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Welcome to the Don Hudson Racing Web Site

Nov 4, 2006

Las Vegas

It what looks like to be Don and the teams final outing (Pomona is not on their schedule due to being one shy in grade points) of the year. In what can only be described as the toughest divisional event on the planet, Hudson knew that a low low 5.70 or 5.60 would be required to make the field.

His prediction was right on the mark as after the final cars went down the track a divisional record 5.70 was the number necessary. Don fell almost a tenth short of making the cut and looked to be on the right track half way through round two of qualifying.

In Round one Friday, Don shook and got loose forcing him to lift early. In what was his best shot, round two Saturday at noon, Don was on a low 5.70 pass when all hell broke loose, three second in. the car broke a push rod adjusting nut and at 900 feet, it blew up sending smoke billowing into the Vegas sky. Don got the car stopped quickly and got out of it without any injuries except to his pocket book.

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.695 254.38 254.38
2 806 Steve Harker, Brisbane AU, '05 Monte Carlo 5.700 249.58 249.58
3 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.703 251.11 251.11
4 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.710 250.27 250.27
5 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '02 Camaro 5.714 251.25 251.25
6 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.725 253.09 253.09
7 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 5.726 250.97 250.97
8 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.736 249.16 249.16

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.742 249.86 249.86
10 8 David Ray, Plaistow NH, '01 Avenger 5.786 247.70 247.70
11 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.790 242.02 242.02
12 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.800 245.00 250.23
13 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.806 247.79 247.79
14 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.821 249.72 249.72
15 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.849 246.66 246.66
16 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.869 245.45 247.61
17 52 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.891 243.15 243.15
18 18 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '03 Corvette 5.903 244.25 244.25
19 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.912 219.97 219.97
20 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Prelude 5.939 241.41 241.41
21 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Trans Am 5.967 244.29 244.29
22 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 5.999 239.65 239.65
23 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 6.255 180.98 216.93
24 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.295 172.32 172.32
25 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 9.943 110.15 110.15
26 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 11.011 80.23 80.23

Back in the pits, the team made an engine change and had to include alot of electrical. When they went to fire the car, it did not ignite and they had more thrashing to do. The did get the car ready in time, but had to be real aggressive due to the already low bump spot. Unfortunately the cooler temperatures due to the two hour delay in the final session, caused more tire shake and smoke and Don was forced to lift early ended his weekend prematurely.

The final bump spot was a very awesome, 5.71 and it saw 7 of 8 cars in the 5.60's.

We had a good enough car to make the field, we just ran out of laps. With this many cars, it would be way more logical to have a sixteen car field. Even that would have seen a 5.84 bump spot, quicker than most 8 cars bumps in other divisions.

We may still get the call for Pomona, but if not we have all winter to get out ducks in a row, and come out guns a blazing for 2007. I can't wait.

Fianl uaalifying

1 806 Steve Harker, Brisbane AU, '05 Monte Carlo 5.646 254.18 254.18
2 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.655 254.18 254.18
3 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.668 251.86 251.86
4 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 5.676 252.43 252.43
5 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.683 256.75 256.75
6 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.690 251.30 251.30
7 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.694 254.76 254.76
8 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.710 250.27 250.27

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '02 Camaro 5.714 251.25 251.25
10 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.742 249.86 249.86
11 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.752 252.19 252.19
12 8 David Ray, Plaistow NH, '01 Avenger 5.786 247.70 247.70
13 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.790 242.02 242.02
14 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.821 249.72 249.72
15 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.840 249.26 249.26
16 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.844 248.93 248.93
17 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.849 246.66 246.66
18 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.869 245.45 247.61
19 52 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.891 243.15 243.15
20 18 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '03 Corvette 5.903 244.25 244.25
21 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '95 Integra Type R 5.939 241.41 241.41
22 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Trans Am 5.967 244.29 244.29
23 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 5.999 239.65 239.65
24 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.136 229.70 229.70
25 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 6.246 208.01 208.01
26 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 7.634 138.78 138.78

Sept. 23 2006

Medford Oregon Division six's final race of the year.... Not a good outing!!!!!

With the team skipping the high altitude Fallon race Don and the team headed five hours north to the final Division six event of the year at Medford Oregon. This would be a much tougher event as the best Division Six racers and a bunch of fellow Division Seven competitors would be there.

There were 16 teams trying for the eight spots so it would be a tough task.

In round one, Don set up the car to make an solid but not overpowering run, but the car shook the tires off the line and Don had to pedal it. It cost him a tenth at least and he went through the 1320 to the tune of a 6.25.

It was only good enough for #10. The bump was already a 6.11

1 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '04 Camaro 5.850 240.98 240.98
2 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 5.894 244.07 244.07
3 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.976 242.19 242.19
4 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '06 Monte Carlo 6.011 242.80 242.80
5 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.036 236.96 236.96
6 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 6.053 240.55 240.55
7 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.078 237.38 237.38
8 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 6.111 238.60 238.60

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.223 227.00 227.00
10 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 6.253 231.87 231.87
11 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 6.551 161.94 161.94
12 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 7.611 125.29 125.29
13 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 9.170 94.24 94.24
14 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 9.797 85.74 85.74

Round two did not go any better, as the team made clutch and fuel adjustments knowing they would need at least a low 6.0 to have any chance. It did not go to plan, and Don was forced to lift early after getting out of the groove and getting REAL close to the wall. His et was an early shut off 6.93/176.

