Alky Funny Car Action at 75-80
Story and Photos by Tim Pratt
Jonathan Jones points out the Draglist decal on Bunny Burkett's machine.
Photo by Tim Pratt
Bunny Burkett's War on Wheels Funny Car circuit invaded 75-80 Dragway in Monrovia, Maryland, on May 20. Unfortunately, rain held the event to one round only. The event ran on the eighth mile.
Here's what happened during the first and only round of Funny Car racing.
Virginian Greg Beckner took his pure Chevy Corvette up against Bunny Burkett's Mopar. The lady took the win, 4.19, 178.8 to defeat the Chevy's 5.09, 115.0. Greg Beckner got out of the groove, showing the starting line the left side of
the 'Vette when the car got up on the corners of the rear slicks. Bunny's run
stood up as Low ET and Top Speed of the Meet.
Leroy Dewdney meets Bill Naves before rain canceled things. Photo by Tim Pratt
Bill Naves then took the Shooting Star Cutlass up against Leroy Dewdney's Pure Insanity Avenger. Naves'
North Carolina machine went 4.50, 146.3 to defeat Leroy's 6.50 at 72.1. Naves and Dewdney had a fun ride as well, with Naves pulling the chutes early to control the car.
Gerry Thalacker faces Mike Preslar in a battle of North Carolina. Photo by Tim Pratt
Two more North Carolinians met next, as Mike Preslar faced Gerry Thalacker. Preslar's Alliance Trucking Schools '01 Corvette took the win, 4.55, 156.8 to 5.25, 100.5. Preslar had a decent run, but Thalacker had a fun ride, shutting off early in his Firebird.
That was it for the action as the rains soon fell. Here
are some shots from the pits.
Gerry Thalacker made a rare trip north with his Firebird.
Greg Beckner keeps hope alive
for all the pure Chevy fans. Photos by Tim Pratt
Leroy Dewdney's Pure Insanity gets work while doorslammer superstar Tommy Howes
looks on. Bill Naves' Shooting Star gets ready. Photos by Tim Pratt
A real treat for me was the chance to meet Carol Henson who was on hand with Bunny Burkett. This was the first time in six years that Carol had been to the track and she was having a great time.
Carol and Carol (Bunny Burkett and Carol Henson).
Photo by Tim Pratt
Tim Pratt
tim@aligature.com