(Tommy) Welcome back to your flag to flag coverage of the 3rd Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  After a thrilling and tense mêlée the cars are now heading for home.

(Smokey) Tommy during the break I heard Grand Sport Racing owner, Greg Carpenter express concerns about his car releasing those flames out of the hood scoop when the big Weber downdraft carbs aren’t kept throttled up.  At this late stage in the game he cannot afford any mishaps and after this stellar performance by his driver Earl Essex, it would be a shame to blow it now.  Some of the other owners are already congratulating him as if this thing is already in the bag, but he’s still not so sure.

(Tommy) Especially now that he is being challenge by Clutch McCoy in the Ghia for Piston Slap Racing.  Both cars are running shoulder to shoulder and each driver keeps looking back to the other and smiling.  They seem to be enjoying this …

And just when you think it’s going to come  down to the wire, Earl Essex looked over at Clutch McCoy, waved bye bye, and with a burst of flame, he smashed the throttle and was gone!

(Aurora) Grand Sport Racing Slays the Dragon!

(Smokey) Momentarily stunned, Clutch McCoy shakes it off and crosses the line claiming the second spot on the podium.

(Aurora) Mean while it remains a 3 way tie for 3rd between The “Red Fish” for Strummer Racing, Jake the Snake in the Rocket City Cobra and Team Powell’s smooth running Ford GT.

Jeremy Clarkson in the Strummer Racing Ford MklV  releases some extra weight, (his co pilot Richard Hammond) by the road side without slowing down, and manages to cross the line first.  Followed closely by Team Powell and then Rocket City’s Cobra, rounding out the top 5.

(Tommy) Roberto Asconi in the Red Ferrari ran a clean consistent race, poured it on at the end and claims 6th for Team owner Tom Bowman.

(Smokey) Spud Boy managed to climb back into the race and follows in the yellow Ferrari for Nonesuch Racing.

The Junkabilly Racing Corvair ran a good chase proving that it could be safe at any speed.

Bubba comes home for Team Purple.  He had plenty of speed,  but couldn’t find the rhythm to gain any ground.

Following closely is Skabby in the Mako Shark for Cornhusker Racing filling out the top 10.

(Tommy) On Skabby’s heals comes Noah Vale for Pappy and the Kid Team A in the 1950 Olds and then ushering in Team B in the 1953 Mercedes 300s.

Bud Henry wore himself out in the previous leg of the race, but manages to bring the GTO in for Next Century Technologies.

Lance Ross the lll for Outlaw Hippy Racing eager to get this race over and extinguish his craving,  bounds from a still rolling VW (no parking brake!) and rushes to the Burger Joint noticing the largest hot dog he has ever seen!

Both Palliden Spencer in the Mustang for J.L.M. Racing and Harry Gumala in the Toyota for Normal Racing had smooth running cars, but just couldn’t conquer the esses.

(Smokey) Everyone has rushed on to the track to congratulate Earl Essex of Grand Sport Racing.  He truly conquered the course from start to finish.

What an amazing performance!

(Aurora) I’d have to say across the board, the competition was fierce!  Each team really brought their A game and raised the bar!

(Tommy) Indeed!

Well on behalf of Smokey and Aurora we’d like to thank our Sponsors for their continued support of the Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  And remember, when you are in need of something to get your motor running, consider supporting one of these fine folks and tell them you heard about them from the Dragon’s Tail!

Congratulations to all of our competitors for a fun and exciting race.  Your particapation and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated!

And Finally, Thanks to all of you that have followed the 3rd Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  We hope that you have enjoyed it as much as we have!

Until next time!

Note: Track has 31 sections

(Tommy)  We are in the home stretch of the 3rd DT Road Rally and there is still plenty of fight left in these cars!

(Smokey) Earl Essex for Grand Sport Racing is working on a Grand Chelem earning the qualifying pole position, setting the fastest lap and has lead every leg of the race and now working towards the win…

(Aurora) Ahh, Guys…  From up here it looks like Clutch McCoy In the Texas Pete Hot Sauce Ghia for Piston Slap Racing is not ready to let that happen.  He has pulled up next to the Cobra and they are traveling side by side!

