Championship Drag Racing

ACDelco NHRA Nationals
Las Vegas
(Oct. 24-27)

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Bob Bode Pro Motorsports Pontiac Pro Stocker

Reports: Sunday

Las Vegas, Sunday: The NHRA race in Las Vegas boasted the season's largest field of racecars entered in the top two professional classes: Top Fuel and Funny Car. In the Funny Car category it would also register as the fastest field of the season.

The Pro Motorsports Funny Car qualified in the third session at No. 14. It ran what continues to be its favorite number, a 4.93. At the conclusion of Saturday's running, the racecar would hold onto the 16th qualifying spot. Nine other capable teams would be sent back to their trailers.

Crew chief Glenn Mikres looked back over the season and the team's progress with satisfaction.

"Since Denver our performance has been much better," he said. "We had three qualifications in a row, then four, and if we make it at Pomona it will be five. It's a lot easier knowing we can qualify with the bad guys."

Reflecting on their shared history, driver Bob Bode labeled what is known as the "Greedy Drag Racer."

"Before we had it," he said. "We wanted it. Now were qualifying four times and we want the fifth. We want to do whatever is the next best thing. We need that desire to excel."

The next performance goal for the team might be running in the 4.80's range.

"If were stuck in the 90's, it's a good thing, but we think we're a 4.80's car," Bode said. "The car wants to run 4.80's. There is only a minor piece missing."

Mikres revealed that the cars fourth failed qualifying attempt was a reach for a 4.80.

"We changed bodies before this race," he said. "The body we put on has more downforce. The downforce may have hurt us a little bit. The same run with our other body may have been a 4.89; but we need to keep this body on and make it work."

The body used for this race had been resurfaced under the care of associated sponsor Kevin Ketchum. Ketchum also secured the contributions of the skilled and renounced pop artist, Frank Kozak.

"Frank was ecstatic to do this and have his art work on a real hot rod," Ketchum said. "It was a big thrill for him."

Over his approximately 25-year career, Kozak clients have include many familiar names like Coors Beer and Slim Jim. Producing records under his own record label, designing album covers and concert posters are only part of Kozaks recognized works as a commercial artist. Pro Motorsports welcomes Frank Kozak and appreciates his willingness to be a part of their designing future.

Also adding to the total look of the Funny Car for Vegas, was the banner of the Casino Royale. This sponsorship of accommodations was appreciated for the second time this year. Bode related how people in the casino wished him good luck after seeing the sponsor's name being focused on during television coverage of the NHRA event. He designated Casino Royale's help, "a really nice relationship."

On Sunday morning the Pro Motorsports Funny Car would face off against the No. 1 qualifier. Again Mikers set the machine to run what he projected could be a 4.90. The car wouldn't make it down the course.

"We thought we had it, but we didn't," Mikres said. "The blower started to go away, a cylinder dropped, the car moved towards the center line, it was over,"

In spite of the results at this event Mikres expressed optimism for Pomona, "The challenge is the 80's," he said. "At Pomona we could finally fulfill our goals."

Bode was equally undaunted. "This season has been my living a dream," he said. "I want it to stay just like this forever, but I want it to get better, and it will!"