Drag In 2008 Fontana, California

Can you imagine the pain felt of watching your house and most of what you own go up in flames?  That’s exactly what happened to Corrie Sachettie.  By the graces of God, no one lost their life, and no one was hurt.  But the house was burnt to the ground.

What does Sacchette's story have to do with a VW show?  Well each year for the past 3 Lance Gregory and the Silver Bugget team have hosted a party at Lance's ranch in Mira Loma.  Last year they instituted a charity raffle which benefited my good friends Ruben and Grace Zamora who tragically lost their 8 year old daughter.  We were able to raise $1500 for the Zamora's and the Silver Bugget crew set their goal higher this year to help a fellow VW brother in his time of need.

The guys got together and solicited prizes and donations from whomever they came in contact with.  In the end, collectively we raised $2500 for Corrie!  That should be enough money to replace his VW T-shirt collection. LOL!  Well done guys!

The party was a blast!  Food, beverages, and great conversation were abundantly supplied.  This year I was partnered up with non other than Ester Hollister in the annual Horseshoe pitching contest.  Ester and I went round after round, making our

The drag tree reaction time contest started a little later, and everyone had a blast as the trash talkin' began.  A few youngsters were taking out some of the elders, but some of the old guys were taking the youngins' to school as well.  It was fun!  As the competition went on, numbers were called for the many raffle prizes that were awarded throughout the night.  There were some awesome prizes to had, including some great photos I took from the race last year!

Lance, Jon, Richie, Shawn and Steve would like to thank everyone who donated to the raffle and to all that came out, partied and bought tickets.  The VW Community is awesome!

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!  CLYDE BERG PRESENTS DRAG IN 2008!

There is no doubt about it, Clyde Berg's Drag In is a hardcore VW drag racer's event!  This year was no exception!  This year the weather felt a bit hotter than it was last year due to the increase humidity.  But the track conditions were excellent, as the track was mighty tacky.  This was proven when the "Pro Mod Erics" (Calabrese and Madson) pulled up to the line to make their first qualifying passes.  Instead of seeing the side-by-side 8 second passes we've been accustomed to, both proceeded to snap axles!  Grrr!  How aggravating?  But, as you can guess, both had the axles swapped out and were ready to run before the next round of qualifying.

Other racers, not making quite as much axle snapping power, were able to put on an awesome display of VW wheel stands!  I truly believe that in my 3 years of shooting photographs from the staging lanes that I got more great "wheelie shots" in Fontana this weekend then any other event I've shot at!  Be sure to check out the 2008 Drag In gallery for all the great action!

Of particular interest on Sunday was the team of Hector Serrano Sr and Hector Serrano Jr, from Mexicali.  The father and son team worked hard to produce one great looking Cal-Look bug.  But this “Volchito” wasn’t built just to look good, it was built to race!  They debuted the car at the Drag In and turned quite a few heads when Jr. piloted the 1963 Beetle to Pro Eliminator Finals and Won!  This is quite an achievement as this was the guys’ first time out with the car! 

In the other classes, we saw Matt Becker and Marcus Palmquist extend their points lead by completing back-to-back wins in their respective classes (Super Modified & Super Gas).  These guys are on a tear and are doing their best to squash the competition.  Something tells me that their fellow drag racers my start placing a friendly "bounty" on their heads for the next race in Sacramento. 

In Super Street, Ron Flemming and Roger Crawford proved that "Old Guys Rule!" by facing off in the Super Street finals.  At the top end of the track, the win light bulb illuminated for Roger!  The "House of Power" is rocking the house!

The turn out in the Pro Mod field consisted of Hector Urias, Jerry Matsco, Pat McDermott, Jason Eggum, Eric Calabrese and Eric Madson.  Hector snapped a camshaft during qualifying and was done for the day.  Matsco's "Battle Born" crew had issues as well as I did not get to see them run all day.  Eggum's new car, "Blurred Vision" was running solid 10's all day and was its debut at a VW event.  If you only knew what Jason went through to have the car ready for Sunday!  Great work Jason!  You are a dedicated man!  Unfortunately, Madson was fighting gremlins each round and didn't go as far as he would have hoped.  The only issues Pat McDermott disclosed was over powering the track and spinning the tires all the way down.  Sounds like good problems to have! J  Pat had a great day going rounds and making it to the finals where he met Calabrese.  In a close race, where Pat got the early jump from the tree, the Baron ran him down with an 8.77 to Pat’s 9.23ET.  Even though it was Calabrese’s day, it was AWESOME to see Pat running so well at Fontana, considering his horrid experience 3 years ago when he hit the K rail and unleashed a 40 foot fireball.  Pat’s unwavering determination got this car to where it is now, and I know that this is NOT the last time we will see him in Pro Mod finals!  Great showing fellas!

Next stop on the PRA Schedule is in Sacramento, California for Bugorama 62.  Make sure to make your plans now!  A little birdie told me that some of the current ¼ mile records may be in jeopardy!  See you in Sac!  - SF