Silver Dollar Showdown

[VRN Stephen]

Vw Drag Racing on the East Coast has officially begun. Just one week prior to this event the weather was in the 20's with snow in the area. Just a mere 7 days later the skies opened up and the sun was shining bright. The forecast for the 8th Annual Silver Dollar Showdown brought to you by Keith Bumgarner and Kathy Jacobs of K & L Motorsports was predicting a slight breeze with a High of 80 degrees. As the morning fog cleared way you could see the line of cars pouring through the gates. The show car area quickly filled up and shortly there after the Vintage Performance Street Car Challenge participants geared up for the cruise.

Making the long drive from Orlando, Florida was Gil Comeau in his freshly put together beetle. Gil almost opted to stay home but at the last second loaded up and headed north to Reynolds, GA. Fortunately for Gil he took home the honors of the 2009 Vintage Performance Street Car Challenge Champion. After all 3 passes Gil’s average Elapsed Time was 13.29 seconds, shortly behind him was Justin Flowers averaging 13.50et and 3rd Place Finisher Charles “Over Spray” Overton posting a 13.68et.

In the Southeast Eastern Vw Associations Bracket Program unfortunately due to a low car turnout the Sportsman Class and Pro Class was combined. The Final Round in the Pro Class paired veteran racer Mel Shealy from Irmo, SC up against new comer Steven Herrell from Carrollton, GA. Both drivers were off with poor reaction times but it was Mel with the better light and Mel Shealy took the win with a 7.674et @ 83.61mph on a 7.63 dial in. Steven posted an 8.490et @ 78.51mph on an 8.45 dial in.

For the Super Pro Class we were treated with plenty of Wheels Up Action from the 6 & 7 second cars including Steve Sands from Hiram, GA. But in the end it would only come down to 2. Eric Michener from Milton, FL faced off against Blake May from Beaufort, SC. Unfortunately for Blake the race for him was over as soon as he dumped the clutch and turned on the Red Light. Both drivers coasted through the lights and another successful race came to an end.

PHOTO GALLERY HERE: http://holeshotphotos.com/events/090308_silverdollar/

Vintage Performance Street Car Challenge prepares for their cruise.


Gil Comeau taking the win in the Vintage Performance Street Car Challenge.


Bill Schoenberger making the long drive from Sandusky, OH.


Jamie Thunderburk always keeps the crowd excited with her wheel stands down the entire 1/8th mile.


Pro Winner Mel Shealy returning to Championship form after breaking his leg late last year.


Super Pro Winner Eric Michener had his turbo powered beetle running consistent all day long.