I left Missoula and went to Spokane to visit a traveling buddy and good friend Dale.
Spent a relaxing week at his house basically eating good food, relaxing, and gaining weight. LOL
Dale lives with his Portuguese Water Dog Sydney so when we hang out whether in his home in Spokane or one of the RV's in Arizona out biggest accomplishment is getting off the couch. He's not going to Arizona this winter so I decided to stop by on my way. While there he said his granddaughter Denise was racing that weekend and that, I wanted to see.
I'd heard a lot about his son Rick and family and really was interested in meeting them.
Rick use to drag race a Monte Carlo at the Renegade Dragstrip in Wapato Washington with his oldest daughter as his "crew". Now Rick has "retired" the Monte Carlo and is crew to his daughter.
Meet Denise Jarnicke an un-assuming college freshman who drives a 6 litre, 550 hp, chevy rear engine, dragster that crosses the finish line in 9 secs at 148 mph on the 1/4 mile. She drives for Hayseed Racing out of Harrah Washington which consists of her Dad Rick, herself, and sometimes "Gumpa" Dale. (and that weekend me)
Denise began racing when she turned 16 and now at 18 is an old pro.
Speaking of Pro that is the class she races in. Not only did I have the privilege of watching her race I watched her win every race that weekend (they said I was their good luck charm LOL) she clinched the National Points title with her nearest competitor 140 points behind her.
On Sunday, the last race day of the season they had the runoff for King of the track. She beat a Super Pro Class 1969 Chevy El Camino.
Later in the day when she received her two trophies, $1,000 in prize money and the King of the Track hat someone commented it should say Queen of the track. She said she liked being the King
I enjoyed meeting Denise and her family very much they are all hardworking un-assuming people and Denise multiplies those characteristics x 10. She is a great kid.
She has a hard record to break next year but is hoping a promise to get her into a funny car, a jet car or Super Pro has her excited. She has lots of fans not just because she's only 18, a female, and the top point gainer in the nation but because she is simply a great young lady and I am very happy to have spent a weekend getting to know her, her family, and watching her race.
The Hayseed Racing Team
Rick Jarnecke, Denise Jarnecke, Dale McCollum (Gumpa)
of Harrah Washington
Getting ready for the race weekend at Renegade.
This Super Pro Chevelle was a treat to watch as well as the white S-10 behind it and a Jr. Dragster which are driven by 8 - 15 year olds and were pumping 78 mph in a 1/8th mile all on the same team.
Note the 4 post lift in the trailer where the S-10 rides above the Chevelle while traveling.
The Jr. Dragster and golf cart ride in the front section of the trailer.
The funny cars are always fun to watch.
There was one called Artic Thunder. The guy used to live in Anchorage but only used that as an advertising gimmick. He lives in Washington now.
This sled was class champion for the Sled/Bike class in the King of the track runoff.
The barstool however was to ride around and visit. No barstool class.
There were 8 Jr. Dragsters
Some quite elaborate some quite simple but all this style
A sled and a Motorcycle
Super Pro's. That 55 Chevy wagon was fun to watch.
1950 Chevy, 6 cyl, 2 door. Ran Pro Class
I had a great weekend. Probably if not the best, one of the top 1 weekends I've enjoyed in my adventures.
(other than visiting family of course)
The winners circle. The official picture has moi in it. Afterall if not for the good luck charm ,,,, LOL
That ones on the tracks website
CONGRATULATIONS to the
King of the Track 2013
Good Luck Denise, looking forward to Gumpa's reports on your racing next season.
I left Harrah, and the Jarnecke's Monday morning headed south to Catalina Az for the winter.
I decided to take a new route down the eastern side of Nevada to save time and some concerns re; weather
Since I was rested and in the mood for traveling I decided to do a 500 mile day compared to my normal 300.
I was headed for the Flying J in Twin Falls Idaho at mp 173 on I-84
At mile 172 I hit something in the road. It was black and about 3' square. It was dark and I didn't see it until it went under the box.
So a free week exploring southern Idaho while the entire exhaust system on both box and generator and the drivelines are replaced.
Could have been worse I was 1 mile from my destination and the tow was only 2 1/2 miles
til next time 8)
Remember to comment
No comments:
Post a Comment