(Tommy) And the fight continues!

(Smokey) Speaking of fights, we have a real hot dog of a fight going on!  We better find some cheese and onions because there is a 3 way going on for third!  Rocket City Racing, Strummer Racing and Team Powell continue to clash!

(Aurora) Bubba in the Purple Camaro must be thinking about cheese coneys for  lunch because Roberto Asconi just zipped by him in the red Ferrari!

Skabby in the Mako Shark for Cornhusker Racing was drafting Bubba  and pulled out to pass, but then was left hung out to dry.  The Junkabilly Racing Corvair and Spud Boy in the yellow Nonesuch Racing Ferrari GTO continue the freight train and blew by Skabby.

Noah Vale in the 1950 Olds also saw the open door and moved on.  For the first time of this race, he leaves behind his satellite team member, Otto Glide in the 1953 Mercedes of Pappy and the Kid Racing who seems to be suffering with tire issues.

Bud Henry in the orange GTO for New Century Technologies Racing gives it his all and turns in his best effort of the day so far.

Lance Ross lll in the Flower Punch VW for Outlaw Hippy Racing has a serious case of the munchies and considers hitting the hot dog stand in the park as Palliden Spencer in the ’66 Mustang for J.L.M. Racing catches up to him.

Harry Gumala  in the ’66 Toyota 2000 GT for Normal Racing is enjoying the challenge and taking notes for the next time on the Dragon’s Tail.

Before we break for a word from our sponsors, let’s take a look at the board.

(Tommy)  Welcome to the 3rd Dragon’s Tail Road Rally!  We are back after an extended break in the action as the race was halted due to a yellow flag.

What seems to be the problem, Smokey?

(Smokey) Well Tommy, Race Officials thought they saw smoke coming from the Outlaw Hippy VW so fearing the worst, they waved the yellow flag and asked the cars to pull over where they were until this was sorted out.  But now after the smoke has cleared,  the emergency crew cannot find the source.

(Tommy) It looks like Security’s K-9 Unit is showing some interest in the situation.

(Smokey) Yes,  he’s been sniffing around the Beetle ever since the smoke dispersed.  Here’s driver, Lance Ross III.  Let’s see if I can get his attention…

Lance, do you have a moment?

(Lance Ross III) Hey man, Let’s get this party back on the road, what’s with all the hassle?!  I was just listening to some killer tunes and getting my groove on.  I didn’t see any fire… maybe an errant spark from my “cigarette”…  Total buzz kill…   Nice doggy…

(Smokey) Well, as Lance walks away…  it looks like the Officials are preparing to wave the green flag and “Get this Party back on the road”…  Here they go!

(Aurora) At the front of the pack a real battle is taking place! Just when Clutch McCoy in the ’64 Ghia for Piston Slap Racing tried to make a move on Earl Essex for Grand Sport Racing, the Cobra seems to have found another gear and pulls away!

(Tommy) There are some real smooth running cars in the second group as they fight for that 3rd place spot. Rocket City Racing, Strummer Racing and Team Powell are really clawing it out!

(Smokey) Bubba for Team Purple just flew by followed closely by a red Ferrari, a Cornhusker Shark and a Corvair, all trying to see who will round out the top five.

(Aurora) Spud Boy for Nonesuch Racing is trying to hold off the Pappy and Kid A and B teams as they distance themselves from the GTO.

(Smokey) The smoke has cleared for the time being for Outlaw Hippy Racing’s VW bug.  Did Lance just slip the K-9 unit a brownie?  I thought chocolate was harmful to dogs.

(Tommy) I’d be worried more about the other ingredients in that brownie.

(Smokey) Well, he’s back on the road and so is the party.

(Tommy) It hasn’t been much of a party for J.L.M. and Normal Racing as they continue to struggle on the twists.

(Smokey) By the way… which one of you referred to J.L.M.’s entry as a Camaro?

(Aurora) Not me

(Tommy) Not me

(Smokey) Well, Team Owner Yobear Jones came up to me during the break and wanted to point out that it’s a Mustang, not a Camaro for crying out loud. That kind of mistake could start a fight, so let’s be more careful.

