Class Ceiling
NHRA report: Hot track in Thunder Valley makes for strong weekend in Bristol
By Tery Red ( Crew Chief for Mr. Mad /RigTech Motorsports)
Jun 18, 2018, 7:00 am
Welcome to Femmefanaticsports where this week's journey goes to the Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenessee. You have the Perfect Trifecta: The birthplace of country music plus The Home of Bristol Motor Speedway, (a NASCAR Sprint Cup track that is one of the most well-known motorsports facilities in the country.) and Bristol Dragway, where the Fitzgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals event is held.
Just give me that old time Rock and Roll, right on down the track!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that classy First Lady of Drag Racing, Shirley "ChaCha" Muldowney graced the presence of fans in Thunder Valley and reminisced about Tom "The Mongoose " McEwen and how thrilled she was when he asked her for her autograph at a track meet years ago. WOW, that is amazing Class Ceiling stuff right there! Just imagine that back in the day, the Mongoose, forward thinker that he was, gives her the symbolic Fist Bump, High Five, Atta Girl, by requesting her John Hancock. She immediately paid it forward and bought and wore one of his shirts and did not part with it for the day. Sweet dreams are made of this!
A little lightning and thunder would have been most welcome this weekend here in Thunder Valley. A bit of rain could have cooled the track down ....track temperatures were up to 139.° Now remember, we're in Thunder Valley, so we're talking about major horsepower, a super hot track and less track treatment with scorching temperatures, both behind the wheel and on the track. The driver has to make some real time, real life decisions on the dime. Should I stay in it off the starting line? Yes! I have the Holeshot...But I'm smoking the tires...Foot off pedal...Straighten up...Foot back on pedal...Don't touch the centerline...Pedal off...Get back in it... Foot back on the pedal.... watch out for the wall, foot off pedal, win beam insight, foot on pedal, my opponent coming over the lane, foot off pedal, Get this win! All in 4 seconds . Just ask Brittany Force .
Funny thing, as it heats up here, Iron Man Clay Millican seems to have no problem getting down the track, putting his field on the map in qualifying sessions with a 3 second pass! Maybe, just maybe it has to do with The Thunder from down under Crew Chief, Dave Grubnic. What's the secret?
Doug Winters lived to tell after crossing the centerline and kissing the wall during Pro Mod Qualifying .
Pro Stock Rocker Tommy Lee waltzed the Sand trap as his chutes failed to deploy and his brakes failed to grab during third round qualifying. Safety, first, last, always. Great job NHRA Safety Safari!
Matt Hagan lit the fire as leader of the DSR qualifying pack. There is nothing Funny about those cars.
This weekend's event proved to be , thuderous, brutal, and action packed.
Top Fuel: Tony Schumacher, 3.946, 313.58 def. Salinas, 5.251, 152.18.
Funny car: Ron Capps, 4.234, 296.37 def. Tasca III, 4.300, 286.98.
Pro stock: Jeg Coughlin, 6.709, 205.10 def. Anderson, 6.741, 205.07.
Take me out to the Race Track!
June 21-24 2018
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals
Norwalk, Ohio
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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