Nov. 1, 2005 Vegas Lucas Oil event.

The results from Vegas were not going to change his divisional standings, so Bucky decided to test a few things to get a jump on the 2006 season. None of the experiments bore any fruit, and Bucky ended up poutside the field for the first itme in a long while. There were 23 cars trying for the eight car field, and the bump spot ended up to be a 5.74.

Bucky was consistant at Vegas but unfortunately, his run were 2 tenths of a second too slow.

Here is the final qualifying from Vegas.

1 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.680 251.20 253.85
2 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '00 Monte C 5.687 255.24 255.24
3 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '02 Firebird 5.693 251.11 251.81
4 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.723 248.20 248.20
5 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '05 Camaro 5.728 248.75 249.58
6 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.735 250.13 250.64
7 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.743 249.95 249.95
8 62 John Weaver, Orting WA, '02 Camaro 5.746 249.26 250.13

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.753 249.53 249.72
10 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.788 246.12 246.12
11 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.805 250.18 250.18
12 49 Mike Bell, Ocean View HI, '00 Firebird 5.816 250.18 250.18
13 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.826 244.60 244.60
14 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.946 248.43 251.49
15 74 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '04 Trans Am 5.976 243.11 243.11
16 703 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.988 243.02 243.02
17 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 6.036 238.85 241.89
18 6 Tate Branch, Artesia NM, '05 Stratus 6.111 184.37 184.37
19 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '00 Advenger 6.175 226.66 226.66
20 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '98 Camaro 6.246 227.57 227.57
21 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.246 222.69 222.69

The non qualifier by BBucky will motivate the "Hitter" to bring his "A" game to Pomona next week. Look for him to be at or near the top by the end of qualifying.

Medford's Champion Raceway

Oct 10, 2005 A tricky race track..........

was not enough to slow down Bucky as he runs low et of the weekend at defeats Hank Coolidge in the final round to win the Division six title and moves into the top ten in the points.

In qualifier #1 the lack of rubber on the track made the surface very tricky to get a handle on and Bucky was forced to lift after getting loose just past the 330 foot mark.

Round one

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.858 247.22 247.22
2 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 5.991 235.42 235.42
3 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 6.070 239.23 239.23
4 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 6.088 223.45 223.45
5 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.248 228.31 228.31
6 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.897 146.05 146.05
7 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 8.200 206.48 206.48
8 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 11.181 72.55 72.55

Qualifier #2 was not any better and Bucky went hard toward the wall and gave up even sooner turning in an 11 second time slip and sitting precariously in the #8 spot in the field. THe final qualifier would be crucial.

Round two

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.858 247.22 247.22
2 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.975 240.52 240.52
3 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 5.991 235.42 235.42
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 6.070 239.23 239.23
5 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 6.088 223.45 223.45
6 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 6.178 228.31 228.31
7 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.248 228.31 228.31
8 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.897 146.05 146.05

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 7.026 188.18 188.18

In the final session, run on Saturday morning because of the cool conditions Friday night and a couple delays from wildlife on the track (true, Deer invaded the top end of the race track and causing a bit of a delay), the goal was too de-tune the car so it would get out past the 330 foot marker and the power would come on strong in the second half of the track. It worked, but the car shook real hard for the first couple hundred feet, but Bucky shifted into second, and the car hooked up and ran a 5.964 at 248, the top speed of qualifying. That put the hitter in the # 4 spot and a first round matchup against Forrest LeBlanc.

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.858 247.22 247.22
2 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.865 244.53 244.53
3 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.912 245.61 245.61
4 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.964 248.46 248.46
5 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 5.991 235.42 235.42
6 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 6.001 240.33 240.33
7 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 6.172 229.35 229.35
8 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 6.245 232.95 232.95

After looking at all the data, Bucky felt he had a tune-up for first round that would allow the car to get off the starting line strong and run through the 1/4 mile.

The tune-up worked and Austin ripped off a great .087 activated 5.708/251 mph run while Forrest was shaking and crossing into Bucky's lane. The semi finals would be big.

In the semis, Bucky and Brian Hough would lay it all on the line as the championship could be determined right here. If Bucky wins, the season championship would be his. If Hough won, and then won in the final he would be in the lead by 10 points and Bucky would have one more race (Vegas) to try and regain the lead.

Austin with lane choice, took the right lane and Bucky had almost a two tenths of a second performance advantage from first round, but Hough is very good on the tree and Bucky has not been as sharp as he would like. At the green Hough had .025 advantage (.055 - .080) but Bucky was consistent with his tune-up. Hough lead until about half track, and then Austin caught and pulled ahead by about a fender and held the lead right through the finish line for a 5.799 to 5.829 victory, about .005 of a second, very close!!!

The division title is his 4th in a row and 8th overall.

Now for the final round. His opponent was Hank Coolidge, who took the 'Hitter' out at Fallon Nevada in the final round three weeks ago. Coolidge had a great .049 light and Bucky was just back with a .074 rt. Both cars were close to the same 5.70 pace from the round before. (Coolidge did have lane choice with his 5.74 in the semis). The first half of the race the final saw Coolidge in the lead, and Bucky started to reel him in, then Bucky got loose, and Coolidge was moving further ahead, until he suffered engine problems and Bucky roared past for his third win of the season.

