Event Recap

Recap Page: 1 : 2 : 3

What happened at BigDog vs the world?  BigDog won!  Also, S/SS combo and Pro Tree Racing!

     This past Saturday, the Triad Thunder Series Outlaws came to Piedmont.  What they found was a group of very hungry BigDog drivers ready to show them how we do it at Piedmont Dragway.  Things kicked off Friday night with 1 qualifying shot.  Chris Croom, a previous winner in the triad thunder series, unloaded off the trailer and popped at 4.16 on the board.  Good enough for #1 spot.  One hour before he got here, he was on the side of the road with 2 flat tires! 

Fast forward to Saturday and after 2 qualifying runs here is what the field looked like:

Chris Croom        4.16   175
Dwayne Silance   4.19   174
JD Goad              4.23   173
Chris Rini            4.25   171
Jayme Teachman 4.26   171
Matt Giagrande    4.28   167
David Campbell    4.29   171
Ronnie Gardner    4.30   171
Joel Douglas        4.31   170
Rocky Raynor      4.31   170
Jason Harris        4.34   169
Kevin Fortney      4.35    168
Brian Williams    4.35     169
Brian Teachman   4.43   165
Baby Boy            4.76   151

At first glance, our BigDog guys looked like they might be in bad shape.  Like we always say, qualifying is one thing and racing is another.  Here is how the first round looked:

Ronnie Gardner  .036 4.24  172   W
Joel Douglas      .031 4.38  161

David Campbell   .001 4.28  170   W
Rocky Raynor     .013 5.52  91

Matt Giagrande   .037 4.29  170   W
Jason Harris       .037 5.04  98

Kevin Fortney     .046  4.31 157    W
Jayme Teachman .243 4.75  114

JD Goad           .057 4.73  134   W
Brian Teachman .061 7.09  58

Dwayne Silance .069 4.18  174   W
Baby Boy          .026 4.76  152

Chris Croom      .025 4.32  146   W
Bye Run

2nd Round

Chris Rini        .056  4.46  158  W
Kevin Fortney  .058  5.43   96

Matt Giagrande .050 4.33  166  W
JD Goad           .113 4.93  107

Dwayne Silance .312 4.45  128  W
David Campbell   LB3A

Ronnie Gardner  .044  4.18 175  W
Chris Croom      .023   4.22 173

Semi's

Dwayne Silance  .024  4.51  130  W
Matt Giagrande   .229  4.50  129

Ronnie Gardner   .018  4.20  174  W
Chris Rini           .063  4.31  169

Finals

Ronnie Gardner   .048  4.17  175  W
Dwayne Silance   .029 4.31  169

     In the end, good ole Jack Gaddy, with Ronnie Gardner at the helm were able to fight through the field and show everyone what it takes to be a BIGDOG at Piedmont Dragway.  A big thanks goes out to the sponsors of this event: Jegs, Sutherland Auction Company, Autocraft Express, VA Speed Race Cars and Transmissions, Moser Engineering, L&H Race Cars, Top Coat, Huggins Tire, Santhuff, Dryfork Electric, Speedtech Nitrous, Piedmont Paving and B&W racing transmissions.

     While ProMod was the talk of the day, Stock/Super Stock combo race put on one heck of a show!  I took video of all the elimination rounds.  It is some great side by side action with REAL race cars.  These cars represent what racing was 30 years ago.  With over 20 cars participating, it was an awesome turnout.  In the finals, Piedmont Dragway's own Kevin Shipman running Sterling Simmons.  In the end, Sterling Simmons took the win.  I personally feel this is the most entertain form of bracket racing around and I can't wait to have these guys back!

     Pro tree racing.  Something a little different we did at Piedmont Dragway.  It was our first time running this rather unusual format.  While we had a few bugs, I think it is something we would like to do again in the future.  Basically, cars were split up into categories, 6.00-7.00 and Pro Tree Eliminator.  The index classes were ran separate and the winner of those classes were awarded great prizes from our sponsors.  The winners were then put into the remaining field of Pro Tree Eliminator.  PTE allows you to dial your car whatever you want, but you must run on a pro tree.  This weekend, since this was new, we only charged 5.00 to enter the race.  Yet, we paid a 1000.00 to win!  In the finals of this race were Piedmont Dragway's own, Owen Teague and Bobby McMasters.  This was McMasters first win so a special congrats goes out to him.
     We had beautiful weather, a huge crowd and great sponsors. It's hard to ask for anything more.  Piedmont Dragway has been in talks with Avis, the promoter of the Triad Thunder Series for a VERY special in November.  Stayed tune to Piedmont Dragway's website as we make an announcement about this truly unique event.  Remember, at Piedmont, we're not afraid to try anything.  We appreciate everyone that came out this weekend and look forward to seeing you at our next event at Piedmont Dragway

