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[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 06/ 8/09 8:43pm Author: from the pit wall Subject:   This event at HMP marks the mid-point of the 2009 Season and the beginning of the summer weather conditions that the teams will have to contend with for the next few months. The weather forecast was as good as we could hope for this time of year in Houston...temps in the mid 90's, humidity around 50%, low barometer, but no precipitation. As most of the TPSA troupe rolled in Friday nite the forecast appeared to be spot on. Saturday we were greeted with clear skies and it was hot & humid. The track temp was 140* for the first time trial and cooled a bit for the second lap. When the qualifying sheet was posted, Joe Pigford was #1 with a 4.756 @148.71, Richard Otwell and Roy Pigford both ran .77's, the Cowger/Wood entry was in with a 4.782, and the Talley/Nickens team rounded out the top five @ 4.799. Pearce, DH, Donald Hughes, Eddie Conrad in the Winscott family GTO, Chad Hanson, and the "Ford Guys" Mitchell/Beck completed the field. 1st round...Richard Otwell used a 4.763 to advance over the "Budman's" 4.789 after nearly identical rt's, "Boxman" Hughes automatically went to round 2 when Conrad experienced a shifter malfunction and rolled the beams before the 'tree was activated, and once again the draw pitted #1 in the points chase, Larry Pearce vs #2, Joe Pigford. Larry has been gettin' by the "Pigman" here lately but tonite would be a different story. Joe's 4.707 (low et of the race) @ 149.15 was never headed by Larry's 4.763 @ 147.30, again after nearly identical rt's. Roy the "Rookie" Pigford was up next against "Ricky Bobby" in the Wood/Cowger entry. In arguably the best race of the event, the Rookie moves on after both cars run 4.75...Pigford with a 6, and Cowger with a 9...reaction time advantage to the "Rookie" by .0283..awesome race to watch! Chad Hanson rolled the family 'Vette into the water box to face DH in the Cavalier. Once again, the rt's were virtually identical but Hubbard was able to notch the win with a 4.82 @ 145.49. The most fun team on the tour (and the best cooks too!) the Ford Guys drew the bye and eased into round 2 after loosing a head gasket on the hit. 2nd round...The sunset brought cooler temps and the track temp reflected the change...it was almost pleasant outside! The reigning 2x defending Champ, J Pigford drew DH. Joe's 4.717 @ 147.54 got there first by a little over .02 after Hubbard's holeshot aided 4.805 @ 145.82, just couldn't hold him off. Another of the "Hill Country Boyz", Donald Hughes, faced off with the Ben Worley owned Grand AM (powered by RO's NRC/Slick Rick bullet), driven by Richard Otwell. Remember Otwell was #2 qualifier and the "Boxman" was #8. Well, (all together now..LOL) we don't race time slips or qualifying #'s and Donald's .0684 rt advantage held off Team 0's troubled 4.843 @ 146.82. Hughes slip read 4.898 @ 143.27. A transmission gremlin was the early report from the Team O pits. The youngest "Pig" drew the "Ford Guys" and proved he was ready with a solo 4.722 @ 147.88 when the Mitchell/Beck team couldn't make the call. Semi's...It's mano a mano, brother against brother for a spot in the final and family braggin' rights. Burnouts complete and it was evident "Animal" Jack, Merv Davis, Billy Stocklin & the crew had both cars more than ready to rumble. Stage lites on cleanly with no drama's, and the GXP driven by Roy is out first by .0267, clearly no "Team Orders" here, but would it be enough to trailer brother Joe's #1 qualifying Grand Am? Both cars through the shift point and into high gear and motorin' with their Reher Morrison power...looks like Joe is pullin' him pretty hard but the win lite flashes for Roy's 4.726 @ 147.78. Joe's 4.709 @ 149.65 (top mph of the race) needed just a few more feet of racetrack. Great race by the "Pigpen" and a special tip of the cap to the team for displaying true sportsmanship and the spirit of the TPSA by running 'em all out. Hughes drew the bye and was headed for his first final of the year, after missing most of last year. Final...Roy Pigford was definitely the favorite based on et but it was a full moon and strange things happen from time to time in TPSA action. After the burnouts both cars moved to pre stage. The crowd held their collective breath as Roy rolled into the stage bulb and it flickered....but stayed on, and the 'tree flashed green on both sides. The "Rookie" managed to do what few drivers do...leave on the "Boxman" but Roy's .413 (best rt of the event) did just that and started to pull away. Hughes clicked it early and watched Roy's 4.739 @ 148.17 propel him into the Winner's Circle for the first time in TPSA. In the Colony One Consolation Race, which featured the Cowger/Wood team vs Chad Hanson, Lidiak Motorsports and Richard Otwell's, All in Motorsports, added some cash to the purse which Rick Cowger pocketed with the win. In addition to the on track action we had some special guests in the crowd. Lee Staiger, AD Rigmaiden & family, AJ "Killer" Richnow, Tommy Costales, Richard Otwell's daughter and family, Randy the "Dandy" Elliott, Donny Williams, Miranda (the punkin' bread was awesome!) and others I'm sure I forgot(sorry!), all came out for some TPSA racin'. Come on back soon, ya'll. A very special thanks to Gary Lidiak and his lovely bride Creigh, who volunteered for the unenviable task of running the scales. Gary, both personally, and through his company, Lidiak motorsports, continues to be one of the most staunch supporters of the TPSA. Thanks again guys!  By the way, having the scales at every event is the most requested addition to a TPSA event, but to date, no-one has stepped up with a solution or volunteered to take it on full time. Any takers out there? Finally, our thanks to the Baker family, John Mandabach, the crew @ HMP, and the fans who came out in the Houston heat. See ya again on August 8th. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Replies: [>   L to R...Billy Stockin, Merv Davis, Joe Pigford, Roy Pigford  A key playa' in the Pigford camp..."Animal" Jack was too busy to be in the other pic...LOL  Runner Up, the "Boxman" in the H20, ready for a hit  The Mitchell/Beck team had a rough outing  Terrible pic but many thanks to Gary & Creigh Lidiak for manning the scales  Lidiak muggin' for the camera while Creigh's workin'.....  ., 06/ 8/09 9:32pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ] [Edit] [> ***Joe Golden of Hotrodgossip.net *** fame graciously allowed me to use pics that he shot Saturday at @ HMP. Thanks JG for your coverage of the TPSA on your board as well! Chad Hanson in the chair  Aaron Cole enjoyed a rare day @ the races with DH  If this guy's on the keyboard...watch out!  ...and what's he puttin' in that lil' book?...LOL How many TPSA crews/drivers can you spot in this dandy pic? >  The "Pigpen"  ain't no flies on this pig iron!  [ Post a Reply to This Message ] [Edit] [> and a few more from ***JG's*** lens...  Jason Winscott backs the "Dude" up for a qualifying lap  The Pearce/Team O pit  Former TPSA driver and all around good guy, Lee Staiger (R) paid a visit  AD Rigmaiden & family checkin' it out. AD's new GTO is ready for paint!  Larry Pearce had an off weekend...watch for a quick rebound from the points leader  Defending Champ, Joe Pigford made up some points with a semi final finish  [ Post a Reply to This Message ] [Edit] [>  CONGRATS BRO !! Good job on "the Wheel" when it counted !! I look forward to "Gettin' Even" soon, LOL. Great havin' you out there man and as always I'm Lovin' that TPSA Racin' !!! -- PIGMAN, 06/ 9/09 9:10am [ Post a Reply to This Message ] [Edit] [> ***homepage, points, & results pages have been updated for your viewing pleasure... -- ., 06/ 9/09 5:50pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ] [Edit]
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