Taylor Tops TOPMA Field at TXR!

Text by Celeste Smith ~ Photo by Toyse Woody

Twelve Pro Mod teams braved the early heat to come out and race for the crown. After 2 rounds of qualifying, here's how everything unfolded.

#1 Frankie Taylor - 3.798 at 196.99 (Track ET & MPH record)
#2 Gene Hector - 3.888 at 187.99 mph
#3 Ken Thomas - 4.006 at 179 mph
#4 Thomas Myers - 4.052 at 179 mph
#5 Steve Wiley - 4.168 at 179 mph
#6 David Baldwin - 4.400 at 161 mph
#7 Jim Brinkerhoff - 4.419 at 160 mph
#8 Chuck Nuytten - 4.449 at 130 mph
#9 Eric Clark - 4.461 at 163 mph
#10 Steve Gorman - 4.542 at 157 mph
#11 Chuck Poindexter - 4.698 at 151 mph
#12 Gaylen Smith - 6.661 at 68 mph

First Round:

Ken Thomas (W) 3.996 at 179 mph (.070 RT)

David Baldwin (RU) 4.692 at 142 mph (.120 RT)

David was late off the tree but it didn't matter because Ken was on a nice run.

Gene Hector (W) 3.940 at 187 mph (.032 RT)

Jim Brinkerhoff (RU) 4.409 at 158 mph (.017 RT)

The SBM crew had Gene's car flying all night.

Frankie Taylor (W) 3.801 at 193 mph (.042 RT)

Chuck Nuytten (RU) 4.326 at 144 mph (-.184 RT)

Chuck gave it away on the tree but it didn't really matter. The consistency of Frankie's car here lately seems to be untouchable.

Thomas Myers (W) 5.006 at 100 mph (.009 RT)

Steve Wiley (RU) 10.342 at 44 mph (.028 RT)

Steve and the crew stepped the Red Reaper up a little and it didn't like the changes. The car instantly blew the tires off giving Thomas a chance on his off-paced run.

Semi-Finals:

Frankie Taylor (W) 3.783 at 197 mph (.050 RT) **Track Record ET and MPH**

Thomas Myers (RU)4.063 at 180 mph (.008 RT)

Despite the hole shot for Thomas, he had nothing for the big end where Frankie set both ends of the track record again.

Gene Hector (W) 4.034 at 184 mph (.010 RT) **Best Reaction time points**

Ken Thomas (RU) 4.048 at 177 mph (.035 RT)

WOW, this was a close race. They looked like they were tied together but it was the small block mafia taking the win.

Finals:

Frankie Taylor (W) 3.791 at 198.64 mph (.052 RT) **New MPH Track Record**

Gene Hector (RU) 6.295 at 72 mph (.026 RT)

Gene left first but it was all over after that. The SBM vette had to abort the run while the mad man was on another record setting run.

Congratulations to Frankie Taylor and the Taylor/Haning Crew for your victory and stellar performance all night and also to Gene Hector and the Small Block Mafia crew for your runner-up finish as well. Great Job Guys!!!

Celeste Smith