September 17-18, Mission Raceway

There wasn't anyone at the track who actually thought that there would be racing this weekend, but Mother Nature still likes a good old fashion shifter race.

After much prep by the track and participation by a number of Super Shifters in the Mission 500, (thank you Darren, Christine, Shelby, Bob, Dale) which helped get racing underway.  It was decided that the group picture would be taken on the Saturday as Sunday was not looking very promising.  You can see the picture on the BC Super Shifter Facebook page. 

Racing started  just shortly after noon.  Unfortunately a shortage of staff in Tower caused some grief with the ladders.  (Super Shifters, Hot Rod, Sportsman). The volunteers who were helping were becoming a hindrance (Sorry guys). Mission allowed one time trial and had a clean up round to get all the late comers onto their appropriate ladder.  A great theory, the execution not so much.  Tom Tillyer had problems with his Trans Am but was able to run in the make up round.  Unfortunately a lack of knowledge by the volunteer prevented him from being put on the ladder even though he was the number one qualifier.  He was put at the bottom of the ladder and thus did not get the bye.

In round one Justin Gallant got the bye.  Terry Hoogstins took out Wilf Friesen with a 10.74 run on a 10.71 dial in and .122 light.  Gord Merkley took out Mike Pollock with a 10.92 run on a 10.86 dial in and .026 light. Dan Ford took out Darren Dilley with a 10.67 run on a 10.49 dial in and .061 light.  Scott Nation took out Tiva Matautia; both broke out but Scott broke out the least with a 9.48 run on a 9.55 dial in and .165 light.   Paul Morgan red lit giving the win to Tom Tillyer who ran a 14.96 on a 13.78 dial in and .021 light.  Wayne Davis took out John De Pourcq with a 10.49 run on a 10.42 dial in and .049 light.  Tonya Pleines took out Rory McNeil with a 9.11 run on a 9.10 dial in and .093 light. Kim Bailey took out Danny Wojtowicz with a 13.44 run on a 11.75 dial in and .076 light.  Dave Cosgrave red lit giving the win to Graham Taylor who ran a 12.02 on a 11.89 dial in and .049 light. Scott Winterbottom and Jamie Roth both broke out. Scott won with a 10.14 run on a 10.15 dial in and .034 light. Jamie had a 10.71 run on a 10.72 dial in and .058 light. Dale Posnick red lit giving the win to Keith Winterbottom who ran a 10.10 on a 10.14 dial in and a .284 light.

In round two Tonya Pleines red lit giving the win to Gord Merkley who ran a 10.89 on 10.85 dial in and .049 light. Dan Ford took out Justin Gallant with a 10.53 run on a 10.49 dial in and .053 light. Scott Nation took out Tom Tillyer with a 9.65 run on a 9.46 dial in and .026 light. Wayne Davis red lit giving the win to Keith Winterbottom who ran a 10.13 on a 10.10 dial in and .105 light.  Terry Hoogstins took out Scott Winterbottom with a 10.73 run on a 10.70 dial in and .006 light.  Yes that's right, Scott actually lost.  Kim Bailey was having problems with his truck and wasn't able to stage giving the win to Graham Taylor.

Round  three saw Terry Hoogstins take out Dan Ford with a 10.73 run on a 10.70 dial in and .046 light (deja vu). Graham Taylor red lit giving the win to Gord Merkley who ran a 11.06 on a 10.87 dial in and .284 light. Scott Nation took out Keith Winterbottom with a 9.49 run on a 9.45 dial in and .068 light.

Round four was an unusual round.  Gord Merkley had the single so he opted to stage the car then  back out.  Terry Hoogstins broke just after the burn out box so he wasn't able to stage the car.  Scott Nation forgot to wait for the lights which technically was an immediate disqualification.

After clarification of the rules, the win was awarded to Gord Merkley.  Gord however agreed to run Scott Nation and won the race with a 11.14 run on a 10.87 dial in and .099 light.  Congratulations Gord.  The head up the butt award will be delivered to Scott Nation in time for Christmas for everyone's viewing pleasure.

Sunday was again another rainy day but things were looking bright in the East and the Mission crew was not ready to call it a day.  Racing again got started shortly after noon.  A full contingent of staff in the Tower resulted in correct ladders for round one.

In round one Graham Taylor took out Terry Hoogstins with a 12.11 run on a 11.97 dial in and .097 light.  Dale Posnick red lit giving the win to Justin Gallant who ran a 10.74 on a 10.74 dial in and .006 light.  Gord Merkley took out Keith Winterbottom with a 10.87 run on a 10.87 dial in and .014 light.  Brian Cook and Will Zoric both red lit but the win went to Brian Cook who ran a 13.79 on a 13.80 dial in a -.001 light. So close. Jamie Roth took out Danny Wojtowicz with a 10.69 run on a 10.70 dial in and .023 light.  Dan Ford took out Rory McNeil with a 10.49 run on a 10.44 dial in and .084 light. Scott Winterbottom took out Mike Pollock with a 9.96 run on a 9.99 dial in and .040 light.  Tiva Matautia took out Darren Dilley with a 13.36 run on a 13.00 dial in and .153 light.

Unfortunately we never got to round two as the rain came back.  The prize money was split between the racers still in eliminations. 

The winner for the 2011 race season was Scott Winterbottom.  2^nd place Keith Winterbottom, 3^rd place Terry Hoogstins, 4^th place Justin Gallant, 5^th place Dan Ford.

The year end awards will be given out at the Mission Raceway awards banquet on November 26, 2011.  Tickets can be ordered by calling the Tower.  Eric and Laura Rowlett will be hosting the hospitality suite this year.  

The annual Christmas Party is scheduled for December 10^th at Dale Posnick's house.  Maps and bread crumbs will be available for those unfamiliar with Maple Ridge.  Santa is anticipated to make an appearance.

Many thanks to the Mission Raceway staff and in particular to Brian Nawyn. The man truly has patience.  Many thanks to Bob and Shelby Fedyk who took some amazing pictures and video of this year's Super Shifter members.  DVD's will be sent out to the members. 

Well, it's time to hibernate.  The 2012 race season is only 6 months away, so enjoy the time off.

See you next year.