Division 7 champ Pollacheck scores at Woodburn

National Dragster, Sep 10, 2004

WOODBURN DRAGSTRIP, Woodburn, Ore. (July 9-11) - Defending a division championship is never easy, but for Medford, Ore., racer Scott Pollacheck, the 2004 season has been a dogfight. Coming into the second event held this year at Woodburn Dragstrip, it was essential that Pollacheck win in order to keep pace with Northwest Division standouts Steve Miller and Mark Kosler and current points leader Joe Collette, of Boise, Idaho. Pollacheck did just that when he beat Collette in the final.

Using a combination of luck and skill, Pollacheck made his way through the Woodburn field by first defeating North Bend, Ore., racer Craig Rych before taking out former Pacific Division champ John Widmann in round two. A win over a red-lighting Miller, currently third in points, advanced Pollacheck to the final.

Collette's spot in the final came by virtue of wins over fellow Idaho racer Buff Kobs, of Coeur d'Alene, in round one and Coos Bay, Ore., racer Tracy Bailey in the following round. Collette had a semifinal bye.

Despite the chance to extend his Northwest Division points lead, Collette missed the Tree, opening the door for Pollacheck, who scored his first win of the year. He trails Collette by 12 points in Northwest Division standings.