Here’s how things stand after this leg of the race…

(Tommy)  Are You Ready to Rumble!?!  Greetings Race Fans!  It’s time to get this race rolling.

(Smokey)  That’s right, Tommy.  After some startling fast qualifying times,  many are wondering how this year’s Dragon Tail Road Rally will shake out.

(Tommy) What’s the word on the street?

(Smokey) The fans are being really quiet about their pick for a winner.  I think they were truly stunned by how close the qualifying times were.

(Aurora)  Gentlemen,  It looks like the grid is in place and we are ready to go.

(Tommy) Race officials will be sending drivers out according to their pole positions.  First on the line and out of the gate is “Live Wire” aka “Ollie the Dragon” for Grand Sport Racing!

(Smokey) With a belch of flame as he shifts, Earl Essex takes the Shelby Cobra out of the first turn and up the hill.

(Tommy) Spud Boy for Nonesuch Racing is quick to follow in the yellow Ferrari.  Since the times were so close,  we expect plenty of cars battling door to door…

(Aurora) Bubba’s on his way for Team Purple in the sparkling Camaro.

(Smokey) Jake the Snake blasts off the line for Rocket City Racing in the Blue with white stripe Cobra 424.

(Tommy) The Cornhusker’s Mako Shark and Tom Bowman’s  Scud Missile are off!

(Smokey) Team Powell’s light blue Ford GT glides away followed closely by Clutch McCoy in the Texas Pete Ghia for Piston Slap Racing.

(Tommy) The red Ford for Strummer Racing leaps off of the line and next the blue Mustang for J.L.M. Racing.

(Smokey) The Junkabilly Racing Corvair and Normal Racing’s Toyota, are out in quick secession.  Pappy and the Kid Racing Team A and B take off practically side by side.   Then the Orange GTO for Next Century Tech and last but certainly not least is “Flower Punch” the VW Beetle for Outlaw Hippie Racing.

(Tommy) All the cars are out on the course for the third DT Road Rally!  Aurora, how’s it looking out there?

(Aurora) Tommy,  Smokey… You weren’t kidding about there be plenty of door to door racing.  These cars were sent out so quickly that they are really bunched up in a coil.  Who’s going to strike first?

(Tommy) What’s going on near the front of the herd?

(Aurora) Well it seems that despite what Spud Boy was told;  to drive the car like he stole it…  He is still a little hesitant to open up that yellow Ferrari.  He is very cautious in the turns,  and looks like he might be dropping back.

(Tommy) How is the Grand Sport Cobra holding up?

(Aurora) So far so good, but Rocket City has managed to get around Spud Boy and Bubba.  We have a real Snake fight going on… Cobra against Cobra.

(Tommy) Rocket City was not too happy about the performance of their Cobra in the last DTRR so team owner Dave Parker sent it back to the lab for some retunage.

(Smokey)  Well he must be pleased with its performance so far today.  I thought that Dave Parker was feeling confident when I saw the oversized shipping container he sent alongside his entries. He must be expecting some treasure this year!

(Aurora) Wow! The Piston Slap Ghia and the Strummer Racing Ford MklV squeezed past Powell Racing, the Scuderia Ferrari, Cornhusker Shark and Team Purple!  These cars are so clustered up, it’s anybody’s race!

(Tommy) How are the rookies performing?

(Aurora) The new drivers are finding the Dragon a bit of a challenge.  Their narrow car set ups seem to be a disadvantage in the turns.  Junkabilly Racing’s Corvair manages to get around J.L.M.’s Mustang.  Interesting seeing these two very different machines side by side.

Pappy and the Kid Team A and B seem to be working in tandem and move up.

Bud Henry at the wheel for Next Century Tech.  has a fight all of his own as he tries to keep the GTO on course but ends up putting some space between him and the tail end of the pack.

The “Punch Power” Beetle for Outlaw Hippie Racing manages to gain some ground despite Lance Ross III swerving all over the road.

(Tommy) Thanks Aurora.  Before we take a commercial break, Let’s look at the board for this leg of the race.

