Considering blistering 100+ temps, Pontiac owners proved nothing would stop them from attending the 3rd Annual Tulsa Pontiac Nationals. There was a packed house on Friday evening and everyone was all ears as Jim Wangers unleashed his story of the downfall of Pontiac, which was followed up by free food and door prizes supplied by the Indian Nations Pontiac Club.
Gates opened Saturday morning at 7:30am allowing racers a full day of tuning and earning bragging rights. We had racers and car show participants from at least seven different states despite the high temps. There were several vendors on-hand selling both parts and cars, which helped round out the event.
Everyone was astounded by the opening ceremonies, as one of the largest parade flags in the country was displayed on the track for the national anthem. Race numbers were up, which is a good sign for future events, while the car show field was full with folks and show cars. A large variety of models enhanced the show field making it tough on the judges to do their job. Taking home the Best of Show award was Merril Suttee of Willard MO with his ’68 GTO.
Race fans were entertained with the running of the GeeTO Tiger and also a heads up grudge match between Randy Frazier of Texas and Robert O'Neal of Arkansas, both supporting ’60s style front engine dragsters.
With the day winding down, Don Fenton defeated Ray Brown both of Texas in the Ram Air class, while in the Super Duty class Tim Dodson of Oklahoma took his ’69 LeMans to the winners circle by defeating Shawn Patterson who broke out. Proving the heat was not a factor to him, Jason Hennessey of Missouri defeated Steven Cummings of Tulsa in the finals of the AFX class. Jason dialed a 10.26 and ran a 10.271 at 129.03 mph against Steven's 9.637 at 137.82 but had dialed a 9.65. Kelvin Poe with his consistent Firebird ran a 8.694 at 152.09, which he dialed at 8.66, went home as the Quick 16 winner defeating Duane Ray and his 63 LeMans which had dialed a 9.87 and ran a 9.939 at 133.39 mph.
The upcoming 4th Annual Tulsa Pontiac Nationals will be held on April 30th, 2011. Gates open at the Tulsa Raceway Park at 7:30am. For more information contact Larry at gtovette@cox.net or 918.798.2765.