The numbers were:

#8 Bucky Austin 0.074 5.844 250.00 def. #64 Hank Coolidge 0.049 6.409 153.13

Bucky is off to Vegas next for the Division seven final race. Likely he will be in test mode there and then head off to Pomona to try and get his first National win off the year.

Points are here.

Sept. 15, 2005

Bucky goes out of division and makes final round

Top Gun Raceway at Fallon Nevada was the site of last weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil event.

Bucky decided he needed to get in another Divisional event in and Fallon is probably the closest one left on the schedule. Being a high elevation track and hosting one of theses events for the first time, would prove to be a challenge to say the least, but that is probably one of the reasons Bucky decided to attend it as he has the experience to get down even the most slippery track.

In qualifying he did struggle in the first session, as he overpowered the starting line despite the 600 foot burnout. His et was a 12 second tire-smoker that had him #8 out of 11 cars.

In round two of qualifying the team had the clutch and fuel system set up just right for the conditions, and turned in a second best 6.21/234 mph.

The race was full of Division 6 drivers with four for the NW in the field, and three of them in the top three.

 

Round two

1 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 6.134 237.56 237.56
2 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.213 234.16 234.16
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 6.220 237.19 237.19
4 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 6.341 226.97 227.33
5 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '04 Camaro 6.577 229.19 229.19
6 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 6.608 223.76 223.76
7 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 6.724 222.51 222.51
8 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '02 Firebird 7.006 209.85 209.85

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 8.347 184.38 184.38
10 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '00 Advenger 8.648 144.14 144.14
11 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 11.022 77.92 77.92
12 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '02 Firebird 11.284 96.39 96.39

 

 

Round three of qualifying did not see an improvement in qualifying for Bucky or any of the top three, but there was movement behind them. Bucky ran a 6.32 to give him a respectable run in both lanes and he was ready for first round of eliminations. His first round opponent was Steve Gasparelli, a guy that has had Bucky's number over the past couple years.

Time for revenge.

Final qualifying

1 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 6.134 237.56 237.56
2 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.213 234.16 234.16
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 6.220 237.19 237.19
4 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '04 Camaro 6.224 236.42 236.42
5 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 6.229 230.21 230.21
6 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 6.379 229.69 229.69
7 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '02 Firebird 6.570 228.23 228.23
8 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 6.724 222.51 222.51

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '00 Advenger 7.159 199.78 199.78
10 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 8.347 184.38 184.38
11 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 8.755 104.67 104.67
12 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '02 Firebird 11.284 96.39 96.39


First round Sunday was a shocker for everyone as Bucky laid down an unreal 6.09/236, to easily dispatch of Gasparelli, and set low et of the weekend so far. The car ran straight and strong considering the track conditions. It actually had everyone wondering if a "5" would come up on the board. Bucky's next opponent was Division 6 point leader and main rival this season, Brian Hough. Brian was not that far back in performance from round one, as he went 6.22.

In the semis, Bucky stayed consistent, and ran a 6.10 and pulled away from Hough from the 60 foot marker on through the 1320. That would set up a final round against Hank Coolidge who reset low et (6.033) with his win in the semis against Doug Gordon.

In the final round, the "Hitter" figured he would have to step it up almost a tenth based on Coolidge's semi final run, and it bit Bucky, as he rattled and smoked the tires early in the run and Coolidge stormed right down track for his first win.

Even though he did not win, Bucky still improved in the Division 6 standings and pulled back out in front of Brian Hough into first place. Standings are here.

1) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.315, 230.20 def.
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Camaro, 9.160, 100.38
4) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.450, 231.15 def.
5) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.643, 205.47
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 6.094, 236.90 def.
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '02 Firebird, 6.654, 203.76
3) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 6.222, 233.80 def.
6) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 12.945, 70.53
Coolidge, 6.033, 237.82 def. Gordon, 6.238, 234.10 Austin, 6.104, 238.69 def. Hough, 6.491, 228.45
Coolidge, 6.124, 238.40 def. Austin, 7.613, 127.96

 

 

 


 

 

 

2005

Acton Montana

Photos to come soon

Not the same result as the two Mission events at Billings Montana. In corrected air in the 6000 foot range, Bucky could not get a handle on the tune-up and could only run a 5.93 best, which put him in the #4 spot.

Sunday's eliminations did not go any better, as Bucky slightly improved on his qualifying best with a 5.92, but his opponent Hank Coolidge found a tenth and a half from qualifying and had a great rt as well, for a .08 finish line stripe.

Bucky rival in the division, Brian Hough went on to win the event, and retook the lead in the standings by one point.

