It was time to go home anyhow.

That’s what I was thinking after running 11.51 second round in Pro. A new personal best in the quarter mile. I broke out big time; no more Pro for me.

Sportsman round two was next. I was only racing Sportsman for the extra laps – and they never finish a race in one day at Fontucky. I wasn’t coming back on Sunday anyhow, win or lose, rain or shine.

The sportsman class has a 12.00 minimum dial. Thinking - “11.51 – hmmm, maybe I’ll just blow the Sportsman race and let ‘er rip. See if I can get that coveted 11.40 something.

That idea went up in smoke when I pulled into the lanes – right next to Willie and CW Hoefer. The lanes go around a corner, so I couldn’t tell which, but I was gonna draw one of em. Not passing up that race.

It was CW. As soon as I launched I knew I was late. My only chance was to push him out. It’s nice having a half second extra power in the bag – I caught him lickedy split but hung back a half a fender, refused to take the lead. CW kept running, I kept pushing. By the time he figured out what I was doing and dumped, it was too late. He took the bait. He took the stripe. I took the win.

So again I’m thinking it’s time to go home. The sun was fading, and I was fading. This was about the 8th lap of the day and I’m still tired from Thursday. It’s the adrenaline I think; nice at the time, but then you’re waxed. Maybe I need some of that five hour energy crap?

I pulled into the lanes and there are still 19 cars left. That’s five more rounds – sheesh! But one more round and I’m in the money. And I’m lined up next to Willie Hoefer, the 2006 NHRA champ. Gotta suck it up.

Willie’s counting the cars. He tells me we might line up – depends on who gets pulled for the single. I’m liking my chances.

I drew the truck in front of Willie. He dialed 17.85. I dialed 12.00 as I had all day. I caught him around 1000 ft. My light was 0.022, his was 0.178. The only way I could loose was if I gave him the stripe.

It was time to go home anyhow.