the race to brainerd continues

 Running at the Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway on NHRA Nationals weekend has been a high point for asphalt racers for the past six years. When the event's sanctioning body, NSSR, closed its doors last spring, the future of the venue was at risk. Track officials liked having the snowmobilers up there enough to extend invitations last summer to the eight competitors who ran there the year previous. But there was no competition series to get there.

This season, Dave Dunigan and his crew at the Michigan Snowmobile Drag Racing Association (MSDRA) have picked up the sanctioning responsibilities for a two-race qualifying series to run ad BIR. "We picked it up late," explained Dunigan. "But we didn't want to see the sport die off."

To date, Woody's and Wahl Brothers Performance have stepped up to the plate and offered sponsorship money in the form of purse money. Dunigan indicated he hoped more companies will offer contingencies to the event, to be called the Woody's Challenge.

Dunigan split the field into two divisions with their own qualifying events. Those racers who live east of lake Michigan will compete on May 26 and 27 in Stanton, Michigan and again on June 30th. The top four qualifiers will be invited to come to Brainerd.

Likewise, those who live west of Lake Michigan will have two qualifiers at BIR on June 8-10 and again on July 6-8. The top four points-earners will also be invited to race at the big show.

The competing class has change for this season, as well. Racers will be running under the ISR's Factory Mod II rules, which allows 800cc and 1000cc sleds to compete against each other. A series of weight breaks will be implemented to level the playing field. They are as follows:

800cc engines with stock cylinders: 675 pounds
800cc engines with aftermarket cylinders: 700 pounds
1000cc engines with stock cylinders: 725 pounds
1000cc engines with aftermarket cylinders: 750 pounds

All chassis must conform to ISR's Prostock rules, as well as meet any and all NHRA safety standards.

All gas will be supplied at the track from a common source. MSDRA will have 114 and 115 octane VP race fuel on site for competition.

Those wishing to compete in the series must register by May 15. Competitors must be members of NHRA and MSDRA to be eligible for the series. To become a member of MSDRA, contact Nathan or Todd at 810/989-9554.

Because of the late start of the series, Dunigan will only offer the single class for competition. However, he indicated that he would be traveling to New York for NASRA's July 15th Lebanon Valley Nationals sled-only event to observe the class structure that circuit has put together. "I'm interested in seeing the sport grow," he said. "I plan to offer a full circuit next year, with enough classes to get more people involved in asphalt racing."

For more information on the Woody's Challenge series, contact Dave Dunigan at 517/787-1177.