Final Qualifying

1 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 5.845 244.47 244.47
2 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '04 Camaro 5.868 246.98 246.98
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.878 242.06 245.94
4 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.938 247.38 247.38
5 64 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 6.083 201.13 230.80
6 54 Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer CO, '00 Avenger 6.139 235.64 235.64
7 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.343 224.66 224.66

1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Camaro, 5.891, 243.11 def. Bye

2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.920, 245.58 def.
7) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.181, 232.67

3) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.888, 246.93 def.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 17.545, 45.59

5) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 5.897, 245.90 def.
4) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.907, 248.57

Semifinals
Coolidge, 5.878, 244.74 def. Thompson, 5.915, 242.84
Hough, 6.039, 244.78 def. Gordon, foul

Final
Hough, 5.869, 247.57 def. Coolidge, 5.880, 243.90


 

August 13, 2005

Photos courtesy SpeedZonemagazine.com

Mission Raceway Park

Bucky Doubles up at MRP, also tuned Hillary to a win for a triple whammy!

Lucas Oil races #1 (rescheduled Mission race) and #5 Mission #2.

Bucky with wife Julie and daughter Hiedi and Hiedi's friend (forget the name, sorry)

Bucky and crew less Don Eason, including brothers Tyler and Matt and Jack

With the two cars in the winners circle

 

 

Bucky Austin came back to form for the double header as Mission, with two wins as well as tuning Hillary Will to her first divisional event win. The win put Bucky out in front of Brian Hough by 22 points heading into Acton Montana (Billings) in a weeks time.

 

At the rescheduled event, Bucky came from the #2 spot in the field and took out first alternate Derek Snelson who was in for Trevor Lebsack, with a slowing 5.86/226 to Snelson's troubled 6.86, in the semi finals he stayed in the mid 5.80'd with a 5.85/249 to get by a game John Evanchuk who ran a 5.96. In the final he would face the newest threat in Division 6 Tim Nemeth, who had lane choice based on his 5.82 win on his side of the ladder.

Nemeth was ahead until 400 feet in race #1 final

The final was very close for the first 400 feet, as Nemeth had the starting line advantage but he fell off from his earlier numbers while Bucky stayed in mid 80's, with a 5.86 to Nemeth's 5.98. The win put Bucky in the lead by one point over Brian Hough 181 points.

In race #2, Bucky again qualified #2, but this was a much closer event during the three qualifiers. The top seven cars in the field were separated by less than .17 and the top five were only a tenth apart.

Bucky's #2 5.788 would mean his first round opponent would be Randy Parker. This one was over early, as Bucky found the right tune-up for the very hot track and ripped off a great 5.72/252. Parker was troubled and was off the throttle by 100 feet.

Here Bucky has the lead against Nemeth and extended it through the finish line.

In the semi finals he faced his final round opponent from the race two days earlier, Tim Nemeth. This one turned into a 2/10th finish line win for Bucky as he stayed in the 5.70's with a 5.78 to Nemeth's slower reacting 5.88.

The final round was a matchup of #1 and 2 in the points, Bucky and Brian Hough.

In Race #2 Hough led until 300 feet (below)

Brian had a psychic .007 light, and Bucky was a tenth behind. By 250 feet, Hough had stayed out in front by that tenth of the second, but he suddenly slowed and the "hitter" blew by for his second win in three days.

The division lead was now a 22 point advantage of Hough, 266 to 244

Race #2 Mission results

Final Qualifying

1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.778 seconds, 249.30 mph
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.788, 252.38
3) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '03 Camaro, 5.807, 249.86
4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.817, 251.74
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 5.877, 243.30
6) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.937, 242.91
7) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.940, 240.25
8) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.026, 236.65
Not Qualified
9) Nathan Sitko, Abbotsford, B.C., '96 Daytona, 6.130, 233.10
10) Derek Snelson, Wauna, Wash., '00 Firebird, 7.858, 113.19

Eliminations

1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.995, 239.80 def.
8) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.188, 222.66
4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.900, 249.10 def.
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, broke
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.725, 252.03 def.
7) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, 10.243, 103.30
3) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '03 Camaro, 5.990, 234.49 def.
6) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.539, 172.71
Hough, 5.824, 250.55 def. Thompson, 6.092, 205.05

Austin, 5.784, 250.97 def. Nemeth, 5.886, 246.98

Austin, 5.806, 251.04 def. Hough, 9.683, 82.01

 

Final Qualifying Race #1 (rescheduled from May)

1) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.629 seconds, 257.73 mph
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.710, 256.11
3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 5.834, 243.24
4) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '03 Camaro, 5.896, 243.70
5) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.987, 239.04
6) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.111, 236.15
7) Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake, Alb., '99 Mustang, 6.128, 230.53
8) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '96 Daytona, 6.154, 226.70

Pairings from race #1

1) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.843, 249.58 def.
8) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '96 Daytona, 6.185, 231.42
4) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '03 Camaro, 5.761, 249.30 def.
5) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, 6.078, 239.80
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.867, 226.70 def.
9) Derek Snelson, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, 6.786, 189.63
3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 6.464, 232.67 def.
6) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.878, 175.37
Nemeth, 5.823, 247.86 def. Hough, 5.910, 248.61

Austin, 5.855, 247.00 def. Evanchuk, 5.969, 237.27

Austin, 5.861, 249.72 def. Nemeth, 5.982, 240.64


 


July 13, 2005

Lucas Oil series event #4 of 7 in the Northwest Division.

A final round finish but not the big prize for the "NW Hitter".

