Griggs win with support from Casper

By Wendy Curling

Wikipedia defines friendship as "the cooperative and supportive relationship between two or more people". It could easily include a photo of Bobby Griggs and Jesse Casper.

Griggs, of Outta Pocket Racing fought his way to the Modified class winner's circle Saturday at Northeast Dragway and ended a two-year winless streak, with a little support from his friend.

When Bobby G lost in the second round of points competition to Casper of Beach Boyz Racing, he knew all was not lost. He knew he could buy back in and possibly win, although he would no longer collect points. What he did not know was that a violent wheel stand by his bright orange Chevy Malibu in the fifth round would break an oil line and threaten to end his night for good. 

Casper, who was out of competition, came to his rescue and quickly helped him repair the damaged oil line and stood by to cheer his friend on through two more rounds and then on to victory.

"That's how it is", said Griggs, smiling as he looked at his winner's circle photo where he was flanked by his wife and good friend Casper, "We help each other out, even if he beats me and I lose points". 

Griggs defeated Anthony Griekspoor in the final round where both drivers ran dead on their dials but Griggs had  best reaction time which accounted for most of the .041 margin of victory. 

Brian Maine celebrated his first Top Eliminator win of the year in his dragster with his final round win over Jeff Moore of Elizabeth City. Maine posted a .011 reaction time and ran 5.02 on his 4.95 dial while Moore fouled with a red light start.

Rich Walker regained the  points lead in the Street class as he won all rounds including the final in his Dodge Dart. Walker defeated Tim Bateman in the final in a double break-out run where Walker broke out by the lesser amount.

Willie Warren took the win over Big Kev Richardson in the final round of Pro Bike. Warren was best off the  line but Richardson was off the  pace and could not run his dial.

"Daddy's Girl"driver Erin Arledge returned to Junior Dragster racing after taking a week off and claimed her second win of the year. Arledge earned a bye to the final round where she faced Gage Shreeves of McDonald Farms Racing. In the double break out run, Shreeves had the worst foul, giving Arledge the win.

Regular E.T. Bracket racing is scheduled for Saturday with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. Time runs start at one, followed by eliminations at 3:00 p.m. Friday night Test and Tune will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Log onto www.northeastdragway.net for more details and upcoming events.