We were very impressed with Ric Stephens' mighty Miata. After being knocked out in the second round, we spoke with Stephens about the car and to our amazement, we discovered that the engine is basically a bone-stock 1.8-liter with a modified Cartech turbo kit and an Electromotive TEC-II engine management system. The Enkei-sponsored Miata's best e.t. was posted at the Lone Star Nationals, where the drop-top broke off a 10.98 on street tires. At this event, transmission problems arose that kept Stephens from making a solid pass.
All MotorA dominant Joel Mandl in the JG/Southgate Auto-sponsored Civic was destined to take the victory. The team's objective was to run in the 10-second zone for this event. Since the car posts consistent 11.1 e.t.s on West Coast tracks, the team hoped to make a breakthrough in Texas. The Civic qualified with an 11.29 and ran mid-11s all day, but in the finals, a missed shift netted a sub-par 12.56, which opened the door to number two qualifier Adam Franzetti's, whose 11.90 earned him a Wally.
After an overnight motor swap, the Venom team had its Tacoma ready for competition. With Jimmy O'Connor behind the wheel, the Pro Truck was able to land in the number two qualifying spot in the Pro category with a blistering 8.15-second e.t..
Expanded Web Coverage @ turbomagazine.com
With clearance from the doctor, Abel Ibarra was back in the saddle again, but this time in the car that made him famous-the El Flaco R100. The R100 blasted a best of 8.10, which tells us that Ibarra's accident had no effect on his courage.
Adam's back, but this time in an Acura. Considering this tube-chassis NSX debuted with an 8.48 at half power tells us that 7s should be no problem and 6s are a definite possibility.
Throughout the day the JG-sponsored all-motor Civic had its eyes on 10-second timeslips, but track conditions hindered its efforts.
Featured in the June issue of Turbo, this Nissan made its debut at the NHRA event. With Chad Trower at the reigns, the car was babied down the 1320 in 11.4 seconds to make the field, but ran as quick as 10.50 at 131 mph in competition.
Lisa Kubo Racing is on a roll once again. Not only is Kubo number one in points in the IDRC, but now she holds the number one spot in the NHRA as well. In the hands of Gary Kubo, the Nitto-sponsored Civic has proven that it can stay on top.
This 200SX out of Florida made a pass quick enough to scare off a Honda. The SR20-powered Nissan turned an eye-popping 10.23 at more than 140 mph.
Jojo Callos made an appearance in the Hot Rod XVI. Axle problems kept the JG Edelbrock-sponsored Civic from realizing its full potential and continuing any further in the class.
Ric Stephens out of San Antonio, Texas entered his 10-second Miata in the Street Class, but was eliminated in the first round by the Street Class King Ari Yallon.
Awaiting the completion of his Tundra V8 engine from TRD, Craig Paisley is riding out the rest of the 2001 season in his Toyota Supra.
Christian Rado experienced Murphy's Law with the Integra. A failed last minute effort to compete had the team scrambling to get the car to the line, but we do applaud the team's wheelbarrow style of getting the car off the track.
Kenny Tran advanced all the way to the finals, but just like Callos, axle problems at the line kept the Leading Edge-sponsored Civic from taking a first place win.
The Street Class King, Ari Yallon, stole the show once again. This time the class was dominated by a gang of RX-7.com rotaries.