2-22-04

Rolling Thunder Series

(Presented by Rock Island Racing)

A Division of TRAC

Paul Practically Perfect With Plenty of Ponies!

2 22 04 Rolling Thunder Podium.JPG (1144922 bytes)

On Sunday February 22^nd, 16 Rolling Thunder Racers assembled at the home of MATT PAUL, to compete in race number 3 of the 2004 season, on the San Gabriel Valley Raceway, a tricky, quirky track that often produces fast and ugly racing…..that’s a good thing!

In the qualifying Round Robin, RICK JOCHAM continued his Rolling Thunder dominance, leading the field with an 85 lap total, including a slammin’ 22 laps on the Blue ‘money’ lane, good for 5 bonus points. JOCHAM was not uncontested, however, as host PAUL logged in with 84 laps, also with a 22 on Blue, and good for 4 bonus points. One of the surprises of the season, so far, GREG WILLEY, had a very strong 83 lap run, for third place and 3 big bonus points. Defending series champion MIKE ENGELAGE also had 83 laps, just shy of WILLEY in track position, for fourth place and 2 bonus points. The final bonus point for 5^th place went to SCOTT DUNLAP, for his solid 82 lap effort.

At this point the field was cut from 16 to 12, for a Round Robin Semi. The top 2 racers, JOCHAM and PAUL drew a bye to the Final, as they watched to see who they’d be racing. In this round, DUNLAP took control, posting a strong 84lap total, including 22’s on both inside lanes! DOUG BROWN and MICKEY HURTADO, had a great battle for the second spot in this semi, both posting solid 82’s, with BROWN nosing out HURTADO by a few feet of track position. At this point, there was one spot left in the Final for the next racer to cross the finish line. The battle for this spot was epic, between ENGELAGE, GREG DAVIS, and PAUL HAGAN. ENGELAGE was consistent, with (3) 21’s but, the Yellow lane did him in, as he scored only 18 laps for an 81 total. DAVIS was consistent as well, posting all 20’s and a 21, also for an 81 lap total. HAGAN had the only 22 among these three racers, but the 19 on Yellow took some of the punch out of that 22, as he also totaled 81 laps. The last spot in the Final was determined by track position and when the dust settled, it was DAVIS who edged out ENGELAGE, who edged out HAGAN. Wow…what a finish!

The Final was set, with PAUL and JOCHAM coming back from a long rest, squaring off against DUNLAP, BROWN, HURTADO and DAVIS. Three racers, BROWN, HURTADO, and DAVIS were making their first appearance in a Final, this season. Congratulations, guys. Making the Final has gotten extremely difficult. Your hard work has paid off!

The early pace was set by JOCHAM and PAUL, posting 22’s. As things progressed to the half-way point, JOCHAM, PAUL, and DUNLAP opened up a lap or two lead over the other 3 racers. With one heat to go, the race was still up for grabs, between the three speedsters. With 21’s and 22’s flying around everywhere, this was a real nail biter. JOCHAM, undefeated this season and wanting to keep it that way, ran strong. He posted a pair of 22’s en route to a jammin’ 85 lap total. However, there was also another 85, delivered by SCOTT DUNLAP, but a few feet shy of JOCHAM’S. PAUL, however, didn’t post an 85. But, he did post an 86, including an awesome performance on all lanes. He posted 21’s on the gutters and 22’s on the middles, proving to be too much for the other racers, and enabling him to do what nobody else has been able to do…..beat RICK JOCHAM. It definitely took a monumental effort for PAUL to do it, as JOCHAM is always a top contender. PAUL has proven himself to be one of the premiere car builders in the circuit and, dare I say, in the country. He is never at a loss for horsepower or handling ability, and this year, his driving ability has caught up to his car building ability.

PAUL becomes the second different racer to go to Victory lane, in three races. Congratulations, Matt, for a great, hard fought battle, and your trip to the checkers.

The battle for fourth was close as BROWN’S 22 on Blue allowed him to hold off DAVIS, with a narrow 83-82 finish. HURTADO was solid and consistent but, just didn’t have the speed that the guys on the podium had, as he finished with 80 laps for sixth.

This was a great, fast, close race. The season is really heating up, as we are seeing different people in the Winner’s circle, as well as new faces constantly popping up in Final. As things are progressing, it will be quite an achievement to finish the season in the Top 5….or even Top 10! Way to go guys. Everybody’s cooperation, contributions and support, keep TRAC and Rolling Thunder going strong! Thanks also, to our sponsors, who generously donate prizes to increase the fun and participation in our program. Please patronize them for all of the finest products and services. See our sponsors on any of the websites affiliated with TRAC Racing.

www.RockIslandRacing.com

www.slotcar.itgo.com

www.frayjet.itgo.com

Finishing Order

1. MATT PAUL 175+5+4=184

2. RICK JOCHAM 170+5 =175

3. SCOTT DUNLAP 165+1+5=171

4. DOUG BROWN 160+4 =164

5. GREG DAVIS 155

6. MICKEY HURTADO 150

7. MIKE ENGELAGE 146+2 =148

8. PAUL HAGAN 142