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Airpark Elite Pylon Race, October 25, 2003 Our final race of the season was held on Oct. 25, 2003. We were pushing our odds a bit since it always snows here in Colorado on Halloween. We had the cold, but not the snow. The wind chill factor put the temperature close to freezing – at least our motors loved it. Even with the cold, the racing was as serious as ever; especially considering Airpark Elite season champions were still undecided ($100 for first, $50 for second, and $25 for third). The money was nothing compared to the potential bragging rights. Turnout was mediocre with 5 in 424 and 6 in 428. Somehow I was once again roped into serving as contest director. Unfortunately a lot of our favorite personalities were absent, thus explaining a less abusive write-up. I’m not sure everyone has their priorities straight (Hal, your hernia-transplant surgery could have been rescheduled for a weekday. Craig, you could have quit your job, and Duane, your mom and dad could have called cuts at #1). As mentioned earlier, the Airpark Elite championships were still up for grabs in both 424 and 428. Going into this our 6th and final race, Alan Thovson had an monstrous 8-point lead in 424 with Steve Vaughn and Gary Johnson tied for second . Brian Neff had a measly 4-point lead in 428 with me, his dad, and John Williams nipping at his heels, moving his trims, loosening his glow plug, leaving his rx battery on, and doing whatever else we could to catch up with Brian. In 424, Gary Johnson, third overall going into the final race, had a stellar day and threatened to snatch victory (and $100) from the jaws of both Alan Thovson and Steve Vaughn. After six months of racing, it came down to the final heat – whoever won the final heat would win the season championship. Fox Sports couldn’t have scripted a better finale – CONGRATULATIONS to Airpark Elite 2003 AMA424 Champion Gary Johnson! – now move up. In 428, only four points divided each of the top five racers; it was anyone’s championship. Mental calculations (obviously at an elementary level) were attempted continuously throughout the day. If Brian Neff zeroed, Kurt Bozarth could win. If Kurt blew a round, Tom Neff could win. And if Tom tanked, John Williams could win. And like a hawk, Mike Farnsworth was just waiting for anyone to slip up. In the end, John Williams won the day, but Brian Neff hung on to win the season points total. On a more pathetic note, Kurt (me), Tom, and Mike had a fly-off for third – all three double cut in less than five laps. CONGRATULATIONS to Airpark Elite 2003 AMA428 Champion Brian Neff! – now move up. But wait, he also won the Q40 championship too! In celebration on the podium, Brian tried to shake up a bottle of fuel and spray it on the crowd just like they do with champagne in NASCAR, but all he managed to do was to get it in his eyes and mouth. Fortunately we have a first aid kit at the field. Regardless of what the forecast was for race day, no one was going to stay in bed (except for the poorly misguided folk mentioned above). Why? Because we had steaks and baked potatoes planned for lunch. Once again, Phil the cook came through with flying colors. We may have set a new standard for next year’s lunch menu. I must ask the question: Ribeyes and racing, or tofu and team scale? Here are the day’s results:
AMA 424 (5) 1st: Gary Johnson, 18 pts 2nd: Steve Vaughn, 12 pts 3rd: Alan Thovson, 9 pts AMA 428 (6) 1st: John Williams, 16 pts 2nd: Brian Neff, 12 pts 3rd: Tom Neff, 10 pts Airpark Elite 2003 Season Championship Results (best 5 out of 6 races):
AMA 424 1st: Gary Johnson, 54 pts 2nd: Alan Thovson, 53 pts 3rd: Steve Vaughn, 48 pts AMA 428 1st: Brian Neff, 66 pts 2nd: Kurt Bozarth, 60 pts 3rd: Tom Neff, 56 pts John Williams, 56 pts See
ya next year.
Kurt Bozarth |