Bucky Austin Wins Woodburn Opener

By David Hapgood
Photos by David Hapgood and Nolan Hibbard

It was a small wonder that this event ever made it into the record books. Heavy rains washed out portions of both Saturday and Sunday programs. Saturday was plagued by low track temps and heavy crosswinds. On Sunday, weather conditions varied considerably from hour to hour. It was a tuner's nightmare!

The field of 13 TAFCs certainly ranked with the largest alky match races of this era. It was supplemented by five TADs, a pair of jets, a pair of Pro Mods, and an AA/FA. All in all, a strong entry list.

As always in Division 6 TAFC racing, the question was 'Who can beat Bucky Austin.' Clint Thompson had done just that two weeks earlier at the Mission BC points race and John Weaver had gone on to win the Mission event: both were on hand at Woodburn. Bucky Austin was in need of a victory.

Austin and crew seemed unfazed by their recent downturn in luck, posting a 5.873/241.35 on Saturday while others who ventured out onto the cold track (85 degree track temp) skated, shook and danced with the wind and the centerline. Only Russ Parker's 6.047/224.55 came close. Austin would have more in store for the competition on Sunday.

Here is a look at Saturday's action.

Dan Hix had his Fontana powered AAFA launching hard but the car was plagued by tire shake all weekend, culminating in the rear wing shaking off on their final pass.

Russ Parker was second fastest TAFC on Saturday. He broke into the 'fives' on Sunday.

Steve Laskowske's pretty Super Gas Corvette.

Brandon Johnson under Saturday's heavy clouds. Ended up 3rd fastest TAD on Sunday with a 5.715/249.58.

Todd Ashwell off to a rough start- car would not go into reverse after this burnout. Came back on Sunday with career-best 6.114/229.06.

Bill Hosford ran Richard Smith to close Saturday's program.

On Sunday, this was the format for race day: two qualifying rounds and the two quickest TAFCs would go on to the final. The weather had turned around, or so it seemed, with patchy clouds and much sun. The track temp was 117- nearly 30 degrees warmer than Saturday- and even the crosswinds had died off.

Things were looking up for round one, with most of the drivers posting their best passes of the weekend- led by Bucky Austin and John Weaver at 5.698 and 5.765 respectively. Clint Thompson was a close third at 5.821. And then, just as the second round was about to get underway a major storm front hit the track and we were down for a several hour rain delay. For a while, it seemed that the event might be finished. Then the clouds slowly lifted and track drying got underway. Fortunately, Woodburn Dragstrip owns a jet dryer.

The second round was held late in the afternoon, with the finalists (Austin and Weaver) chosen on the basis of their first round performances. Here is a look at some of Sunday's action.

Kim Parker led the alcohol dragster entries with a 5.583/253.59.

Gregg Lawrence's A/FD was second fastest at 5.662/250.14 but the team was really struggling, as this was several tenths off their usual pace. Nevertheless, the fuel car was much appreciated by the fans.

Jim Peters in the Peters family TAFC.

Divisional Champ Joey Severance was 5th fastest in TAD.

Garry Fauble's "Scream" Pro Mod.

Steve Cartier's '63 corvette Pro Mod ran consistent 6.40's all weekend.

The best-looking racecar at the event was this stealth all-primer mustang (OK, I'm expressing a biased opinion!). It is the comeback entry of former NHRA National event winner, Brian Hough, who has been out of the driver's seat for 7 years. This car is the former John Knox Froggy entry. The team made several clean passes on this weekend, hitting a 6.049/230.23. Car is shown here minutes before the skies opened up.

This is what a wet drag strip looks like. 

Sunshine! Forrest LeBlanc readies for the second session.

The one and only Ronnie Richardson in the "Rapid Transit" cutlass. 

Matt Goss hit a 6.162/232.43 on this pass. Not bad for a nostalgia shell and alcohol.

Bill Edwards in his first Woodburn appearance in a decade. The 2002/2003 AHRA-Spokane world champ was 4th fastest in TAD at Woodburn with a 5.840/240.06

Dave Germain's "Germinator" gets defrosted.

Clint Thompson (near lane) up against Randy Parker in the "Mercedes Shop" Camaro.

The Rice Racing Camaro out of Idaho, Jon Rice at the wheel.

FINAL ROUND: the two quickest TAFCs met in the final- Bucky Austin and John Weaver. This was a great drag race. Weaver left first (.068 to .083) but Austin was on his way to setting a new track record at 5.647/253.87. Weaver gave it a good shot at 5.883/242.98.

Richard Smith and Bill Hosford closed out the event with their jet FCs. It seemed a little hard to believe, but Woodburn's Baxter Auto Parts/ Leif's Season Opener had survived the weather and ran to completion. Good show!

David Hapgood

hapgood_d@hotmail.com