Down to the final run and the bump after two rounds was a 6.036.

Don improved by a tenth over his best effort, but a 6 176/223 was not enough to get into the field for Saturday elimiantions.

Final qualifying

1) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.850 seconds, 240.98 mph
2) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Camaro, 5.886, 242.28
3) Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton, Calif., '98 Cutlass, 5.894, 244.07
4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '02 Firebird, 5.903, 246.17
5) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.949, 243.24
6) Joey Severance, Fife, Wash., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.953, 248.80
7) Randy Parker, Graham, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.964, 236.96
8) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.011, 242.80
Not Qualified
9) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.057, 242.02
10) Jim Peters, Molalla, Ore., '95 Baretta, 6.078, 237.38
11) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 6.111, 238.60
12) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.122, 237.46
13) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.176, 231.87
14) Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim, Calif., '97 Firebird, 6.223, 227.00
15) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.545, 171.73
16) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 7.020, 174.71

A big disappointment for sure, but the team will rebound and they will head to Vegas in a month to make amends and then take on the best at the World Finals at Pomona.

Sept. 4, 2006

INDY...... the "Big GO"!

(Guy Van Syckle Photos)

A lot of cautious optimism for Don and the team heading into INDY and the best from the Mid West and the top 'hitters' from the East would be on hand. One of the largest fields of the season, with over two dozen race cars on the fabled grounds, saw the coolest temperatures in recent memory at Indy. Round one was scheduled for Thursday but the day saw no TA cars hit the track, Friday we got only one run and it looked like we would be lucky to get three not the scheduled four at this event. Every run would be very important. After the first round of qualifying, Don pedaled the car to the tune of a 6.08 @ 243 mph. He was in the #16 spot after one round.

1 5 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.651 254.14 254.14
2 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.655 254.66 254.66
3 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.656 255.87 255.87
4 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.671 256.70 256.70
5 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.672 252.76 252.76
6 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.727 256.31 256.31
7 303 Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '05 Monte Carlo 5.750 251.72 251.72
8 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.760 253.52 253.52
9 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '06 Mustang 5.762 250.13 250.13
10 33 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '00 Avenger 5.777 247.97 247.97
11 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.800 250.13 250.13
12 313 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '02 Firebird 5.815 242.36 242.36
13 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '05 Monte Carlo 5.838 246.80 246.80
14 302 John Bojec, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.908 233.96 233.96
15 347 Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '98 Firebird 5.924 243.02 243.02
16 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 6.083 243.15 243.15

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 325 Jeff Wilson, Winfield MO, '05 Monte Carlo 6.264 204.98 204.98
18 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 6.531 225.11 225.11
19 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '00 Lumina 6.731 212.26 212.26
20 7617 Nancy Matter, Austin TX, '02 Camaro 6.900 145.31 145.31
21 54 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 12.452 46.48 46.48
22 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 18.421 48.92 48.92
23 3608 Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, '02 Firebird DQ

The second scheduled session set for Friday was cancelled due to bad weather, and the next run was Saturday morning in pretty good air conditions. Don tuned up the car to run in the 5.60's, and it responded to the tune of a 5.68/252 mph. A pretty good run and a #10 position on the ladder

Round two

1 5 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.642 256.26 256.26
2 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.643 258.17 258.17
3 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.647 258.12 258.12
4 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.655 254.66 256.99
5 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '06 Mustang 5.656 255.92 255.92
6 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.656 255.87 255.87
7 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.672 252.76 252.76
8 303 Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '05 Monte Carlo 5.682 254.28 254.28
9 54 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.52 252.52
10 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.10 252.10
11 33 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '00 Avenger 5.701 250.46 250.46
12 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.707 255.05 255.05
13 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.760 253.52 253.52
14 313 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '02 Firebird 5.792 244.03 244.03
15 325 Jeff Wilson, Winfield MO, '05 Monte Carlo 5.793 244.34 244.34
16 56 Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake MN, '05 Corvette 5.794 240.72 240.72

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '05 Monte Carlo 5.838 246.80 246.80
18 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.889 248.02 248.02
19 302 John Bojec, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.891 242.41 242.41
20 347 Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '98 Firebird 5.924 243.02 243.02
21 7617 Nancy Matter, Austin TX, '02 Camaro 5.964 243.37 243.37
22 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 6.285 228.81 228.81
23 3608 Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, '02 Firebird 6.417 227.31 227.31
24 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '00 Lumina 6.710 212.96 212.96
25 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 12.477 61.15 61.15

Final qualifying did not happen until Sunday morning and the air was less than 1500 feet. This would be a good chance to better the career best (5.65) from last season. Don ran against the Legend that is Frank Manzo, and Don got to the finish line first with an improved 5.674/252.5 blast Manzo was .004 slower than Don. Too bad it wasn't eliminations.