Pictures of S/SS and winners circle

Iowa invades NC and takes all the money! Vose dominates Quick 8

     What a weekend.  With a high probability of rain on Saturday, the Piedmont Dragway staff was busting into action to get our monster bike day underway.  The day started off with great weather.  Time runs started at 10:30 and by 1pm, we were racing.  The Iowa boys drove 19 hours and were ready to show everyone they meant business.  As the rounds winded down, we got down to 5.  All 5 were in our 10k race in March.  Shiftlett on the Hillbilly Hustler, Kleeme’s Clan had 3 entries and Chad Isley on the lone Ho nda entry.  The finals had something amazing happen.  In the first time in my racing career I saw a Father and son run in the final round.  It was truly an amazing thing.  At the conclusion of the 5k race, we ran the 1k bracket race.  In the finals Shiftlett ran Chad Isley, with Isley taking the win.  So who took home the most money?  The guys that drove the farthest. 

Video of 5k and 1k races >

     For the first time in Bike Outlaw racing, Piedmont held a no rules quick 8.  The rules were simple, there are no rules.  We had Nitro Harley’s, ProMod Nitrous bikes, Funny bikes, Harley Pro Fuel bikes and Pro Stock bikes.  The ADRL world record holder, ADRL world champ and current ADRL points leader were all in the house trying to make this elite field.  When the dust settled, Billy Vose the ADRL world champ took the win over Darryl Hollin s.  Hollins is a breath of fresh air.  A man that has raced bikes for years, back when Jim Turner ran the SCRA series at Piedmont.  With Piedmont now being the most bike friendly track in NC, these guys have a place to run.  Billy was Mr. Consistent all day.  Constantly ripping off 4.30 runs.  Regardless of the conditions, his runs were the same. 

     We appreciate all the guys coming out and supporting this race.  We’ll be looking to do another one of these later in the year.  We hope to have over 20 bikes fighting for just 8 spots.  With a bump spot in the 4.30 range, we could have the fastest 8 bike field in 1/8th mile history!  Only at Piedmont Dragway.

Randall Cantrell, Michael Jefferies and Lynch take home the money!

     Randall Cantrell is showing everyone that last year was no fluke.  Randall found himself in the winner circle once again this past Thursday night in Southern Automotive's Rico's Real Street.  Michael Jefferies notched his first win this year in the 8.99 class.  Cody was finally taken out.  The car had not lost a round all year, but tonight was not his night.  In our wheelstand contest, Lynch in his wheelstanding truck made it 247' on the back tires.  He came up SO high that he cracked the back bumper of his truck.  The question is, who will challenge him for his title?  We might have to settle that at a future date. 
      Normally I would have video and a bunch of pictures of the runs.  Sadly, my video camera went dead from sitting in the tower during the week and my photo camera was giving me fits during the night.  So I apologize for the lack of pictures.  I promise I'll be back on my game next week!

CLICK PICS TO ENLARGE

Owen Teague wins 6.49 on a strange night at Piedmont Dragway

    You never know what will happen when you come to Piedmont Dragway.  This past Thursday night was loaded with all types of weird action.  It was the 2nd race of the year for Southern Automotive's and We Fly Together Motorsports 6.49 class.  TNT was loaded with odd happenings.  Here is a list of what happened on Thursday night.  A nitrous fire on a car that wouldn't stop so we could put it out, a back rear tire that passed the front of the truck with the axle still attached, a driveshaft thrown out the side of a car which created the longest oil down since we took over the track and finally a broke steering column causing a grudge mustang from the game over crew to kiss the wall.  I don't have pictures from last night, but I do have video.  One video is the 6.49 eliminations and the other just random TNT highlights.  One thing is for sure, you NEVER know what will happen when you come to Piedmont Dragway.

Gardner outlasts Tutterow in Big Dog opener

    (April 11, 2008) Julian, NC - Piedmont Dragway put on a season-opener to remember yesterday, as fans enjoyed action-packed racing and weather fit for a king. After a single shake down session and two qualifying rounds, the field was set for an eye-opening Big Dog event that many won't soon forget.

