2009 Pontiac Spring Nationals

The 2nd Annual Tulsa Event Now Has A Proven Following

From the February, 2010 issue of High Performance Pontiac

By Larry E. Heck

Photography by Jim White

Despite the threat of rain for the second year in a row and the recent announcement of GM euthanizing Pontiac, the Pontiac Spring Nationals held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, May 9, 2009, showed that dedicated Pontiac lovers will stand together, even during the toughest times.

Members of the Indian Nations Chapter of POCI followed through with another exciting weekend of Pontiac fun at Tulsa Raceway Park.Attendance improved from the inaugural event in all areas with the largest percentage coming from the show field, which doubled in size. These numbers assure the Tulsa-based club that a firm foundation has been set for years to come.

Getting the weekend off to an exciting start, guests were treated to a free supper on Friday night. There were lots of door prizes, and wowing the crowd with more than 50 years of racing stories was the legendary Arnie Beswick. The crowd was treated to a 15-minute production depicting the beginning of Arnie's career and the history of the Pontiac race machines he piloted. Afterward, the floor was opened for questions, which finally had to be shut down after two hours. Arnie then signed autographs and chatted with individuals.

With the first year's event under their belts, everybody was prepared for the 7:30 a.m. gate opening and the beginning of time trials. TRP's crew had the track set up perfectly-the front of the pit area was laid out for the show field, giving participants a short walk to view the track action, and a row of swap vendors was set up for those hard-to-find Pontiac parts.

Attendees had the options of racing, showing their cars, or doing both. This event lends itself to those who normally show only to make a few time trials and get more involved. In between time trials and eliminations, spectators were gathered around Arnie Beswick's tent to pick up a few souvenirs and take a look at the '64 Mystery Tornado Tempest tribute car.

Participating again was the NHRA's hottest Pro Stock driver, Mike Edwards. The YoungLife team made several passes, showing why it's the team to beat.

Despite a fine mist falling, eliminations quickly followed the noon driver's meeting. Track preparations were set, as Kelvin Poe in his '701/2 Trans Am took top honors for e.t. and speed, running an 8.505 e.t. at 151.90 mph. He was runner-up in the AFX/E class and won the Quick 16 shootout.

An Experimental class was set up this year to help bring in more street cars for racing, and Sportsman 8 class drew from the top four finalists in the Super Duty and Ram Air classes. Not only did it give these two classes a chance to run against each other, it was supported with two more cash payouts, just like the more powerful Quick 16. Tyler Loggins wrapped up this class in his '72 GTO, boasting a 0.009 reaction time to beat Larry Parks in his '68 GTO.

Giving the racers and cars a chance to cool down before the finals, the parade of show cars took center stage and awards were presented on the track. The show field was open to all Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC vehicles, and several Pontiac clubs from a neighboring five-state area showed support by attending. Taking home the Best of Show award was Jim Roberts from Glenpool, Oklahoma, with his beautiful original '51 Catalina.

The show field was well represented with a wide range of body styles. A handful of GMC trucks and the large early-year Bonneville and Catalina turnout was giving the GTO and Firebird contingent a run for its money in the show competition.

With the race classes down to the final pairings, fans were treated to some close and tight racing. It appears most of the glory and pay winnings went to the Kansas entries, followed by those from Missouri. The race team of Sharon and Tom Wilhite helped the Kansas crew by taking runner-up positions in both the AFX and Quick 16 classes.

Overall, another successful year was put into the record books. Not only did the event give Pontiac owners a chance to strut their stuff, but it gave another opportunity for old friends to catch up on winter projects and stories.