The final ladder saw Don stay in the #10 spot. He would face the #7 qualifier Bob Tasca

Final qualifying

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.554@ 260.41& 260.41
2 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.610 257.97 257.97
3 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.633 257.19 257.19
4 5 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.642 256.26 257.04
5 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.643 258.17 258.17
6 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.644 257.97 257.97
7 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '06 Mustang 5.656 255.92 255.92
8 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.656 255.92 255.92
9 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.672 252.76 252.95
10 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.674 252.52 252.52
11 303 Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '05 Monte Carlo 5.682 254.28 254.28
12 54 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.52 252.52
13 33 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '00 Avenger 5.701 250.46 250.46
14 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '05 Monte Carlo 5.715 252.24 252.24
15 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.721 252.52 252.52
16 313 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '02 Firebird 5.740 246.71 246.71

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 325 Jeff Wilson, Winfield MO, '05 Monte Carlo 5.793 244.34 244.34
18 56 Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake MN, '05 Corvette 5.794 240.72 240.72
19 347 Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '98 Firebird 5.825 247.29 247.29
20 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.889 248.02 248.02
21 302 John Bojec, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.891 242.41 242.41
22 7617 Nancy Matter, Austin TX, '02 Camaro 5.964 243.37 243.37
23 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 6.049 236.05 236.05
24 3608 Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, '02 Firebird 6.228 233.32 233.32
25 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '00 Lumina 6.710 212.96 212.96

Eliminations.

Tasca was a couple hundredth quicker than we were, and he had Randy Anderson in his corner calling the tuning shots.

Unfortunately for Don he pulled the trigger a little to quick on the tree and he red lit by a mere .004. He lifted early, and Tasca ripped off a 5.64 for the win. He went on to the final round where he lost to Frank Manzo.

Not the result the team wanted but like the saying goes, "Just to qualify for the 'Big Go' is an accomplishment in itself".

Sonoma Divisional

Lots of promise, but unfortunately disappointment in round one.

Round one elims

Don went way red as he blipped the throttle and red lit big time

6 Dennis Taylor 0.110 5.780 251.20def. 756 Don Hudson -0.162 14.683 62.81

A little luck is good when you have some HP. Hudson gets the yips and goes red. Lots of shake and spin for both cars, but Taylor gathers it up and powers away. Hudson clicks it and coasts on down.

Saturday Final qualifying

1 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.587 260.21 260.21
2 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.634 256.45 257.68
3 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.643 255.53 255.53
4 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.666 253.71 253.95
5 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.678 245.40 250.41
6 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.698 242.89 250.27
7 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.712 252.57 253.04
8 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '00 Trans Am 5.725 251.49 251.49

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.752 255.48 255.48
10 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.754 251.06 251.06
11 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.774 253.80 253.80
12 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.777 248.39 248.39
13 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.794 249.72 249.72
14 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.946 241.20 241.20
15 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 5.986 193.18 193.18

Saturday round two qualifying

1 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.628 259.71 259.71
2 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.634 256.45 257.68
3 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.643 255.53 255.53
4 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.666 253.71 253.71
5 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.678 245.40 245.40
6 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.698 242.89 250.27
7 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.714 253.04 253.04
8 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '00 Trans Am 5.725 251.49 251.49

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.752 255.48 255.48
10 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.754 251.06 251.06
11 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.774 253.80 253.80
12 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.777 248.39 248.39
13 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.794 249.72 249.72
14 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.946 241.20 241.20
15 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 5.986 193.18 193.18

Friday qualifying

1 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.628 259.71 259.71
2 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.657 257.68 257.68
3 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.691 251.16 251.16
4 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.714 253.04 253.04
5 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.745 250.27 250.27
6 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.757 253.37 253.37
7 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.777 248.39 248.39
8 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.795 250.83 250.83

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 5.986 193.18 193.18
10 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 6.034 181.47 181.47
11 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 8.292 131.63 131.63
12 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '02 Camaro 8.427 132.75 132.75
13 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 8.705 106.77 106.77
14 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 9.379 130.76 130.76
15 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '00 Trans Am 9.711 88.98 88.98

August 2, 2006

Autolite Nationals at the Home Track!!!

A 5.66 best was a few hun slower than the team hoped and a first round exit was way below expections but in what was one of, if not, 'THE' toughest field in NHRA history, Don makes the cut and does get to play in elims. In Qualifier (Q1) #1, Don went out and ran a good 5.68 at 254 mph. It put him in the # 3 spot after the first session.

1 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.657 256.02 256.02
2 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.686 257.78 257.78
3 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.687 254.52 254.52
4 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 5.716 254.57 254.57
5 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.722 254.14 254.14
6 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.726 259.36 259.36
7 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.730 250.23 250.23
8 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.733 252.80 252.80
9 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.793 250.09 250.09
10 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 5.794 251.63 251.63
11 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.799 250.32 250.32
12 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.819 246.89 246.89
13 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.823 254.14 254.14
14 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.824 253.04 253.04
15 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.837 251.49 251.49
16 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '00 Trans Am 5.843 250.13 250.13

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.886 247.57 247.57
18 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.110 227.27 227.27
19 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '02 Camaro 6.180 177.25 177.25
20 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Monte Carlo 7.810 118.79 118.79
21 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 9.919 106.96 106.96
22 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 10.107 88.62 88.62

In Q2, we tuned it up a bit and it the car was on a haul ass pass. It was the quickest we had ever been to the 330 foot mark, but just at Don was about to shift into second gear it broke the rear pinion and that was the end of the run. We dropped down to #8 after round two. Round 3 was set for Saturday morning in what would be the coolest conditions of the weekend. We had a great opportunity to made our mark, but it was not to be. The car left hard but shook real hard and the chutes came out 100 feet into the run.