(Smokey) The qualifying runs for the Dragon’s Tail Road Rally are about to wrap up.  We have one more cluster of cars waiting to determine their place in the race grid.  I am down on the track among the action and boy we have had some action today!

(Tommy) Absolutely!  These racers have come to race.  We knew before the cars arrived with all the pre-race chatter and mind games, that the teams were really going to bring it this year.  And bring it they have!  The qualifying times have improved.  The teams have amped up their competitiveness to the next level and the qualifiers are only separated by fractions of seconds.  We’ve seen a stunning track record take place only to be shattered moments later by a team mate.  After this last group of cars complete the day, the stage will be set for the best Dragon’s Tail Road Rally of all.

(Smokey) Well,  We are not finished yet…  It looks like the next team is in place and ready to go.  We’ve got a couple of real lookers here.

(Tommy) No stranger to the DT is Team Nonesuch Racing.  Team owner Dan Cocke and company have been front runners in both of the previous events and this time they plan to put Nonesuch on the map!

(Smokey) Where is Nonesuch anyway?

(Tommy) I don’t know… I think it’s a little place in central Kentucky, but I’m not sure.   Dano is behind the wheel of a striking red 1950 Ferrari 166MM.

(Aurora) From up here in the copter it looked like that little Barchetta just sailed through the course. Brilliant!

(Smokey) Team mate Spud Boy will be piloting another Ferrari.  This time a yellow with orange stripe GTO 250.  He gave me a nod and shot off into turn one.

(Tommy) Both of these cars are from a private collection whose owner wanted to remain anonymous. After some tune ups he told the boys, “No use letting these cars sit around.  I can’t take them with me, so drive ’em like you stole ’em!”

(Aurora) Well, He tried to steal that number one pole spot from Grand Sport Racing.  Spud Boy practically drove the rims off of that thing!

(Smokey) Wow he came close! Spud Boy and the GTO 250 gets the go ahead with the 3rd fastest time that we have seen today. Just behind the two from Grand Sport!

(Tommy) Another returning competitor, Team Powell is up next. This light blue Ford GT is all that is left after the squad was whittled down to a 1 car team due to a DQ.  This is the second time a car from this team has been eliminated during tech for the very same reason.  I believe somebody will be without a job come Monday.

(Aurora) Well Team owner Bill Powell better give the driver, Will Speed a raise because he made that look too easy.

(Smokey) Ready to go is an A and B team from Latrobe, PA.  Pappy and the Kid Racing owned by Jeff King and Eric Shuck.

(Tommy) King’s Team A features a 1950 Olds with Noah Vale at the reins.  Shuck’s Team B entry is a Mercedes 300s driven by Otto Glide. Jeff King is familiar with the DT, but Eric Shuck is the only newcomer in this final group.

(Aurora) Both cars handled the road nicely and I bet their times will be close.

(Tommy) Another veteran team ready for takeoff is  Rocket City Racing.  Owner Dave Parker from Madison, Alabama has shipped two memorable cars back to the Dragon’s Tail.  First up is “Herbie”,  a 1963 VW Beetle.

(Smokey) After receiving some fame in the last DT Road Rally, “Herbie” has gone on to star in some major Hollywood movies.  “Herbie” will be driving himself today.

(Aurora) “Herbie” knows the track and performs well.

(Tommy) The second car for Rocket City is a blue with white stripe AC Cobra.  After it’s disappointing outing at the last DT, the “side oiler” Ford 427 engine was given a major overhaul.  Jake Snake is at the controls.

(Smokey) He blasts off!

(Aurora) A commanding performance!

(Tommy)  It looks like the Cobra will edge out our movie star,  but “Herbie” will always be a fan favorite, especially among the kids.

(Smokey) cough, cough, cough… What is this rolling up to the line? Excuse me, I need to move away from this exhaust which is right at eye level.

(Tommy) Smokey are you ok?!  What we have here is the “Dirty Bird” of Strummer Racing.  Inspired by those fancy coned nose aero-cars,  Team owner Harlan Welch-Scarboro did not have enough cash for the real thing, so he made one out of spare parts.