Woodburn has been the prime domain for Bucky Austin for close to a decade. He had won four in a row at Woodburn heading into last weekend and has eight overall wins there. This year has shown that a few other cars have turned up the wick in the division and winning the division is not a given. That being said, it is doubtful any car win be the dominant one, and based on the results at the first two events (including this one), that statement could not be more than true. So far, four different cars have been in the final rounds and the top four in Division six standings are separated by only 20 points. And the winner of race one (Clint Thompson) failed to qualify for this past race.

In Qualifying, Friday was set to be round one, but the weather knocked the day out after only Stock Super Stock and the Super classes got a hit. So it would be down to two rounds on Saturday if the weather was to be okay.

 

Qualifying after Friday's round (sorry had to do that)

Nil

Saturday (round one)

On Saturday the day looked promising and both qualifiers got in. On the first hit, Bucky was in the fourth pair beside Forrest LeBlanc. Bucky rolled right in both beams, brought the rpm's up and then waited for LeBlanc to go before he left the starting line. He was on a decent lap but was loose and he was off the throttle by 900 feet. He coasted through with a 6.074 at 207 mph.

Round one

1 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.688 246.91 246.91
2 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.756 246.98 246.98
3 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.811 248.00 248.00
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.847 244.29 244.29
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.037 240.44 240.44
6 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.074 207.90 207.90
7 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.181 224.32 224.32
8 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.430 226.98 226.98

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 7.595 122.58 122.58
10 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 11.329 72.09 72.09
11 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '98 Camaro DQ

 

In the second session, Bucky was in the first pairing in the right lane and had Dale Van Gundy in the left lane. This run was straight and strong with Bucky running a 5.740 at 250 mph. That put him in the # 2 spot in the field and Randy Parker as a first round opponent.

Final qualifying

1 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.668 248.75 248.75
2 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.740 250.97 250.97
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.756 246.98 246.98
4 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.811 248.00 248.00
5 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.847 244.29 244.29
6 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '98 Camaro 5.937 218.18 218.18
7 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.037 240.44 240.44
8 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.181 224.32 224.32

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 6.271 171.55 171.55
10 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.430 226.98 226.98
11 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 11.329 72.09 72.09

Sunday elimination's

In round one, Bucky ended up with a single when Randy's car failed to stay lit as he entered the burnout box. With the single, Bucky left hard but clicked it off at 1000 feet and coasted through with a 5.83 at 223 mph. It would of been a low 5.70 if he had run it out the back door. In the semis, he faced a very tough Brian Hough. Hough decided to play the lane changing game just before the two cars fired up. He saw two TAD's right in front of him win in the right lane saw he decided to take that lane. Both are pretty equal at Woodburn, so there was no concern for the "Hitter". The switch was made and both cars did their burnouts. They staged and almost immediately Brian went hard left almost hitting Bucky and then taking out the 330 blocks. Bucky cruised to an easy 5.715 at 251 mph victory. A costly lane change for Hough? That's racing, but the hard move he made was probably due to a bad line (crooked) up by the guy putting him in his tracks after the burnout.

1) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '05 Camaro, 5.704, 245.90 def.
8) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '02 Avenger, 6.024, 235.84
5) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '03 Camaro, 5.865, 246.03 def.
4) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '02 Camaro, 7.918, 100.22
2) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '05 Firebird, 5.835, 223.10 def.
7) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, broke
3) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '04 Firebird, 5.763, 248.75 def.
9) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.887, 243.70
Dennis Taylor, 5.877, 209.39 def. Tim Nemeth, 9.900, 84.84 (spit off blower belt) Bucky Austin, 5.715, 252.88 def. Hough, dsq (crossed centre line)

Bucky got the lane choice against the other finalist, Dennis Taylor as he was off the loud pedal (probably mechanical issues) by 1000 feet.

It was a great final, but Bucky left a bit on the starting line, and trailed Taylor by the holeshot difference (.073) as both cars ran side by side 5.72's. No a win but a final round finish and second place in the Division 6 standings.

Taylor, 5.720, 246.37 def. Austin, 5.722, 247.79.

The next event is our home National Event the Carquest Northwest Nationals at Seattle July 22nd - 24th. See you there.


 

1 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.688 246.91 246.91
2 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.756 246.98 246.98
3 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.811 248.00 248.00
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.847 244.29 244.29
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.037 240.44 240.44
6 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 6.074 207.90 207.90
7 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.181 224.32 224.32
8 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.430 226.98 226.98

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 7.595 122.58 122.58
10 6931 Jeff Ashwell, Keizer OR, Firebird-TFX 11.329 72.09 72.09
11 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '98 Camaro DQ


June 20, 2005

Lucas Oil Divisional event at Pacific Raceway.

A surprisingly small field is here at Pacific Raceway for the divisional event. Only 5 cars for the first session and Bucky ran a baseline 5.872/252 to sit #1.

All three rounds would be run on Friday including an evening round under the lights.