That one was tough to take because so many teams improved including a couple 5.50 passes.

The final standings show Don to be in the #11 spot, and guess what a first round date with last week's nemesis, Brian Hough.

Final qualifying

1 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.588 256.94 258.42
2 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.598 258.47 261.52
3 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 5.611 254.52 254.57
4 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.626 251.77 253.04
5 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.642 255.53 255.53
6 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.645 254.90 256.60
7 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.650 253.90 253.90
8 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.663 257.58 258.37
9 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.676 252.76 252.80
10 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.681 253.23 253.95
11 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.687 254.52 254.52
12 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 5.699 253.33 253.33
13 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.722 254.14 254.14
14 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.722 250.00 250.23
15 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.748 254.71 254.71
16 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.755 252.14 252.14

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '00 Trans Am 5.788 250.27 250.27
18 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.790 223.43 250.09
19 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.810 248.93 248.93
20 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.886 247.57 247.57
21 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 5.886 240.98 240.98
22 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 9.919 106.96 106.96

In round one of elims the team was set and they thought they could run quicker than they did in qualifying. Hopefully the bugs from qualifier #'s 2 and 3 were out of the way, and the luck would turn in our favor in round one.

Against Brian Hough, Don knew it would be tough and last week, Hough got the best of Don.

The lights turned green off Don went. Unfortunately he was .068 behind Hough off the start. Neither driver had good lights, a .00 for Hough and a real late .168 for the 'Hudsonator'. He played catch up through the entire 1/4 mile but fell .033 at the finish line. Don was quicker than four of the winners in round one, but that fact and a buck and a half will buy you a cup of coffee.

Car #756 Don Hudson 0.168 5.668 253.95 loses to Car #62 Brian Hough 0.100 5.703 256.11

"Everything was normal through the burnout and pre stage and stage for round one. When Brian went in to stage the bottom bulb flickered a bit and I must have been not focused enough and turned away from my own side of the tree. It was enough to loose my focus for a nano second or a tenth in drag racing terms. That one hurt for sure. We knew we had a good Car Randy Anderson has worked miracles with our combination. Our only weak link the last two races has been the driver. But that comes with more runs. Loosing two off the qualifiers to small details hurts you in eliminations, especially when you don't run the full circuit. We plan on making the best of our opportunity this coming weekend for the divisional at Sonoma. A bit of redemption is in the cards, but having an eight car field only and having most of the cars from the national returning for the divisional will make it even tougher to play on Sunday. A 5.60 bump is not out of the question. The weather is actually supposed to be a bit cooler than last week, so we have to be on our game. I like the challenge and I like that fact we have to beat a lot of the best in the business to get a win. Victory would be that much sweeter if we can accomplish our goal this coming weekend.

July 26, 2006

The location...Seattle....The Race.....Shuck's Auto Supply Nationals....The result... A semi final finish!!!

(photos courtesy Bill Jeffery and Shannon MacDonald)

A very good weekend at Seattle has set Don and the team up for their "HOME" National Event this coming weekend at Sonoma.

Under conditions that can only be described as scorching, Don Hudson and the team scorched the 140+ degree track surface on the way to a semi final finsih at Pacific Raceway on the weekend.

Qualifying went right to script for the team as Don in the very first session wound up #2 with an off the trailer 5.739 at 235 mph.

A very good start to the weekend and we should improve as tuning guru Randy Anderson is in our coenwe for the weekend.

Round one

1 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.719 251.39 251.39
2 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.739 235.60 235.60
3 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.750 253.66 253.66
4 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.756 248.80 248.80
5 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.821 246.21 246.21
6 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.857 251.63 251.63
7 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '04 Camaro 5.887 241.15 241.15
8 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.910 248.43 248.43
9 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.948 238.68 238.68
10 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '04 Camaro 6.072 240.08 240.08
11 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.157 230.96 230.96
12 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 6.290 178.35 178.35
13 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 6.448 232.39 232.39
14 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Firebird 7.212 134.46 134.46
15 68 Derek Smelson, Wauma WA, '02 Firebird 7.645 186.07 186.07
16 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '05 Camaro 11.410 85.17 85.17

Round two... did see a good mph improvement but early tire shake slowed down the et a bit. Not the 5.60 the team was hoping for.

