Class Ceiling
NHRA recap: Another showdown between Gray and Enders-Stephens highlights big week
By Tery Red (Crew Chief for Mr. Mad/RigTech Motorsports)
Jun 25, 2018, 6:19 am
We will run NOR WALK!
Welcome to Summit Racing , the World's Speed Shop here Norwalk, Ohio as the NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series continues to heat up.
NHRA 'S Women of Power were in full force , how apropo with the First Lady of Drag Racing, Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney making another nostalgic appearance in the state of the Hall of Fame as well as the birthplace of Alice Rufie Jordan Blake , the first female law graduate at Yale. Erica Enders- Stephens was on the top of the tree this weekend giving her contenders much grief in her Melling Performance Pro stock Camaro. Angie Smith also drilled them out the gates on her Pro Stock Bike, with two back to back .005! Whew! Brittany Force and Leah Pritchett went up in smoke early on. Angelle Sampey is still fighting.
Not too far up the road is Cleveland, home of King James. Hmmm , is he a need for speed fan? I will have to ask him.
John Force is usually the motivational speaker between rounds with his fast-talking, high energy interviews. He is grasping for straws now and pleading for support, even recalling essential advice given previously by "The Mongoose.".Team Force, give 'em help! This deep into the series and no top 10. I'm starting to get a bit nervous. To quote Matt Hagan, "Courtney is killing it out there," even beating out Poppa Force. He can't seem to catch a break. I'm not mad at you. John Force, you know how to do this, never give up, never surrender!
Another segment of excitement was the side by side between the Vigilante and the Cowboy! The Dodge Dynasty should be so proud to have these Hemi's representing here at the NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series for the School of Automotive Machinists and Technology NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. The Vigilante brings it home.
Meanwhile, Blake Alexander is on the map. Steve Torrence has got to work a few bugs out. Terry McMillen and Mike Salinas put in work, too. Clay Millican and Greg Anderson also looked promising.
The highlight of the weekend of course was the ever fervent grudge match between Erica Enders -Stephens and boy band hopeful Tanner Gray. It has been tit for tat with these two Pro Stock winners, and here come the finals after Erica beat em out the gates being quick on the draw. They burn out, Tanner turns on the first stage lights, then Erica. Tanner bumps in, then Erica and click , click, boom! Tanner Gray leaps out with a . 008 as our dear Erica slept with a . 048
What a cliff hanger. How will they end the series?
Stay tuned for the NHRAMello Yello Drag Racing Series as they head to the New England Nationals, July 6-8.
And this weekend's winners:
Top Fuel -- Blake Alexander, 4.011 seconds, 297.81 mph def. Terry McMillen, 4.155 seconds, 289.20 mph.
Funny Car -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.094, 288.21 def. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.220, 227.54.
Pro Stock -- Tanner Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.615, 209.62 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.608, 208.30.
As we begin another week of MLB free agency, we still haven't seen any movement when it comes to Alex Bregman. Several reports are indicating that the market for Bregman is being impacted by Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
The thought being, Santander is expected to command less than Bregman, and teams are waiting to see how his market shakes out before making an offer to Breggy.
Which is interesting, because we're seeing reports about Santander softening his stance on demanding a four or five year deal. It appears he's willing to consider a shorter contract with a high yearly salary.
If that is indeed the case, should the Astros consider moving some salary if they can come to an agreement on a short-term deal with Santander?
In theory, trading Pressly's $14 million contract along with Victor Caratini's $6 million dollar deal could allow them to pay Santander $20 million. Of course finding a club to take on all of Pressly's money may not be realistic, but if they could pull it off, should they do it?
This move would weaken the bullpen and the depth at catcher, but the team still has Caesar Salazar to back up Yainer Diaz. And both Pressly and Caratini aren't likely to be back with the Astros anyway after their contracts expire after the 2025 season.
Should we be worried about the Rangers?
MLB Network's Robert Flores (huge Astros fan) joined the Locked on Astros YouTube channel last week and said he likes the Rangers chances to win the AL West this year, despite Vegas giving Houston better odds to win the World Series. Does he have a point?
Farewell to Justin Verlander
Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Giants last week, so it appears he's played his last game in an Astros uniform. But should we close the door on him being traded to Houston again if the 'Stros need another starter and the Giants are looking to move him at the deadline?
Plus, we share some of our favorite Verlander moments from the team's dynastic run!
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys from Stone Cold 'Stros break it all down! And be sure to share your favorite Verlander memories in the comment section on YouTube.