Smith notches first SoCal win in Fontana

CALIFORNIA DRAGWAY, Fontana, Calif. (Feb. 5) - Glen Smith has won Super Gas at an NHRA national event and finished runner-up at another, but in more than 10 years of Southern California association racing, his best finish was a semifinal. That changed at the opening event of the 2005 Southern California Super Street Association season when he defeated defending Southern California Pro Gas champion Mike Blodgett Sr.

Bill Ohmer ran a perfect 10.900 to qualify No. 1 for the Eagle Rods & Crankshafts-sponsored event, which drew 82 entries. John Cerasoli also logged a perfect run in qualifying. In all, eight drivers ran on the 10.90 index, including Mitch Miyamoto, Shawn Torbert, Paul Wiechmann, Dana Keniry, Pete Zak, and Bobby Cram.

Smith advanced to the final with his '51 Henry J, the 2004 NHRA Winternationals Best Appearing Car, by defeating Marlin Messer and Dave Drew in the opening rounds. After running the bye in round three, Smith used a .005 light to beat Doug Spencer in a double-breakout race, and he ran s 10.91 on a bye in the semi's.

After defeating John Ross, Ronnie Lahn, and reigning Super Street champion Dave Fargo, Blodgett used a .002 reaction time to beat Randy Marcum in the quarterfinals. He then advanced to the final when Randy Bowers redlighted by .002-second.

In the final, Smith and Blodgett both drew mediocre reaction times, .040 for Smith and .088 for Blodgett, and Smith grabbed the win, 10.938 to 10.946.

Smith thanked Eagle Rods & Crankshafts for sponsoring the event and for being a longtime sponsor of his Henry J. He also thanked Atlas Engine Rebuilding, CP Pistons, Continental Converters, Andy MacDougal, Mickey Thompson Tires, and all the sponsors of the Southern California associations.

The victory gave Smith the early series points lead. - Bob Johnson

Copyright National Hot Rod Association Mar 11, 2005
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