2001 Corvette Challenge Drag Racing Series
sponsored by Cartek
Martinson Wins Event #2!
On Saturday, May 12, 2001, a great day for racing, Event #2 of the 2001 Cartek
Corvette Challenge, sponsored by the Ocean Cruisers, was
held, with Bill Martinson outlasting the field to take the win. Martinson, in only
his 3rd trip to the track in his 2000 Black Corvette 6speed, yes a 6 speed, proved
he was too much for the 42 competitors that came to race on a very hot day. The big
surprise of the day came when current point's leader, John Panuzzo went out in the
very first round. He was taken out by current Raceway Park Real Street Points leader
and Corvette Challenge Associate Sponsor, Bob Trieschmann of Simple Man Racing in
his 1994 Polo Green Convertible (with no rollbar adding difficulty to the task as he
had to keep the car in the 14 second range and we all know that the car is much more
capable of mid 13's).
Every Round was full of exciting action. In the semi finals, Bill Martinson
defeated Ioannis in his 2001 Black 6 speed as Trieschmann was waiting for the finals
with a bye run. In the final, both drivers had been dead on accurate with their
dials all day, we saw Bill Martinson run a 13.10 on a 13.00 dial (a little too much
wheel spin this time) as Bob ran a 14.17 on a 14.21 dial breaking out by a mere
4/100ths of a second. After the race, Billy was still shaking as the thrill of being
in this type of eliminator can make anyone weak at the knees. Billy was extremely
joyed and cannot wait for the next Corvette Challenge Event.
The standings show 3 drivers now deadlocked at the top with the Winner of Event
2, Martinson, Event 1, Panuzzo, and Trieschmann. Don't forget to check the standings
to see where you stand.
The first round "John Panuzzo Jr. Memorial First Round Best Reaction Time" trophy
was taken by Walter Heisler of Trenton, NJ. Walter driving a convertible with a
rollbar and all kinds of modifications. Walter does all the work on the car himself.
Walter made it to the 3rd round. We look forward to seeing more of Walter in the
future.
The Corvette Challenge organizers would like to thank Carmen Melillo and Dennis
Hemmerly, better know as the The Vette Doctors of Amityville, NY. The came on a 2 hour journey to
Raceway Park with a caravan of 15 Corvettes. A really nice collection of fast cars.
Carmen himself made it to the 4th round before breaking out in his 2000 FRC Nassau
Blue 6 spd.
Mark your calendars for the next Corvette Challenge event. Event #3 of the
Corvette Challenge will be held on July 7th with eliminations beginning
approximately noon again.
See ya there,
John Mackey
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