Friday, July 31, 2020
The opening day to the 3rd Annual Shake & Bake event at West Michigan Sand Dragway in Mears, Michigan started off with usual track prep for the 6 hours of test and tune that awaited. Track prep was done quicker than usual thanks to the new sprinkler system (put in just a few days before the event started) that watered the 300ft sand track.
2.95 Index, Quick 16 Cars, and Quick 16 ATVs had 1 qualifying session on Friday.
The stand out performance for the Quick 16 Cars was truly astonishing. Ryan Kerr driving his “Swamp Donkey” funny jeep had a jaw dropping 300ft wheel stand. From the time he let go of the trans brake, he carried the wheel all the way down the track touching down just past the finish line while taking the number 1 qualifying spot for the Quick 16 Cars.
Quick 16 ATV qualifying only started with 8 competitors. Mike Goodale took control of the number 1 qualifying spot early with a 3.410. Mini buggies and mini dragsters that are powered by powersports engines were eligible to qualify for the Quick 16 ATV class.
The 2.95 Index class consisted of 10 competitors and featured naturally aspirated nitrous cars, blown alcohol cars, and turbo charged Volkswagens. The closest to 2.950 without breaking out would be the number 1 qualifier. Kyle Farwick was on top of the list after the first session, running a 3.00.
Top Eliminator Qualifying Order After Round 1:
- Kyle Farwick – 3.00
- Russ Bailey – 3.18
- Jeremy Click – 3.22
- Mike Belcher – 3.25
- Burt VanBennekom – 3.26
- Craig Gum – 3.27
- Cody Trice – 3.288
- Ryan Wilson – 3.35
- Guy Wagner – 3.37
- Adam Roe – 3.45
The highlight of the evening came in the 50/50 Sportsman finals when WSDN’s own Damian Bowers faced off with a living legend of sand drags, 80 year old Tom Hartman Sr. Hartman would get the win light and the first victory of the weekend. Hartman ran a 4.356 on a 4.34 dial in, Bowers broke out running a 4.808 on a 4.84 dial in. We spoke with Hartman after his Sportsman win.
50/50 Sportsman
1st – Tom Hartman Sr.
2nd – Damian Bowers
