knapp breaks the 9second barrier wins qualifier for bir
Amsnow
The stage was set for a great weekend of racing. The weather cooperated and with a field of 14 drivers eager to get the season started the excitement was in the air. The drivers had the opportunity for a few test runs Friday night and many took advantage of this and some great times where set. Darrin Weber of New Hope, MN and Mike Knapp of Welch, MN both ran under 9 seconds.
This made qualifying rounds on Saturday very exciting right from the first round. Many drivers laid down some serious runs including Mike Knapp the #2 qualifier who ran a 9.047/144.74 mph, Sean Ray the #3 qualifier ran a 9.247/139.73 mph, and Ethan Pleshar the #4 qualifier ran a 9.259/140.63 mph After all was said and done the #1 qualifier was Darrin Weber with a 9.047/142.87 mph and the ladder was set for elimination rounds.
Sunday offered some heated competition and it didn't take long for the semi-finals to be set in the staging lanes. The first heat brought Sean Ray to the starting line. Sean managed to stay consistent through the day and was ready for anyone to challenge him. Mike Knapp was that person and turned in a solid run of 8.982/142.68 mph to advance to the finals. The second heat of the semi-finals included Darrin Weber who seemed to be the man to chase all day. He lined up next to Jamie Bellman of Bremen, IN. When the two crossed the finish line it was Bellman who turned on the win light with a slower time of 9.425/138.13 against Weber's 9.391/139.41. With the hole shot, Bellman would meet Knapp in the finals.
The fans and race teams gathered for the final. Mike Knapp and Jamie Bellman two well-known names in snowmobile drag racing had all eyes glued to them. The track was in great condition with only a slight head wind. Knapp lined up in the right lane and Bellman in the left. Both drivers had great starts and run lines, but Knapp gradually pulled ahead and laid down an 8.941/142.01mph to pull off the victory.
"This was great weekend for racing and I'm glad to get some solid runs in. All the teams did a good job this weekend and I look forward to running against them in Stanton." Knapp stated.
The MSDRA will travel to its home turf for the #3 qualifying round in Stanton, MI. at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex on June 22nd & 23rd. Many teams are expected to compete for the final spots in the points race for the National Finals event. The racing action will continue through August. The top 16 point leaders after all the qualifying races will be allowed to compete at the NHRA national event held at The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway August 17th & 18th, 2002.
"Being able to have the privilege to work with the NHRA is a huge stride for snowmobile drag racing." Nathan Oprita president of the MSDRA said. "We are excited about the schedule and will do what it takes to allow our racers the opportunity to compete and show their talents. This past weekend proved to be even more exciting than most thought."
Qualifying Order
1 #3 Darrin Webber 9.047/142.87mph
2 #17 Mike Knapp 9.080/144.74mph
3 #94 Sean Ray 9.247/139.73mph
4 #F14 Ethan Pleshar 9.259/140.63mph
5 #747 Jamie Bellman 9.297/141.07mph
6 #650 Bryan Bellman 9.406/137.15mph
7 #5802 Ron Bray 9.460/141.95mph
8 #141 James Cooper 9.553/130.87mph
9 #539 Jason Houle 9.641/133.56mph
10 #14 Jeff Jaquish 9.764/131.18mph
11 #45 Dave Williams 9.869/133.14mph
12 #13 Tim Steinke 10.005/106.37mph
13 #564 Danny Blachfelner 11.374/108.91mph