Qualifying after one round

1 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.872 252.71 252.71
2 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.940 244.12 244.12
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 6.050 213.06 213.06
4 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.123 237.13 237.13
5 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 6.622 164.35 164.35

In round two run at 6:15pm Friday, Bucky was lined up beside Tim Nemeth, and both cars were loose. Bucky pedaled the car a couple times and lifted at 1200 feet, run a 6.01 at 233.

That put Bucky #3 after two rounds:

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.756 251.30 251.30
2 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 5.823 247.84 247.84
3 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.872 252.71 252.71
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.872 245.72 245.72
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.123 237.13 237.13
6 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.219 225.37 225.37

Final session 10:30pm. The skies were looking bad, and the first three Funny Cars made their qualifying runs, and then the rain started, it stopped for a couple minutes and then came back harder and Mike Rice called the evening off, ending qualifying and Bucky's shot at moving up the ladder.

The field was set and BAR ending up #3 and a date with Forrest LeBlanc in round one Saturday.

Final Qualifying

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.756 251.30 251.30
2 63 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 5.823 247.84 247.84
3 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.872 252.71 252.71
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.872 245.72 245.72
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.123 237.13 237.13
6 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.219 225.37 225.37
7 639 Derek Snelson, Anchorage AK, '00 Firebird 11.101 70.69 70.69

Saturday Round one

3:30 pm. In what should of been a routine win for Bucky, turned into one of 'THE' upsets in Division 6 Funny Car history. Bucky Smoked the tires like a top Fuel car right off the line and could not recover in time to catch Forrest.

(L) 8 Bucky Austin 0.123 6.385 236.88

(W) 6992 Forrest LeBlanc 0.125 6.117 233.24

I'll let Mike Jex from Drag Race Central describe the race

SMOKEFEST!!! PEDALFEST!!!! UPSET!!! Bucky lit up the slicks right off the starting line, LeBlanc didn't start smoking the tires till later in the run. LeBlanc got close to the centerline, but was able to stay in his lane. Austin's crew couldn't believe it! Forrest won't have lane choice in the next round, but it won't matter. Wow!!!


Ouch that one hurts, This was going to be a tough competitive year to repeat as division champion with Brian Hough running well and Clint Thompson getting a handle on his ride as well. A loss in what should be an easy win , is not the start to the points race we were hoping for.

The next race is in Woodburn in three weeks, a race we have done well at and need to win to get back on track. This new car is getting closer on the set up but we need a few more runs to dial it in.


June 12th,

National Open at Woodburn

Chicago style format

Bucky was the third quickest so he did not make the final round, as Brian Hough and Clint Thompson faced off.

May 23, 2005

FunnyCar opener at Woodburn

Bucky goes to the final round against Brian Hough and shakes the tires loose, allowing Hough to drive around him and take the win

May 17, 2005

...............................The showers were supposed to hit hard on Friday night and Saturday, but they stayed away long enough to get in all three qualifying rounds. Friday saw one session, and Bucky ended up #2 on the ladder after a tire rattling 5.84/252.

According to Bucky, "we are experimenting with a small 9 inch clutch that the TAD cars are using (Hillary is running so well that I thought I would try one in the Funny Car). We are running the new body also, after doing adjustments to the roof side window profile". The dual rear uprights were designed in part from aero engineers. The air that flows over the roof line when channeled through two uprights reduces the turbulence substantially.

1 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.834 243.24 243.24
2 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.845 252.10 252.10
3 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.090 239.04 239.04
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 6.122 242.58 242.58
5 6320 Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake AB, '99 Mustang 6.270 193.13 193.13
6 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.504 213.67 213.67
7 625 Nathan Sitko, Edmonton AB, '96 Daytona 6.526 173.17 173.17
8 639 Derek Snelson, Anchorage AK, '00 Firebird 6.590 204.59 204.59

 

Round two and three Saturday were not supposed to even be contested according to the weather reports, but in fact the day was great, except for a brief shower in the afternoon, making the day a bit muggy. Saturday at 11:30pm round two was underway and Bucky was back to his usual spot, #1 on the ladder after a 5.71/256.

1 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.710 256.11 256.11
2 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.728 254.88 254.88
3 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.834 243.24 243.24
4 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 5.987 237.15 239.04
5 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 6.122 242.58 242.58
6 6320 Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake AB, '99 Mustang 6.128 230.53 230.53
7 625 Nathan Sitko, Edmonton AB, '96 Daytona 6.154 222.60 222.60
8 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.266 229.06 229.06

The final session was just after 4:00pm, and most teams improved their ets. Bucky was in the last pair out beside Brian Hough. Both cars left hard but Bucky shook the tires real hard on the this pass, as the car was hopped up big time. The car shook right through 1st gear, and Bucky slowed from the 2nd pass to a 5.85/251.

1 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.629 257.73 257.73
2 8 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Firebird 5.710 256.11 256.11
3 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.834 243.24 243.24
4 67 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '03 Camaro 5.896 243.70 243.70
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 5.987 237.15 239.04
6 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.111 236.15 236.15
7 6320 Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake AB, '99 Mustang 6.128 230.53 230.53
8 625 Nathan Sitko, Edmonton AB, '96 Daytona 6.154 222.60 226.70

Sunday arose to very wet conditions that were expected on Saturday With no let up in sight, the event was re-scheduled for August 3 and 4th, the week of the second Lucas Oil race at MRP.