(Smokey) Holy smokes… cough, cough, cough… is that thing diesel?

(Aurora) It may be made of parts, but driver James May is making it run like the real thing!

(Tommy) Apparently all the team’s finances were put into their final entry.  A candy apple red Ford MklV.  Driving will be Jeremy Clarkson along with his co-pilot Richard Hammond who is sporting a bum leg.

(Aurora) Despite the extra weight of an additional person, the Ford executes very well.

(Smokey) Well, our last team is up to the line and ready to go.  First out for Junkabilly Racing is Carl Scarborough Jr.  it’s unclear if he is any relation to team owner Scott Scarboro.  Carl will be driving a ’63 Corvair.  This car has been equipped with the Fitch Sprint mail-order kit including the trombone shape glass pack muffler and the 4 carburetor set up.  The corvair is on its way!

(Aurora)  The corvair had a decent run, but in this talent pool, decent won’t be good enough.

(Tommy) Our last car out for Junkabilly Racing is a hot rod driven by Crafty Dick Kraft.  It’s a little slicker than his usual rat rods from past DT events.  Off he goes!

(Aurora) Speaking of slick, those fancy racing slicks are not helping him any.  He should have stuck with his mismatched tractor tires.

(Tommy) Well folks this concludes the qualifying runs for the Dragon’s Tail Road Rally!  Stay Tuned for the race.  With these amazing qualifying times, this year will be a real barn burner with plenty of door to door racing.  So far the veterans have proved themselves, but on the Dragon’s Tail, it’s anybody’s guess who will bring home the crown!

You can find the final  list of All Qualifying times here.

The list of pole positions for the race can be found here.

(Tommy) Thanks for keeping it tuned right here for your coverage of the third Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  We are back after a short break with our broadcast of these qualifying runs as 16 teams fight for the top pole position.  I’m up in the press box.  Aurora’s up in the copter providing us with some aerial views and Smokey’s down amongst the action.  Smokey, How’s the energy among the fans?

(Smokey) Tommy, there’s quite a bit of chatter in the stands about the performances that we have seen so  far today.  Some of the runs are already faster than of years past!

(Tommy) Smokey, what’s that chant coming from the stands?

(Smokey) Here comes a crowd favorite. a returning warrior. The crowd is shouting “Scud, Scud, Scud, Scud!”  It’s an endearing term for our next contestant, Roberto Asconi as they roll out the ’67 Ferrari for Scuderia Ferrari.  Team owner Tom Bowman from Virginia Beach has so much faith in his driver and car that literally nothing has been changed since their last outing. Well except one thing… after their disappointing performance of the last few heats of the previous DTRR due to Asconi’s unfortunate encounter with some K-9 waste and his shoes, the team’s crew chief installed one of those hedge hog boot brushes on the car’s side skirt.  They are not taking any chances this year Tommy.

(Tommy) It looks like Asconi put the brush to use just before he climbed in.  And he’s off!

(Aurora) A real nice run.  The bristle brush must have worked… looks like he beat his previous lap record!

(Tommy) Next up for his third DTRR is team Owner Greg Carpenter of Grand Sport Racing from Lexington, K-Y.  His first entry is “The Gray Ghost”, a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder.  Smokey, you mentioned the air cooled engine cars earlier and that they weren’t all V-dubs.  There’s a Corvair in the mix, well there’s also this Porsche.

(Smokey) That’s right Tommy and it’s idling nicely, getting ready to go.  Unlike the VWs and Corvair, it’s engine sits in front of the rear axle making it a  mid engine. Which should help it tremendously while tackling the dragon’s backbone. Not much is known about the driver J.D. as he gets the thumbs up and is on his way.

(Aurora) Guys! He is really making this look easy. Wow, that was a sweet run.

(Smokey) It takes a lot to impress you Aurora and the crowd agrees with you!  The officials are checking and double checking their equipment…  It’s a new track record!!!

(Tommy) While we gather our composure and wait for the next car to get ready, we’d like to Thank one of our Sponsors, Habby’s HO Slot Car Lube Shop  home to Free-Jet and L.A.B. oils.  Folks when you’re working on your cars and you need some parts, visit our sponsors and tell ’em you heard about them from the Dragon’s Tail!

