Bruce Mullins Racing Back on Track in Late 2001

By Bruce Mullins

After some mid season problems, Bruce Mullins and the War Horse are back on track.
Photo by Greg Gage

Hello. I know I said I would try to keep everyone updated, but the summer has been a very busy one.

With some help from friends, I finally got the torched head problem fixed and the War Horse got back to its true form. We qualified #3 at the divisional at Numidia, PA, but I red lighted against Bob Newberry first round. At least the heads didn't have to come off after that weekend. 

Then we went to Englishtown for the next divisional and I was on a good pass until a rocker arm broke at the 1000 foot mark. I felt the car lose power so I shut it off. The ET was still a 6.00. Not bad. Then the rain came in, forcing a postponement. At the time, we were qualified #5. 

Two weeks later, we arrived at Cecil County (one of my favorite tracks) and we really had fun. When qualifying was done, we were #5. First round, I beat Bruce Peterson, Jr., on a holeshot. My 5.99 beat his 5.97. That was needed for the points. At the time, I was #6 and he was #4, so he needed to go out early. Next round was against Paul Gill. Paul broke about 100 feet off the starting line and I went a 5.98 for the win, putting me in our first final of the year against, who else, Frank Manzo. What can you say? At least if you get beat, it is by the best!

Two weeks later, we went back to E-town for the rerun of the rained out event. First round, I took out Eric Lourie to set up a date with Mr. Manzo once again. And once again, he still had too much and drove away for a win. The round wins we got at the last two divisionals moved us into the top 5 in the points chase, which was our main goal at the beginning of the year. We still have one more points race to go to at Bristol, Tennessee.

Unfortunately, the tragedies that happened this past Tuesday called for a postponement of the Keystone Nats. I am not sure if I will be able to attend the rescheduled date. The divisional at Bristol the following weekend is more important to us to maintain the top 5 position, so I don't think a trip to beautiful Maple Grove will happen.

The IHRA President's Cup is coming up and that could be the next stop for the War Horse. I don't know for sure yet, but I will try to keep you posted.

Bruce Mullins
mullinsracing@hotmail.com
www.brucemullins.com