Bucky Austin Raceway will be out at Woodburn this coming weekend for the annual Funny Car opener, and then another National Open , June 11-12 back at Woodburn. The next Lucas Oil event is a week later at Pacific Raceways.

Nov. 10th Las Vegas

The final divisional event for any division is the weekend before the World Finals. Every hitter who is looking to move up in the points and every tam that wants one last kick at the car is out to make their last runs of the year. It makes this event the toughest Lucas Oil series event of the season.

The bump spot is routinely in the 5.70's and this year was not exception. The term, "just qualifying for this event is an accomplishment" is not just fodder as it is certainly a feat not to be taken lightly.

With the chance for Bucky to move into the top 5 not happening at this event, Bucky went into test mode to try out new ideas for the 2005 season. Bucky landed in the #1 spot with a 5.717, despite not being in the field after Friday's lone session. He proved he has possibly the quickest car in the country when he can get it dialed in.

Here is final qualifying.

1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.717 seconds, 252.76 mph
2) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '01 Camaro, 5.735, 246.03
3) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.737, 251.16
4) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 5.742, 248.84
5) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '02 Camaro, 5.760, 250.60
6) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.764, 247.75
7) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.765, 246.80
8) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.769, 248.43

Elimination's Sunday

Bucky was paired with Steve Gasparelli in round one. Gasparelli was only 1/2 a tenth back in qualifying with a 5.76 best. Bucky slowed in round one by the same amount Gasparelli improved giving Steve a 5.72 to 5.74 victory. Tate Branch went on to win the race, running 5.67 in the final.

Off to Pomona for the final race of 2004.

Oct. 16, 2004

Medford Oregon Lucas Oil Divisional race

 

Bucky shatters track record, goes on to win race and clinch the Division.

Bucky went into Medford with one goal, win the race and clinch his 7th division title. After his performance the week prior in Chicago where he ran in the 5.50's and had possibly the quickest run ever ( a 5.543/235 that would have possibly been the first 5.40 run, if he did not break at 1000 feet). At the end of Friday qualifying Bucky was #1 with a 5.80 and Steve Gasparelli (the previous track record holder) was #8 with a 5.98. They only made two of three scheduled qualifiers on Friday due to cooling weather and some rain , so Saturday at noon they ran their final session. Bucky was on his game as he ran an awesome track record 5.680/251.44.

Final qualifying Saturday Oct. 9, 2004

1 2 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '02 Firebird 5.680 251.44 251.44
2 79 John Weaver, Orting WA, '00 Firebird 5.771 245.85 245.85
3 714 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.807 243.16 243.16
4 9 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '02 Firebird 5.841 243.50 243.50
5 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '03 Firebird 5.854 243.50 243.50
6 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.862 241.68 241.68
7 727 Ron August Jr., Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.914 236.99 236.99
8 8 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.927 241.87 241.87

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 65 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '02 Camaro 6.006 240.85 240.85
10 765 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 6.067 235.76 235.76

Saturday elimination's

With the field being one of the toughest of the year, as four Division 7 competitors made what was the quickest Div 6 bump of the year, none of the first round match-ups were easy. Bucky possibly had the toughest in the round as he faced Div. 7 leader Doug Gordon. It proved to be the quickest side by side race of the weekend, as Bucky blasted to his second 5.60 run of the day, an new track record 5.656/252.92. Gordon left first by a couple hundredths, but his 5.759 was not enough, as Austin blasted by at the 330 mark and cruised to a 8/100ths win. Bucky would face Brian Hough who has made his presence known in his Funny Car return this season. Hough had a great .039 reaction in the semi final, but he shook hard and had to click it early. Bucky fell off by 8/100's, but still ran the best in the round, a 5.730. Bucky's semi final opponent was Division 7 hitter Dennis Taylor, who took the div lead over Doug Gordon. This one was a big race for Bucky, as he was looking for consistency in three straight runs, something he has not had since the Sonoma national event. Taylor ran a 5.76 in his semi final win over John Weaver, so it would not be easy.

Niether driver had great rection times, with Taylor leaving first by .017, but the Austin horsepower prevailed and Bucky drove past Dennis by half track, and went on for a 5.710 to 5.741. The win clinches first place for the third consecutive year for Bucky. He also moved into sixth place in the national standings. Bucky will end the season in Division 7 for the Las Vegas Divisional event and then the World Finals at Pomona.

Points standings are here

Here are the final elimination's from Medford.

1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.656, 252.92 def. 8) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.759, 243.17; 5) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '03 Firebird, 5.773, 245.86 def. 4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '02 Firebird, 7.506, 126.02; 2) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.814, 243.71 def. 9) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 15.086, 51.97; 3) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.768, 239.18 def. 6) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 9.932, 82.40;
Austin, 5.730, 248.81 def. Hough, 7.927, 115.40; Taylor, 5.762, 244.76 def. Weaver, 5.858, 241.83;
Austin, 5.710, 247.02 def. Taylor, 5.741, 243.50.

