Northeast finally gets ahead of the weather

By Wendy Curling

April 19, 2008

            Racers at Northeast Dragway have come to watch the weather forecast as close, if not closer, than they watch their bank accounts. While the rain is much needed in the region, the question remained, “Why can’t it rain during the week instead of Saturday night?”

            Racers finally got their wish and were able to complete racing in all five brackets for the first time since the season opened March 1^st.  Saturday also marked the first points race of the season with competitors in all brackets hoping for the chance to claim an early lead.

            Dennis Hixson of Virginia Beach walked away with the first place trophy in Top Eliminator. Hixson dialed his Chevy Camaro in at 6.71 and ran 6.727 at 100.90 mph to take the win over John Knapp of Smithfield.

             In Modified action, Jamie Lukeman of Suffolk put his Chevy S-10 in the winner’s circle with his final round win over Gary McDonald of Virginia Beach.

   Jimmy Creech of Newport News and Big Kev Richardson of Norfolk faced off in the final round of Pro Bike competition with Creech taking the win.

 Tony Boone of Tyner, the reigning Street Class Track Champion, dominated his division by taking the win over Rob Fleming of Chesapeake.

   Chesapeake racers Erin Arledge and Carey Curling ran for the trophy in the Junior Dragster class. Arledge  ran 7.94 on her 7.92 dial at 80 mph to take the win.

   Racing continues this weekend beginning with Test and Tune Friday night from 7 to 10 pm followed by Bracket and Index racing on Saturday. Gates will open at 1, time runs begin at 3, followed by eliminations at 5 pm. Sunday morning gates will open at 10 am for all day motorcycle racing from 12 to 7 pm. Log onto www.northeastdragway.net for more track news, updates, and upcoming events.