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.679 257.78 257.78
2 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.719 253.18 253.18
3 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.719 251.39 251.81
4 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.739 235.60 250.64 (5.775@250.64)
5 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.745 248.16 248.80
6 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '04 Camaro 5.801 248.39 248.39
7 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.821 246.21 246.21
8 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.831 247.52 247.52
9 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.846 247.84 248.43
10 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.887 241.15 241.15
11 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Firebird 5.904 245.49 245.49
12 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.916 244.03 244.03
13 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 6.072 240.08 240.08
14 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 6.157 230.96 230.96
15 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 6.209 201.28 232.39
16 625 Nathan Sitko, Edmonton AB, '02 Camaro 6.477 215.75 215.75

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 68 Derek Snelson, Wauma WA, '02 Firebird 7.645 186.07 186.07
18 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Monte Carlo 10.556 84.67 84.67
19 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 11.746 66.82 66.82
20 63 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '02 Firebird 12.322 65.59 65.59

Final qualifying

The final qualifier turned out to be exactly what the team wanted as only the third 5.60 lap from the class came up on our side of the reader board, a 5.697/253 mph. The first round opponent would be Canada's Ken Kraus.

60ft-0.971 sec., 330ft-2.529, 660ft-3.757/201.31mph, 1,000ft-4.808

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.666 258.86 258.86
2 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.687 253.75 253.75
3 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.697 253.23 253.23
4 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.719 253.18 253.18
5 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 5.719 251.39 251.81
6 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.745 248.16 248.80
7 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.761 251.39 251.39
8 76 John Weaver, New Port Beach CA, '04 Camaro 5.774 250.74 250.74
9 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.821 246.21 246.21
10 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.846 247.84 248.48
11 6352 John Evanchuk, Edmonton AB, '02 Firebird 5.852 244.96 244.96
12 660 Jim Peters, Molalla OR, '95 Baretta 5.879 239.61 239.61
13 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Firebird 5.883 245.00 245.49
14 6959 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.887 241.15 241.15
15 654 Randy Parker, Graham WA, '02 Camaro 5.989 238.72 240.08
16 6237 Roger Bateman, Calgary AB, '02 Camaro 6.209 201.28 232.39

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 625 Nathan Sitko, Edmonton AB, '02 Camaro 6.464 216.31 216.31
18 68 Derek Smelson, Wauma WA, '02 Firebird 6.791 211.83 211.83
19 63 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '02 Firebird 9.486 119.74 119.74
20 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '05 Monte Carlo 11.746 66.82 66.82

Eliminations

Round one

756 Don Hudson 0.049 5.762 245.09 def. 6959 Ken Kraus 0.059 5.905 243.59

In round two, Don's opponent was Division Seven hitter Doug Gordon.

756 Don Hudson 0.055 5.771 249.86 def. 73 Doug Gordon 0.047 5.804 242.93

The semis would be another very tough battle, as this time Don's task was possibly the best leaver in the class, Brian Hough. The weather was getting even hotter, as it neared 100 with a corrrected altitude of 3500 feet. The track tempurature was an egg cooking 135 degrees.

756 Don Hudson 0.096 5.764 240.77 lost to 62 Brian Hough's 0.067 5.766 246.93

It's semi final time in Seattle! Hudson team is desperately trying to get the body down on their race car, Hough is already back from his burnout when they finally get the latch to catch. Don does just a brief 10 foot burnout, and pulls back in sequence with Brian at the starting line.

(NHRA rushed all the semi final tweams to the staging lanes and unfortunately the tow strap broke hauling the car to the lanes and the snap, bending the weight bar housing as well as mis-aligning the body hatch. It took alot of effort from a few guys to get the body down after the fire up and Don did not have time for a long burnout. The whole ordeal did not help concentration and Don was a little later than usual on the starting line).

(play by play courtesy Mike Jex (DRC)

Great drag race! Brian Hough's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.011), 330 ft(-0.001), 660ft(0.014), 1,000ft(0.012). MOV: 0.0272 seconds (approximately 10 feet). Brian didn't drive past Don till the halfway point on a holeshot!

Not a long awaited win, but we showed a lot of potential and optimism for the 'BIGGEST' race of the year this coming weekend at our home track, Sonoma and the Autolite Nationals. Randy will be with the team again this weekend and if all goes to plan, the winner's circle should be within reach.

June 27, 2006

What a long break between events. With the re-scheduling of the Bakersfield race to the fall form May, to have almost 10 weeks between events is a killer for all on the Don Hudson Racing team. The only up side is that it probably saved the bank account 10 k or more.

This past weekend the Division 7 series returned to Fontana. for race #3 in the seven event Lucas Oil series for the Pacific division.

The Fontana drag strip is in the California Speedway parking lot. It took on a complete face lift for the 2006 season and this event was the first major undertaking since the face lift.

Having the track built as a semi temporary facility is a bit strange and many of the teams were of that opinion. They did spent a bit of time in remaking the 1/4 mile drag strip, including 330 feet of concrete at the starting line. He shut down can be very unnerving, as at the end of the shut down area, a highway goes right across the end.

In round one, Don and the team put in a fairly aggressive tune-up in the car, as they knew it would be a tough field with over 15 cars trying for the eight spots. Don did a long smokey burnout (just to shake out the cobwebs) and on the run the car was quite aggressive. He pedaled the Camaro once or twice, the slicks finally stuck, and charged hard for a 6.11 at a whopping 243 mph. It was only the 12th quickest run,of the session but it was the fastest of the round. Saturday they will get the starting line set up figured out.