 


Sept. 15, 2004 Billings Montana

The second to last Division 6 event at the newest track in Division 6, Intermountain Motorsport Park.

This was the first time for Bucky to race at the Billings track, and he was like an old time veteran, Running 5.85, 5.81 and 5.87 in the three rounds. He was set for elimination's but had to face wily veteran Roger Bateman in round one. The track was in good condition and the fans were out in big numbers in support of the first divisional event ever in the state on Montana. Bucky did not want to disappoint, and he didn't running just like in qualifying, a solid 5.830/248 to easily dispatch Batemans's off the throttle 7.17. In round two, Bucky had his 2004 nemesis, Clint Thompson. Thompson has defeated Bucky twice this year, a feat not too many can lay claim to. In the semis, Clint did it again when Bucky shook real hard and got sideways, having to lift and he could only watch as Thompson rolled on through to a 6.11 time slip and date in the final round. Ouch, that one really hurt!!!!

The team is on the road for a few National events before returning to Medford for the last Division 6 event of the year the beginning of October.

1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.830, 248.02 def.
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 7.175, 146.00
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.932, 240.64 def.
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.063, 241.11
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 8.602, 118.99 def.
7) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, broke
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.895, 237.96 def.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, broke

Thompson, 6.111, 235.97 def. Austin, 7.033, 146.40

Coolidge, 5.920, 236.51 def. Weaver, 6.299, 176.44

Thompson, 6.121, 235.68 def. Coolidge, 5.979, 237.75

 

Billings Final Qualifying

1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.817 seconds, 248.43 mph
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.846, 244.87
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.898, 240.98
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.980, 242.02
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.106, 238.76
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.109, 236.63
7) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, 6.151, 235.56
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 6.268, 232.67

July 15, 2004

Woodburn Race #2 Lucas Oil Series

#1 Bucky Austin, Fife, '02 Firebird, 5.799, 249.44 def.
#8 Roger Bateman, Calgary, '97 Firebird, 5.858, 241.74
#5 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, '02 Camaro, 5.851, 237.34 def.
#4 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, '03 Firebird, 6.019, 202.11
#2 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, '00 Avenger, 5.884, 240.89 def.
#7 Brian Hough, Junction City, '99 Mustang, 6.049, 236.71
#6 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, '98 Firebird, 5.963, 244.49 def.
#3 John Weaver, Orting, '00 Firebird, 6.421, 155.17
Bucky Austin 5.786, 250.69 def. Clint Thompson 5.883, 245.83 Bernie Harrington, 6.032, 227.90 def. Hank Coolidge, foul
Bucky Austin 5.798, 249.79 def. Bernie Harrington, broke (could not make the call)

Woodburn is turning into Bucky Austin's favorite stop in the Lucas Oil series as he won for the fourth time in a row at the Oregon facility, dating back to last year. That is 12-0 in eliminations, and with this win he finally takes the point lead in the division. His win also propells him into the top five in National standings. It was a full pull for the 'Hitter' as he ran low et and top mph in qualifying and in eliminations. A more dominating race is impossible to be had. Next up is Seattle's NW Nationals and he needs to get on the winning track at National Events if he is to have any chance at a top three spot in the year end standings.

 

July 7, 2004

First round: #3Bucky Austin 0.078 5.688 257.24 def #6 Pete Swayne 0.055 5.741 252.14

Semi Finals: Dennis Taylor .105 5.719 251.11 def. Bucky Austin 0.074 5.764 256.75

Bucky had alot of horsepower in Sonoma based on his speed throughout qualifying and elimination's, but he could not get by Dennis Taylor in the semi finals, despite a 3/100ths holeshot. Bucky's next event is Woodburn Dragstrip this weekend for his fifth divisional event of the 2004 season. He won the event here just over a month ago and needs another win to catch John Weaver and to have any realistic chance at the 2004 championship. Stay tuned for the results from Woodburn. The points are updated.

 

 

 

Sonoma California, Div 7 Lucas Oil event.

1 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.689 252.00 252.00
2 714 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.689 249.21 251.39

3 2 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '02 Firebird 5.714 257.14 257.14
4 73 Robert Lee, Whittier CA, '02 Camaro 5.723 254.47 254.47
5 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.745 254.18 254.18
6 747 Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa CA, '02 Firebird 5.751 253.71 253.71
7 9 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '03 Firebird 5.755 252.80 252.80
8 703 Mark Woznichak, Ontario CA, '02 Camaro 5.775 250.46 250.46

 

 

June 19, 2004

A couple shots from Woodburn

June 14, 2004

With the testing we did earlier at Woodbrn Dragstrip this year including a track record 5.64, we were very confident heading into the weekend. With cool weather and a freshly ground race track, the track would be fast.

