SWAP MEET PACKS FIREBIRD FACILITY

Afternoon rain showers during move-in day didn’t slow up vendor registration one bit for the 15th edition of the Oil Can Henry’s Spring Warm Up & Swap Meet. In fact, it must have inspired many. Testimony lies in the numbers. This year’s vendor count nearly doubled any previous Swap, which is annually presented by American Classifieds. Nearly five acres of swap meet vending stalls jammed the upper and central pit area like no event ever staged in the Gem State.

Thousands of buyers took advantage of the year’s first big outdoor motorsport’s happening, which also included a full day of test `n tune runs for a whole variety of racers.

Friday was vendor sign-up and tech inspection day. And even though over a quarter-inch of rain fell throughout the afternoon, this didn’t stop anyone from attending Firebird’s inaugural major event of the season. Saturday dawned partly cloudy. In fact, the weather was absolutely perfect for all the racers who came to test. In addition, chief starter Joel Eggers and his starting line team had the track impeccably well prepared, as conditions are now in perfect condition for the Stinker Stores Season Opener coming up this weekend.

Chris Jaggers was quickest for the day, posted a couple of runs deep into the 7.50’s at a speed of nearly 180 mph with his Top Dragster ride. Reigning Classic Super Pro champ Cody Hiatt made a number of very consistent runs into the 7.60’s with his colorful digger. Cody got an opportunity to not only make a number of test passes, but also ran his Boise Refrigeration-backed dragster with and without a new wing he and his dad Ron were experimenting with.

Perhaps the most talked about match up of the afternoon saw Bronco Motors dealership owner Grant Petersen Jr. square off in a best-of-3 grudge race with good friend Lynn Proctor. Racing his brand new Nissan GT-R that was unveiled at the Boise Roadster Show in March, Petersen outfoxed Proctor’s Viper with a best lap into the mid-12’s after three elimination heats. Even KTIK Sportstalk radio host Jeff Caves was on hand to observe and document the occasion.

Robert Smith also picked the Warm Up to debut his refrigerator white Willys handbuilt beauty. Smith worked on his NHRA competition license, posting a best of 10.05, running perfectly on nearly every pass down the quarter-mile. No doubt about it, this ride is one sweet piece. Even more impressive is the fact that Robert did nearly all the handy work on this car.

Street Bikes and sleds were out in force, too. Preparing for both the Carl’s Cycle Sales Street Bike series and the Woody’s Outdoor Power Snow/Bike chase, most of the riders were able to take advantage of making upwards of nine runs during the morning and afternoon.

Vendors were pretty tickled with the day’s results. Visiting with many, most reflected that they had very positive results and the same could be said of the majority who attended as buyers. Countless parts and cars left the Firebird facility with new owners, which always brings a smile to all those who sold and certainly everyone who attended looking for that deal of the day.

Thanks to everyone who supported this year’s big Swap. We couldn’t have done it all without the help of our friends at Oil Can Henry’s and American Classifieds, so remember to support those who support our events.

Looking forward to the first official racing weekend of the season as the Stinker Stores Season Opener is right around the corner. See you then!

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Flyers just went out in the mail (or you can check out the .pdf flyer on our website) announcing the 5th Annual Stinker Stores SEASON OPENER, which is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 18th and 19th. This will be the opening weekend featuring all point's classes and it's not just one, but TWO back-to-back days of racing. We're inviting the "Best of Oregon, Washington, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and beyond" to join in a wide variety of classes, including Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Snow/Bike, Jr. Thunder & Lightning, Outlaw Street, Street Truck, Street Bike and Nostalgia. Points will be on the line both days, officially kicking off the 2009 Boise Muffler – Auto Body Paint & Supply Championship Season.

In addition to the formidable two-day purse, we’d also like to say thanks to Stinker Stores, who will be presenting one lucky winner (by random drawing) a $250 cash card good for gas or diesel at any of their stores.