came out with strong burnouts but the Mustang just wouldn't stop, and finally Rocky got the car stopped just before the finish line. The Charger sat patiently as the Mustang backed up and staged. There was a light malfunction that threw off Mark allowing Rocky to get out first. The Mustang ran into some trouble down track using up much of the left lane. The Charger tripped the lights with a 7.29/181.

Photo Credit: Dave Ferrin

Next up were the Sharky's Machine Omni and the Shyster Corvette. Both cars sounded like they were tuned up for the crisp night air. The Corvette was out first taking the win with a 7.27/187 to a 7.39/173. It looked like the Omni might have ran into some issues down track.

The Parts Peddler Cuda was out next taking on the Dazed & Confused Camaro. The cars came out with strong burnouts, filling the night air with smoke. Both cars seem to leave about the same but the Cuda slowed, as it seemed they might not have the problem fixed from the previous round. The Camaro ran thru with a 7.26/188.

We want to thank track management at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park for making us a part of their great show. Thanks to Good Vibrations Motorsports for sponsoring The Quickest Reaction Time Award, which went to Monty Stotz with a .019 light. Also, thanks to Total Flow Products, who sponsored Best E.T. & Best M.PH. Both of which went to Jerry Streb with a 7.19 E.T. & 190.6 M.P.H.

Thanks to our series sponsors, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Pace Performance, Peak Products, Herculiner Do It Yourself Bed Liner.

Next stop is The PID/Keystone Nostalgia Nationals at Pittsburgh Raceway Park on Saturday September 15th. This will be our last event of the year.

Check out our website www.glnfcc.com and our Facebook page.