Brady Wins SWJFA Opener At Ben Bruce Raceway
Ben Bruce Raceway - Evadale, Texas
Event #1 of 8 - April 17th, 2010
Race Report by Chris Graves
Photos by Texas Borderline Photography
The Southwest Junior Fuel Association held their 2010 season opener at Ben Bruce Raceway in Evadale, Texas. It was a long off season for the SWJFA as their season finale was rained out to end the 2009 season. Needless to say, there were many eager racers who were ready to get back on the strip. For the third consecutive year, the series marched into Ben Bruce Raceway, a unique facility that always provides a great scene for nostalgic drag racing action.
With continued support from Smiley’s Racing Products, Bob McKray Performance and Champion Spark Plugs the SWJFA plans to continue it’s impressive growth throughout the 2010 season and would also like to welcome RPM Performance Products in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as a contingency sponsor.
A full field was confirmed for the season opener but unexpected plans kept a few racers away unexpectedly. Six dedicated members of the over thirty member cars made the call for first round of qualifying which was led by Ken Hawkins with a 7.62 at 174 mph. Richard Brady clocked the second best pass of the opening session with a 7.69 at 170 mph with Steve Dunkin rounding out the top half with a 7.85 at 162 mph lap.
(Richard Brady)
(Steve Dunkin)
Hawkins doubled down with another 7.62 to again lead the session and claim the season’s first pole. Brady stepped up to a 7.68 at 171 mph to hold down the second qualifying position. Chad Daigre went 7.87 in the first qualifier then laid down a 7.89 at 168 mph which kept him qualified fourth. Dunkin struggled in second session, but his opening pass kept him in the top half of the field. Jay Briggs bested a 9.02 at 128 mph and Mike Millsap rounded out the field heading into eliminations.
(Jay Briggs)
Final Qualifying Order:
1) Ken Hawkins (Poolville, Texas) – 7.623 @ 173
2) Richard Brady (Ft. Worth, Texas) – 7.682 @ 171
3) Steve Dunkin (Aledo, Texas) – 7.854 @ 162
4) Chad Daigre (Lake Charles, Louisiana) – 7.876 @ 168
5) Jay Briggs (Lake Charles, Louisiana) – 9.02 @ 128
6) Mike Millsap (Sachse, Texas) – 15.56 @ 83
The first round of eliminations provided some great racing with Richard Brady and Chad Daigre lining up first. Daigre jumped red by -.367 and clicked off a nice 7.85 at 167 but gave the win to Brady who clicked off a strong 7.67 at 171 mph. Steve Dunkin clicked off a career best 7.80 at 163 mph but couldn’t handle Ken Hawkins’ 7.67 at 172 mph. Mike Millsap found his sweet spot with a 7.72 at 171 mph after struggling in qualifying, taking out Jay Briggs in the opening round.
First Round Results:
(W) Richard Brady (-.398 rt) 7.67 at 171 mph vs. (L) Chad Daigre (-.367 rt) 7.85 at 167 mph
(W) Ken Hawkins (.450 rt) 7.67 at 172 mph vs. (L) Steve Dunkin (.461 rt) 7.80 at 163 mph
(W) Mike Millsap (.402) 7.72 at 171 mph vs. Jay Briggs (1.30 rt) 9.27 at 121 mph
(Chad Daigre)
(Mike Millsap)
In the semi-final, Richard Brady again faced Chad Daigre, who was inserted into the field as rules require. Brady’s 7.68 at 171 mph knocked out Daigre’s 7.86 at 167 mph although Daigre posted a handful of solid numbers to start off his second season with the SWJFA. Ken Hawkins marched his way past Mike Millsap who red-lit. Hawkins posted a 7.73 at 170 mph to advance over Millsap’s quicker but loosing 7.69 at 171 mph.
Semi-Final Results:
(W) Richard Brady (.453 rt) 7.68 at 171 mph vs. (L) Chad Daigre (.418 rt) 7.86 at 167 mph
(W) Ken Hawkins (.527 rt) 7.73 at 170 mph vs. (L) Mike Millsap (-.299 rt) 7.69 at 171 mph
(Ken Hawkins)
The first final round of the season found Richard Brady and Ken Hawkins lining up to decide a champion. On paper this race was a toss up, both teams came to win, both cars were running in the 7.60’s and both drivers were aiming for the all important starting line advantage. Hawkins saw a flash and left the line too soon, as Brady took the green and clicked off his best pass of the night with a 7.66 at 172 mph to take the win.
Final Round Results:
(W) Richard Brady (.508 rt) 7.66 at 172 mph vs. (L) Ken Hawkins (Foul)
This marks two years in a row that Richard Brady and the rest of the team have won the SWJFA season opener. Congratulations to the team on their win and the team of Coker & Hawkins on their final round appearance.
(Richard Brady)
“I would like to thank our sponsors, Ray Mac Racing Engines, Mallory Prints, and Lone Star Armory. Special thanks to Blake Mallory for all his work as crew chief. At the last minute, Al Mallory couldn't attend and Blake stepped in and took his dads place as crew chief and did a great job,” said Brady.
Racing veteran and teammate of Steve Dunkin, Ron Muncy, was set to make his SWJFA debut and did attend the event until he was called home unexpectedly. Ron lost his wife Tina of over forty years. The entire Southwest Junior Fuel Association would like to extend it’s condolences to Ron and his entire family on their loss. The next stop for the SWJFA series is May 22nd at Dallas Raceway in Crandall, Texas.
Click here to see photos from this event by Texas Borderline Photography.