Round one

1 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.880 242.80 242.80
2 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '05 Camaro 5.948 241.28 241.28
3 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.950 232.91 232.91
4 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '06 Firebird 5.952 241.58 241.58
5 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.957 234.29 234.29
6 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.971 242.10 242.10
7 7238 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.977 237.88 237.88
8 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.987 243.19 243.19

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 6.002 237.17 237.17
10 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.040 240.38 240.38
11 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '06 Monte Carlo 6.110 234.21 234.21
12 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 6.111 243.46 243.46
13 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.221 225.48 225.48
14 7590 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '04 Corvette 6.632 163.24 163.24
15 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 12.900 65.74 65.74
16 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '01 Camaro DQ

Saturday noon was round two. Don was in the second pairing up, and was along side Sean Bellemeur. Don left hard and the car stuck all the way down the 1320. The timers came on for a great 5.822 at only 233mph."I clicked it off early, around 1150 feet. It is a very strange feeling driving down the track and you can see the highway at the end. The track seems to be longer than Pomona, but it is very hard to not think about the traffic at the end of the track. I know that is why I clicked it off early. Subconsciously, I am thninking t much about the highway. The run shouldhave been a 5.70 something at 250 mph. But luckily for me, no one else had a better run and I wound up #1 after two rounds"

Round two

Second round

1 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.822 233.56 243.46
2 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.880 242.80 242.80
3 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '01 Camaro 5.887 245.54 245.54
4 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.913 244.25 244.25
5 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.927 240.72 240.72
6 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '05 Camaro 5.929 242.06 242.06
7 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.946 244.03 244.03
8 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.950 232.91 232.91

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '06 Firebird 5.952 241.58 241.58
10 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.957 236.30 237.17
11 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.964 239.40 240.38
12 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.965 243.02 243.02
13 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.977 237.88 237.88
14 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 6.010 237.42 237.42
15 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.221 225.48 225.48
16 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 6.225 225.41 225.41
17 18 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '04 Corvette 6.632 163.24 163.24

In the final session, we went for broke, as we had nothing to loose and were pretty well guaranteed a spot in elliminations Sunday. The car left like a raped ape, and it had the quickest 60 foot of the round. Unfortuately, that car shook just past that, and Don clicked it off.

Ron August did get past me for the # 1 spot but we were set at #2. We would face Brett Williamson n round one.

Final qualifying

1 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '01 Camaro 5.819 246.75 246.75
2 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.822 233.56 243.46
3 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.870 245.18 245.18
4 75 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.880 242.80 244.52
5 752 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 5.886 244.47 244.47
6 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.908 240.72 244.03
7 74 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.915 238.34 238.34
8 76 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '05 Camaro 5.929 242.06 242.06

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.950 232.91 233.52
10 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '06 Firebird 5.952 241.58 243.90
11 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.957 236.30 237.17
12 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.964 239.40 240.38
13 757 Larry Miner, Woodbridge CA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.965 243.02 243.02
14 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 6.008 239.95 239.95
15 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.121 206.29 225.48
16 18 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '04 Corvette 6.125 236.46 236.46
17 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 6.148 233.03 233.03

Sunday noon was round one. Williamson is a wiley veteran and is used to the hot track conditions.

The cars left within .015 of each other, but Williamson improved from his earlier best qualifying effort. His 4.86 a good of a lap as anyone made in round oen. Don ran a solid 5.90, and at most other events at the Divisional level that run would likely win the round.

74 Bret Williamson 0.085 5.866 240.77 def. 756 Don Hudson 0.098 5.901 233.12

Don and the team went home pretty happy with the weekend, and they are looking forward to a bunch of National events on their schedule. Events include, Seattle, Sonoma and Indy
plus a host of divisional events. They are pretty excited about the performance this past weekend ,and are looking forward to challenging teams from other dvisions in the coming weeks.

See you at the races!!!!

April 16, 2006

Las Vegas debut for the new Don Hudson's Red Line Oil TAFC

After a winter of totally rebuilding the Red Line Oil Funny Car from the ground up, including new engine components, graphics and paint, and new fuel the team showed up at Vegas with testing and tuning in mind.

To say the first outing of the year was encouraging is an understatement. With one of the toughest fields in TAFC around the country on hand, the bump spot at the high altitude 2100 foot track was still expected to be in the 5.80's or better.

After first round of qualifying, Don was in the #12 with a 5.870. After turning the screws to it for round two, the car responded to the tune of a 5.743/249. Over a tenth improvement, but he remained in the #12 spot, showing how tough the field would be. On Saturday if the final session, Don looked to improve slightly, but also try and get a consistent tune-up for eliminations. The car improved by one mph and went 250, but the et was a couple ticks slower, a 5.77. The team's final qualifying position remained #12.

