Kubo wins (again), sets national record (again)

National Dragster, Apr 2, 2004

PRO FWD

General Motors cars continued their stranglehold on Pro FWD, recording their eighth straight win in the class dating back to early 2003. This time, in a duplicate of the 2003 season finale, the win went to the Saturn Ion coupe of Lisa Kubo, who again defeated 2003 season champ Nelson Hoyos and reset the national e.t. record in the process. The win was the second straight for Kubo after Hoyos had won six straight last season with his Chevy Cavalier.

Kubo, who set the record at 8.04 in Pomona last fall, clocked a dizzying 8.028 in qualifying and needed until the final round to back up the mark for the record. In an all-Ecotec-powered final round, Kubo's APC/Valvoline-backed racer, tuned by husband Gary, ran an 8.05 at 180.79 mph to best Hoyos' 8.39 at 180.48.

"That had to be the best race of the day," said Kubo. "Our Saturn Ion was fast, straight, and it did everything you could ever expect from a Pro FWD car. We were also able to back up the record. This was a great way to start the season."

Kubo's final-round win was marked by a scare as the parachutes became entangled in the wheelie bars.

"I had to nail the brakes really hard, and the car started moving around a little bit," she related. "It's drama for me all the time."

Kubo's day was made even better by her opening-round triumph over longtime hot Rod-class rival JoJo Callos, who made his Pro FWD debut with his Hot Rod Acura; Callos is awaiting delivery of a new Nissan.

"It was important to beat that Acura in round one so that we could put the two Ecotec-powered race cars in the final," said Kubo, who not only had to battle Callos but a roofmounted switch box that fell onto her lap as she powered down the course to a convincing 8.390 to 9.273 victory.

"It's a big deal to win the first race of the year," said Kubo. "This is what sets the tone for the remainder of the season, and it's important that you get off to a good start. We were fortunate to run well this weekend. I hope this gives us the necessary jump start to keep the ball rolling."