DIESEL TRUCKS INVADE FIREBIRD NHRDA EVENT

Never before have so many diesel trucks ever assembled in one place, at one time, in the state of Idaho – at least not at any one racing venue anyway. A tremendous field of diesel trucks from eight western states and three Canadian provinces competed at the NHRDA West Coast Diesel Shootout. The race was the season finale in the NHRDA western point’s championship.

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse midway through the afternoon, ending any hope of finishing the event on the quarter-mile dragstrip. Every eliminator, but one (NHRDA Sportsman, which ended up with six racers still in), was down to either the semi’s or finals, while two champions were crowned before the skies let loose a short bit past 3 pm.

Bill Hahn (pictured in the final round) from Billings, Mont., was hands down the quickest and fastest diesel entry. Hahn drove his C1500 Chevy pickup to the top spot in qualifying at 9.66-137.00 and returned to win the Pro Stock class with a 9.78-136.67. Chad Riley from Benton City, Utah, claimed runner-up finishing at 10.74-127.38 with his `67 Camaro.

In the Tobacco Connection World Cup, the four champions were decided by the four best e.t. to dial in differentials (from each of the four classes). Congratulations goes out to Sport Compact track champion David Meimann, who not only secured the Second Chance title, but also took home the impressive Treasure Chest of goodies and giant trophy for the World Cup Championship. Meimann, at the wheel of his silver Mercedes Benz, is the first to win overall Cup bragging rights with a sport compact.

Other winners included: Mark McDonald (Domestic vs. Sport Compact #1), Stephanie Meimann (Domestic vs. Sport Compact #2), and Don Trafford (Street Bike). In addition, the Firebird Diesel Truck Sportsman class title was awarded to Zach Fuller, Grantsville, Utah. Each champion (and runner-ups pictured) took home some very cool awards, in addition to gift baskets from Tobacco Connection.

Thanks to everyone who attended this year’s World Cup/NHRDA Diesel event regardless of the challenging weather forecasts going into the next-to-the-last race of the season.

NHRDA West Coast Diesel Shootout and World Cup III Results

NHRDA Pro Stock Diesel
W: Bill Hahn, Billings, Mont., 9.78-136.67.
R/U: Chad Riley, Benton City, Utah, 10.74-127.38.

NHRDA Super Street Diesel
Final Four Finishers:
Rob Coddens, Eagle.
Aaron Schaff, Rimbey, Alberta.
Mike Fox, Puyallup, Wash.
Matt Larson, Spanish Fork, Utah.
 
NHRDA Sportsman E.T. Diesel Truck
Final Six Finishers:
Bill Hahn, Billings, Mont.
Derek Kurpjuweit, Severn Persons, Alberta.
Steve Price, Lakewood, Calif.
Russ Wallenwaber, Los Bonos, Calif.
Garbiel Cormier, Mannville, Alberta.

NHRDA Pro Street Truck
Final Two Finishers:
Rob Coddens, Eagle.
Mark Ventling, Laurel, Mont.
 
Firebird Sportsman Diesel Truck
W: Zach Fuller, Grantsville, Utah.
R/U: Jason Thompson, Meridian.
Semi's: Jerry Vallod, Nampa; Robert Rule, Boise.
 
Domestic vs. Sport Compact #1
W: Mark McDonald, Nampa.
R/U: Tim Shaw, Boise.
Semi's: Scott Downard, Eagle.
 
Domestic vs. Sport Compact #2
W: Stephanie Meimann, Middleton.
R/U: Keven Griffin, Boise.
Semi's: Dave Hills, Star; Edgar Garcia, Nampa.
 
Second Chance – Consolation
W: David Meimann, Middleton.
R/U: Lisa Johnson, Boise.
Semi's: Jerry Vallod, Nampa; Robert Rule, Boise.

Street Bike
W: Don Trafford, 10.11 (10.10 dial) 130.89 (in the semi’s).
R/U: Mark Sprague, 10.07 (10.08 dial) 134.00 (in the semi’s).
Semi: Mike Smith.