Dunphy Takes Lead as Larson Exits in Dramatic Day at Cordova
After Tuesday’s rainout at Byron Dragway, Hot Rod Drag Week finally got back underway Wednesday at Cordova Dragway, although competitors had to wait again as light sprinkling rain delayed the start.
Once the track opened, the drama came quickly. Five-times Drag Week champion Larry Larson is out of the event after his only run of the day ended with the car making an ominous pop and slowing to a seven-second pass. Larson’s exit is an unusual occurrence for one of Drag Week’s most accomplished competitors.
At the sharp end of the field, Ned Dunphy took control of the overall competition. Dunphy’s first attempt was wild, with the car crossing the center line, but he came back with a 6.080 to officially take the lead at the halfway point of the week.
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Bryant Goldstone had another difficult day with some hard launches that ultimately didn't translate into a clean run down the track. He settled for a 7.193, leaving him second overall.
In Ultimate Iron, Les Smith continues to hold the top spot after putting a 6.982 on the board with his SMX-powered Camaro.
The Pro Street battle remains one of the closest at the top of the field. Glenn Hunter holds the advantage with a 7.122 average, while Nick Rinehart is right behind at 7.136. Rinehart’s Nova closed the gap in spectacular fashion late in the day with a 6.786.
Jeremiah Kirby leads Pro Street NA with a 7.786 average, while rival Matt Sweet has withdrawn from the event.
In Modified, Michael Manuel extended his advantage with a 7.088, giving him a 7.385 average. Australia’s Mike Ward is back on a 7.695 average.
Cal Hayward had a much cleaner day after his braking-area excursion on Monday. He recorded a 7.553 to maintain his position at the front of Super Street Big Block Power Adder.
Super Street Small Block Power Adder remains another competitive battle, with Kenneth Selner leading on a 7.795 average over Tony Karamitsos, who sits at 7.951.
Michael Remines is building a lead in All Motor Big Block, carrying an 8.642 average, while Warren Witmer leads All Motor Small Block in his ’85 Ford Mustang with a 9.458 average.
In Street Race Big Block NA, Chris Roscoe has the advantage with an 8.591 average over Brian Acton’s 8.745.
The Street Race Small Block Power Adder battle is even tighter, with Jason Rousseau and Josh Lapins tied at 8.509 averages. With the two separated by essentially nothing halfway through the week, this is shaping up as one of the classes to watch over the remaining days.
A/Gas is similarly close, with Robbie Wysuph holding an 8.678 average and Wayne Baker just behind at 8.758.
See the full results here.
With the racing complete, competitors faced a 255-mile drive across Illinois to St. Louis, closing out a long day that began with another weather delay.
And the weather may be another factor tomorrow. Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 95 degrees in St. Louis, a significant change from the cooler and unsettled conditions that have followed Drag Week through its opening days.
With the field now halfway through the week, the combination of rising temperatures, accumulated wear and a long road ahead should make Thursday a very different test.