12 cars were at the event to try and qualify including our 2004 nemesis Clint Thompson. He has taken us out twice so far this year, and it was time for the 'Hitter" to strike back. After qualifying on Friday we were #1 with a 5.71. Here is the top eight after Friday:

1 Bucky Austin, 5.712 250.69
2 John Weaver, 5.756 241.93
3 Brian Hough, 6.057 234.55
4 Clint Thompson, 6.153 211.86
5 Bret Williamson, 6.155 240.89
6 Randy Parker,6.158 214.33
7 Todd Ashwell, 6.279 194.38
8 Hank Coolidge, 6.669 226.81

On Saturday, with everyone getting their tune-up lap in on Friday, I expected the positions and ets to improve quite a bit. We did not improve on the first run and Bret Williamson moved ahead of us by 2/1000's, and a number of other cars moved up as well. We had to get serious to reclaim the # 1qualifier, and give us the best position heading into eliminations. The last qualifier was a good one for us, as Bucky nailed the tune-up and ran a Woodburn Divisional record 5.682. The track had an all 5 second field with Brian Hough sitting in the # 8 spot and our opponent for Sunday's first round.

Saturday first qualifier

1 Bret Williamson 5.710 246.37
2 Bucky Austin 5.712 250.69
3 Dennis Taylor 5.716 249.16
4 John Weaver 5.756 241.93
5 Hank Coolidge 5.908 242.84
6 Brian Hough 5.989 236.65
7 Clint Thompson 6.153 211.86
8 Randy Parker 6.158 214.33

Final qualifier

1 Bucky Austin, 5.682 251.53
2 Bret Williamson, 5.710 246.37
3 Dennis Taylor,5.716 249.16
4 John Weaver, 5.756 241.93
5 Roger Bateman, 5.820 243.17
6 Doug Gordon, 5.831 246.98
7 Hank Coolidge, 5.908 242.84
8 Brian Hough, 5.989 236.65

Final eliminations Sunday:

After a long rain delay in the Morning Sunday we did not get to run first round until 2:00 pm. In the first round , Bucky pretty well repeated his best in qualifying as he ran a 5.688 to defeat a game Brian Hough who ran his best lap of the weekend, a 5.96. He and the family bought John Knox's old Mustang and are improving every lap in the car. In the semi finals, we had the wily veteran Roger Bateman who is in the Dave Dickison car (a car that has been a nemesis for us on a few occasions). Roger left on Bucky but had problems in the run as did we, as we slowed almost 2/10ths, but our 5.81 was more than enough for his 7 second run. In the final round, we took on one of the hottest guys in Funny Car this year, Dennis Taylor. We lost lane choice to Dennis, but the track was in good condition and were not too concerned with whatever lane we were in. We had to get back to the 5.60's in order to win this race, and the tune-up and run ended up perfect. Bucky left on Taylor by 4 thou, and ran low et of the weekend, a 5.671/254 to take a couple car length win over Taylor's 5.781/245 mph.

 

000000000First Round 0000000000000Semis 00000000000000Finals

#1 Austin def #8 Hough

08Austin def. Bateman

Austin def. Taylor

00#5 Bateman def. #4 Weaver

#7 Coolidge def. #2 Williamson

88Taylor def. Coolidge

00#3 Taylor def. #6 Gordon

Go here for the point standings.

 

 

May 10, 2004

Mission Raceway Results

 

 

 

Sunday Eliminations:

1st Round Elim's

#1 Bucky Austin (.131) 5.897 178.60 def. #8 Tim Nemeth (.205) 6.173 237.09

Semi Finals

Clint Thompson (.050) 5.761 251.67 def. Bucky Austin (.093) 14.437 53.89

First round was an easy one despite breaking at 1100 feet and costing tgrough to a 5.89/178, and then in the semi finals we faced Clint Thompson so we knew we had to run a 5.60 or 70 or a to go to the final round. The race was over early as we shook real hard and had to lift giving Thompson his second win of the season against us.

Our five race win streak 16 round win streak in Div 6 competition is over. The next Div. event at Woodburn we will have to start a new streak. The photo highlights from Mission are up.

Final Qualifying:

1 2 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '04 Firebird 5.638 255.97 255.97
2 79 John Weaver, Orting WA, '00 Firebird 5.679 250.34 250.34
3 63 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '98 Firebird 5.834 248.27 248.27
4 65 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '03 Camaro 5.848 248.96 248.96
5 62 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '97 Firebird 5.919 244.03 244.03
6 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '04 Camaro 6.197 225.90 225.90
7 6762 Dany Fillion, Sherwood Park AB, '95 Probe 6.302 220.31 220.31
8 6460 Tim Nemeth, Surrey BC, '96 Cutlass 6.353 227.84 227.84

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 657 Shawn Nault, Anchorage AK, '00 Firebird 6.660 168.35 168.35
10 6992 Forrest LeBlanc, Kent WA, '02 Avenger 6.786 158.56 158.56

March 15, 2004 Our first Divisional event of the year will be Mission May 7-9th. See you there!

 

March 15, 2004

Bucky's divisional record in 2003 was perfect for maximum points earned when he won 5 divisional events for the maximum points eligible. All five events he won were in his home division 6. Hw raced a t a total of 7 dvisionals and runnerupped at Phoenix in the spring andd went to the semi finals at Vegas in the fall. His division 5 wins came at Mission (twice), Seattle and Woodburn (twice).

Everything on this site is copyright © Speedzone Magazine 2003. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reproduced in any way without

written consent of the publisher or the individual copyright holders of images and/or text.