Final qualifying

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.601 258.62 258.62
2 7 Cy Chesterman, Sioux City IA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.658 253.09 253.09
3 9 Bucky Austin, Fife WA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.693 253.09 254.38
4 75 Mark Woznichak, Ontario CA, '02 Camaro 5.700 252.43 252.43
5 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.707 252.76 252.76
6 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.713 251.53 252.00
7 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '03 Firebird 5.715 248.34 248.34
8 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.716 252.14 252.38
9 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '01 Camaro 5.717 254.04 254.04
10 65 Hank Coolidge, Sunburst MT, '02 Firebird 5.726 250.69 250.69
11 6 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.729 251.58 252.71
12 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.743 249.12 250.18
13 76 John Weaver, Orting WA, '04 Camaro 5.774 250.23 250.23
14 73 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 5.774 248.93 248.93
15 52 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '04 Camaro 5.818 244.92 244.92
16 777 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '99 Firebird 5.819 247.75 247.75

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '06 Monte Carlo 5.833 247.84 247.84
18 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.840 244.69 249.21
19 79 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 5.854 248.25 248.25
20 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '05 Honda 5.957 238.30 239.23
21 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.980 237.46 242.89
22 18 Ross Stickler, Gilbert AZ, '04 Corvette 5.985 239.14 239.14
23 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.056 236.84 236.84

Don's first round opponent would be fellow Californian Jason Rupert, who ran a best of 5.707.

The first round match-up was to say the least, CLOSE! Don had a great .033 light, .014 quicker than Rupert. He held on to the lead well past the 1000 foot mark when Rupert just edged past Don, by a scant 20 inches at the finish line. Don's car actually fell off by about 5 mph in the last couple hundred feet, or he would have gone on two round two Sunday morning.

Here are the numbers.

766 Jason Rupert 0.048 5.756 248.48 def. 756 Don Hudson 0.033 5.776 243.81

Incremental difference
60ft(-0.010), 330 ft(-0.012), 660ft(-0.007), 1,000ft(-0.004). MOV: 0.0051 seconds ( Margin of loss, approximately 22 inches).

The next race will be Bakersfield Divisional and then the team will look at the rest of the divisional events on the West Coast including Division 6 and decide where they will compete at. Stay tuned for all the action.

Vegas photo highlights (courtesy Bob Wilson)

March 20, 2006

The first sneak pics of the new paint for Don's Red Line Oil backed Flopper

January 4, 2006

We hope all the fans out there had a great holiday season. We will be on the track in late February or early March to kick off the 2006 season.

December 24th 2005

Happy Holidays to everyone

Don and team would like to thank all the fans and sponsors for their support in 2005 season and look forward to 2006, see you at the track!

Nov.11, 2005

The season wraps up with two, with two of the toughest events of the season and Don and the team went 50/50.

The Las Vegas Lucas Oil Divisional event is easily the toughest of the season in all seve divvisions. Close to 900 cars are in attendance so many classes see eight rounds of racing. The Top Alcohol classes had over 20 cars trying for the eight car bumps, so over a dozen cars would go home after saturday qualifying with nothing to how for their effort except 2-5k worth of costs; and ten whole points in their stats column.

Pomona and the Finals' is also a tough event with clsoe to 30 cars trying for the 16 car field. With sea level conditions a bump spot in the 5.70's there as well was expected.

Here are the results for both events.

Sept. 5, 2005

Indy Photo highlights are up.

Oh soo close!!!!

A .032 light and a 5.65 compared to a 5.59 for Manzo with a .062 light and Manzo takes out Don by .02 at the finish line. Don's 5.65 with his .032 light would have won two of the other matchups in round two.

What a great weekend for Don and the Red Line team.

Sept 4, 2005

Don had historic first round against Bob Newberry.

In what Don calls his greatest achievement in round one against Newberry, he cuts a great .039 light and runs a career best 5.69/255 to take out the point leader. Newberry shook and crossed the centre line, but would have have to run his best lap of the weekend to win the round as he gave Don .064 at the tree.

Don Hudson 0.039 5.698 255.19 def. Bob Newberry .103 (no time as he took out the 1/2 track cones).

It does not get any easier in round two, as he faces Frank MAnzo who has lane choice by .06.

If the "Doninator" can take out Manzo it would be a career year, not just weekend!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

Sept. 3, 2005

Final Qualifying

Don and the team did not improve from their round one number, as they struggled with a couple fuel issues from the broken lifter and thrown belt from the first session. In round four they got all their ducks in a row and made a full pull (5.77/242) and are ready for their first round match-up with world point leader Bob Newberry.

Sept. 2, 2005

Indy......... The big go!

Don rocks in round one of qualifying

Don is in the second pair out and blasts to a great 5.74 at only 249 mph. THe car ran great but right at the top end it broke a lifter again (like Sonoma).

Round one

1 3 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '02 Firebird 5.670 256.06 256.06
2 53 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.737 253.04 253.04
3 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.749 249.44 249.44
4 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.767 253.14 253.14
5 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 5.767 246.03 246.03
6 62 John Weaver, Orting WA, '02 Camaro 5.769 251.02 251.02
7 7 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.769 247.84 247.84
8 33 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.805 251.49 251.49
9 806 Steve Harker, Brisbane AU, '99 Avenger 5.805 249.26 249.26
10 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '96 Achieva 5.841 251.95 251.95
11 302 John Bojac, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.952 242.84 242.84
12 49 Michael Bell, Ocean View HI, '00 Firebird 6.129 192.06 192.06
13 3371 Fred Hagen, Chicago IL, '01 Avenger 6.401 238.64 238.64
14 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '98 Lumina 6.474 222.00 222.00
15 39 Don DeVault, Kentland IN, '01 Avenger 6.482 218.97 218.97
16 305 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '02 Firebird 6.784 154.19 154.19

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 315 Russell Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 6.958 157.76 157.76
18 5 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 7.960 105.63 105.63

The teams best showing........ of the year at their home national event. Results are here.

