Yes, Racefans history repeats itself over and over again.

Such is the case when the Frantic Fueler along with many other teams showed up for the "Legends of Drag Racing" event at the Grove.

EVERYONE had good intentions, it just didn't turn out the way they said it would.

The Event was heavily advertised on radio, internet and spots during the NHRA Nationals from Joliet along with 2 billboards on major roads it seemed that the event couldn't miss.

Then reports of high prices, internet BS from people who have NO business writing about an event BEFORE it actually happens and other MISinformation, ALL contributed to killing the event.

Coming off the Robot and Vision Show the Spectrum Illumination Frantic Fueler team showed up at the Grove with high hopes, our first pass in the right lane was very telling as the Frantic car went out about 200 feet and SMOKED the tires! Instantly going into tire shake and putting us LAST in qualifying.

Saturday was a whole new day, after enjoying breakfast at Apple Holler (KR exit, west frontage road) the team set to work. Another qualifier was offered to those who may want another shot at the track, considering this would be an unpaid qualifier we sat it out intending on tuning the car and enjoying the company of the fans that actually did show up.

By Saturday night the crowd had grown but was still far from expectations.

The Frantic car is paired with Dan Russell's Iowa based fueler. We fire the Frantic car and Dave does his signature burnout and backs up.

As I pull Dave to the line I notice people waving that Russell can't fire up his car and we get a bye run.

Dave stabs the throttle, the car goes about 200 ft and rattles hard, Dave tries to get after it but she falls short of our usual run times.

We leak down the motor to find a pinched ring and the team digs in, within minutes the top half of the motor is completely removed and Jim is pulling the bad piston out.

We get the repairs done and get ready for Sunday.

Sunday, second round has us up against Charlie Proite's Telstar with "Diamond Dave" at the wheel.

We get it together and head for the lanes, "Diamond Dave" had lane choice and of course took the favored left lane.

Both cars are sounding great and pull to the line, a flash and their off Telstar left first, but the Frantic car caught them on the top end charge with a 6.46 ET.

On the other side Jimi Young had advanced to the final and was running strong.

The final has the Frantic car in the right lane and the Young guns hungry for a victory.

Both cars line up and blast off, the Frantic car slightly behind at 200 ft Dave has to peddle her and stabs it down again, she's really charging and reeling in Jimi's potent small block.

With the finish line racing toward them both cars are flying down course and just that quick Jimi Young takes the stripe with Dragster Dave a half car behind.

A great effort by all the teams that participated, I just wish more fans had been there to see it.

Next up, Cordova.

 C'ya there, You won't want to miss this one!!

Scott

The Spectrum Illumination's Frantic Fueler team has just spent 2 terrific days in Michigan.

We started out from the shop at 4am headed East for Lane Automotive and the annual Noisefest. George Lane and his entire staff should be commended for the effort they all put in to have this wonderful event. We arrive at Lane to welcoming faces and the workers part the sea of people whom have already gathered, it's 8 AM and people are already buzzing. We get the rig into place and get to work, although we are all being a little more careful these days with the new paint job and all. Many of the usual suspects are already in place and they had saved a spot for the Frantic car in the midst of it. Thru out the day the crowd builds and at noon the Nitro teams get ready to rumble, one by one they fire up to the delight of the massive crowd. Al Bergler, the Probe and Larry Paynes' Green Gang fuelers all some of the finest examples of fuelers get the crowds hearts racing and for the finally the Frantic Fueler. Once we get to work I kind of loose the fact that we are SURROUNDED by people, but when everyone is in position and Dragster Dave gives her a hard whack of the throttle I would say we get everyones attention.

It was planned that after our day at Lane we would stay over and finally get to enjoy Dave Crane's collection of rare and nostalgic Drag Racing memorabilia. Dave and his wife have quite a cool collection of parts, posters and cars that they share with people in this annual event. We share alot of stories and met alot of new friends and caught up with some old ones as well. A wonderful experience that was capped off with the Carson boys firing up their Nitro Dragster much to the delight of all in attendance.

Sunday we were met with rain, but knew it wouldn't last so we headed for breakfast to meet the Carsons and then head over to the Gilmore Museum for the opening of the NEW Drag Racing display they have put together.

A quick ride thru the Michigan country side and we arrive at the Gilmore. If you are a car person and have not been there, then your missing out it's incredible.

There are several LARGE barns on 90 acres of some of the finest cars you can imagine, as well as a collection of the old radiator caps in a building of their own. Each building has a "greeter" who is responsible for the care and upkeep of the display, all extreemly friendly and welcoming. Ofcourse we attended to get a look at the new display "History - a Quarter Mile at a time" which showcases some of the countries greatest drag cars and some of Michigans historical cars. We wandered the grounds taking in all the Gilmore has to offer. One of the coolest parts of the day was getting to see Dragster Dave and his father, Don enjoy their time together looking at all the wonderful cars. The day was capped off with the Fuelers of Bergler and gang, firing their engines for the crowd. Then once the motors went silent an incredible noise that I had not heard before began to thunder, it was some guy on a JET POWERED BICYCLE!!!! that went screaming off into the Michigan country side. Nuts.

A great ending to a terrific weekend for the Frantic Fueler team.

Next up, the Robot and Vision show at the Rosemont Convention Center in the Spectrum Illumination booth.

C'ya there,

Scott