     As cars and drivers aliketried to shake off winter's ring rust, Todd Tutterow found himself sitting at the top of the ladder, driving his blown Willys to a 4.18 @ 175mph. Seven positions south sat Darrin Hoyle on the bump, making the show in his first Big Dog start. After a brilliant career in ORSCA Limited Street, Hoyle drove his ex-Rickie Smith Pro Stock Cobalt to a 4.30 @ 170mph.

     Hoyle jumped into Big Dog with both feet when he rolled to the line to face Tutterow on his first race start with the series. Hoyle almost caught a break after Tutterow made his usual half track burnout, then sat stranded past the 330 mark as his reverser went out. It was the longest minute of Tutterow's life as the fans looked on and Hoyle  waits patiently on the starting line, refusing to move until Tutterow made it back. Suddenly, a roar of applause from the crowd as Tutterow caught reverse and proceeded to return to the starting line almost as fast as he left. The cars staged quickly and Tutterow left first. At the finish line it was Tutterow ahead of Hoyle, 4.23 - 4.45 in a thrilling first round match up. 

>>> READ MORE +
MORE PICS HERE! <<<

Batman Vows to Return.

     Rocky "Batman" Raynor came into Big Dog with big hopes with his Rick Hendrick Chevrolet after qualifying #2 at the season ending 16 car shootout.  He sent his car to Wally Stroupe for Painting and a few updates.  The sharp 1963 Corvette was ready for action and Rocky even sat out the shakedown run at 5pm, confident he would make the field. The first pass Rocky's car went right and he had to abort. This had him on the outside looking in with one shot to go.  Going into the final session, "We Fly Together" Motorsports Team put their 4.25 setup in the car. They had more problems almost running off the track and going only a 4.31.  Good enough for #9 spot in the 8 car field.  Rocky said "this was a humbling experience" to be on the outside looking in.  The good thing after phone calls to Stroupe Race Cars they determined the Struts had been adjusted which on a single system pass the car wouldn't notice the change but when it was time to go fast it upset the car.  Rocky said: "I will be at Piedmont with my mid 20 setup testing Thursday night and I will qualify for May 1st BIG DOG and I will not let my fans down again".  Rocky will run this Thursday along with 6.49 and our wild wheelstand contest.  Gates open 5pm with runs time runs from 6pm to 9pm. 

Bracket Race #2 In The Books.

Winner FootBrake	Winner Jr
Click For Larger Pic	Click For Larger Pic
Winner Top	Runnerup Top
Click For Larger Pic	Click For Larger Pic

     You couldn't ask for a better day for racing.  The sun was out and a slight breeze blowing throughout the day.  With the first part of the racing season filled with rain, it was nice to have a clear day.  It was good to see the normal Piedmont regulars out, but also a great surprise to see some people coming all the way from Virginia.  We know some tracks are running a limited schedule, leaving racers with few places to race.  All racers are welcome at Piedmont and we'll do anything we can to accommodate you.  

>>> READ MORE + MORE PICS HERE! <<<

Want to Drag Race? Better Study Hard!

JULIAN, N.C. (WGHP) -- The racing action at Piedmont Dragway isn't just for adults. On Sunday, the junior dragsters competed, and many parents of the young racers are learning that heading to the track can be an effective incentive for good grades.

Special Thanks to WGHP8 for the use of the video.www.myfoxwghp.com

First points race is in the bag, rain won't stop us!

     What a day.  When I have kids, I will tell them to become a weatherman.  The only profession where you're allowed to keep your job when you're bad at your job.  With promises of sun and clear weather, we were anxious to wake up Sunday and get our first points race of the year on.  You can imagine our surprise when we woke up to rain.  The track crew at Piedmont started very early Sunday attempting to dry the rain soaked track.  From 8am to 12:30pm, the crew worked non stop to get the racing surface ready.  Even a very fine mist falling throughout the day, we were able to get the entire race in.  We made the call to give footbrake an extra round of time runs in order to get rubber down on the track prior to the Top Eliminator calls making their first run.  It appeared the decision paid off as the track came around during time runs.  The conditions were against us and we really appreciate the racers working with us.  We know its been a frustrating 2 weeks with all the rain.  We will always do whatever we can to get a race in!

>>> RESULTS ARE HERE! <<<