August 16, 2005 Somona story is posted

Yeah, I though it was time to do some updates to Don's web site.Seriously I apologize for the long delay.

Don has been much more active in the last month competing at the Sonoma Divisional race the first weekend of July and then last week at Seattle for the NW Nationals. This weekend he will be at Sonoma again, this time for the Autolite Nationals. Prior to those events, he was at Bakersfield in May for the Lucas Oil event there. After his first event of the year at Pomona, Don spent the time putting together his new race trailer and acquiring parts for the Flopper. His plans were to run in Division 6 this season, but the iffy weather at the first two events in Div 6 (Mission and Seattle), kept his from making the 600+ mile trip North.
At Bakersfield, He was still sorting out the Funny Car blues and shook the tires or smoked em in all laps keeping him outside the field.

This weekend he is at his biggest home race of the year, the "Autolite Nationals" in Sonoma California.

Go to the results page for the action from Sonoma. They will be posted starting Friday night.

Here is a run down of the events he has run since the first of July starting with the latest.

July 25, 2005 Seattle's NW Nationals

Don had his best performance of theyear at Pacific Raceways in Kent Washington last week at the Carquest NW Nationals. Go here for all the results.

Sonoma Divisional

At Sonoma the first weekend of July, Don came alot closer to getting in the field, as he actually made his first 1320 foot lap under power in the second qualifying session. He ran a 5.97/243 and was temporarily in the field. In the final session he could not fight the tire shake blues, and did not improve.

Don ended up #12 in the tough 17 car field. It took a 5.83 to qualify

Here is final qualifying at the Sonoma Divisional.

1 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '04 Camaro 5.653 253.18 253.18
2 62 John Weaver, Newport Beach CA, '05 Camaro 5.667 255.97 255.97
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '04 Firebird 5.674 253.85 253.85
4 703 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.712 251.67 252.71
5 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '05 Camaro 5.737 250.46 250.46
6 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '02 Firebird 5.773 245.45 250.00
7 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '04 Camaro 5.818 252.95 252.95
8 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '02 Firebird 5.831 252.33 252.33

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.843 242.67 242.67
10 799 Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton CA, '98 Cutlass 5.858 248.52 248.52
11 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 5.953 240.94 240.94
12 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.977 243.28 243.28
13 7507 Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas NV, '00 Advenger 6.120 228.46 228.46
14 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 6.155 194.21 194.21
15 762 Bil Gallio, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 6.339 234.04 234.04
16 78 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '05 Monte C 7.068 131.87 131.87
17 74 John Patton, Peoria AZ, '04 Trans Am DQ

May 30, 2005

Bakersfield California

Don Failed to qaulifying at Bakersfield after either smoking the tires or shaking them on all three runs. Next up is Sonoma.

February 10, 2005

Don is back where he belongs! In a flopper. The team is very excited to be out for the first time in 2005. Even though they did not get a chance to test before this weekend's Winternational's, the team was confident they would run in the 5's and qualify.

Don's first lap on Thursday was a little too aggressive, as he rattled and smoked the tires 200 feet and he coasted on through to a 9 second et. Ask Don and he would say, it was just what the doctor ordered. Expect a solid day on Friday. Here are the numbers from Friday

1 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.644 239.95
2 3 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Firebird 5.646 259.41
3 6515 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.697 254.57
4 73 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.709 233.08
5 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.867 238.60
6 62 John Weaver, Orting WA, '00 Firebird 5.943 228.65
7 56 Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley CA, '02 Camaro 6.042 235.93
8 739 Hannes Wernhart, Bakersfield CA, '02 Firebird 6.172 203.89
9 762 Bil Gallio, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 6.256 227.27
10 735 Bob Gallio, Anahiem CA, '02 Camaro 6.967 215.20
11 703 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 8.276 111.29
12 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 9.692 89.43
13 43 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '03 Firebird10.702 82.49
14 750 Kurt Kuhns, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 11.418 75.28
15 4 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim CA, '02 Camaro 12.459 71.70
16 9 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '02 Camaro 13.906 57.01

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 308 Marc White, Glendale Hts. IL, '02 Firebird 14.335 56.51 56.51
18 78 Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '01 Firebird DQ
19 6143 Mark Hentges, Fife WA, '02 Firebird DQ

New for 2005

Exciting stuff happening for Don Hudson Racing. A major sponsor in Red Line Oil (Thanks to the Kerrigan family) and new car and class to compete in, and four new associate sponsors, including Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet, W.T.Cook Construction, Delta Rubber, and Fuel Delivery Service. See you at Pomona!!

Happy Holidays to all from Don Hudson Racing. Look for big changes in 2005 for Don and team..

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