(Smokey) Wow!!! how about that, Tommy?!

The next car for Grand Sport Racing is up and ready to go.  This is the second appearance for “Live Wire” at the DTRR.  It was an entry in the inaugural event.  This 1965 Shelby Cobra also has another name which is quite appropriate for this race, “Ollie the Dragon”.  Earl Essex is behind the wheel.

(Aurora) Now I know how it got the nick name! That belch of flames could be seen way up here as it took off!  But that’s not all that I see.  Earl Essex can drive that car!

(Tommy) Smokey?!

(Smokey) Yes?

(Tommy) It’s a new track record!!!  Officials are again checking and double checking and just like that, team mate knocks out team mate who had the track record.

(Smokey) It’s official.  Back to Back track records!  The fans are going nuts.

(Tommy) Next up also from Kentucky, but new to The Dragon’s Tail Is the racing team Next Century Technologies.  Team owner Joel Harding has transported two cars to test out on the course. The first of the pair is a turquoise Ferrari GT250 driven by Tracer Lynn.

(Aurora) The car handles well in the curves, but doesn’t seem to have the gas in the straight a ways.

(Smokey) Next to go out is a beast.  The bright orange GTO driven by Bud Henry swings wide on the turns and plows through the course.  He manages to pull off a respectable time for a rookie.

(Tommy) Here comes a couple of beauties from Normal Racing out of Joliet, Illinois.  Both of these cars were customized by team owner Brian Bueschel along with his chief parts provider Rob Asnoff.

(Smokey) This gold flaked Ghia is something to see.  Rusty Cooter is behind the wheel and he doesn’t seem nervous for his first time on the Dragon!

(Tommy) The second car for Normal Racing is anything but normal. A limited production sleek, high performance fastback from Japan.  This Toyota 2000 GT seems to be ready for the challenge.

(Aurora) Driver Harry Gumala seems to really be enjoying the ride!

(Tommy) Both cars get fantastic times, but Gumala in the Toyota edges out teammate Cooter in the Ghia.

(Smokey) I recognize this next car! It’s the Bubba-mobile.  Team Purple returns for a third time and owner William Milholen from Carrollton, VA has sent Bubba back to reclaim the crown at any cost.  Let’s see if I can get a word with Bubba before he takes off. Bubba how’s it feel to be back for another go on the Dragon?

(Bubba) Oh hey Smokey. Yeah Team Purple is back baby! The first year of the Dragon we pretty much dominated and I think Team Purple scared everybody, so they had to change the rules.  But that’s cool… we still did pretty good the second time around.  I came in 5th or something…

(Smokey) More like 8th I think.

(Bubba) Yeah whatever, something like that 3rd, 5th 8th whatever.  It’s good to be back on the Dragon, Baby! Hey somebody said there was doughnuts around here… I gotta go, but save me one or two or four. Ok? Later!

(Aurora) Everybody wants a doughnut… Nice run Bubba! Team Purple is back indeed, Baby!

Bubba passes in a flash, but he can still spot a doughnut!

(Tommy) Time for another break and a word from our sponsors, but don’t go away.  We still have plenty of racers left to qualify.  Here are the times for this latest group of cars.

(Smokey) Greetings Race Fans!  Smokey here,  welcoming you to the third Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  It’s a glorious day up here in the mountains.  The summer heat has taken a short and much needed respite,  allowing the temperature to drop slightly.  I’m down on the main drag where our field of 26 cars will have their chance to prove their worthiness to move forward to the big dance.  When we are all done here today, 16 drivers and their machines will have claimed their place in line to get a chance at slaying the Dragon.  I’m joined this morning by Aurora who is once again up in the Bell copter and will provide us with a bird’s eye view of the action.  James T. Jet, a.k.a Tommy our in the booth commentator seems to be A.W.O.L. as we get started with this broadcast, but we hear that he is expected soon.  Aurora, how’s it looking from your perch?

(Aurora) Good Morning Smokey! It’s a pleasure to be back at the Dragon’s Tail after race officials took a year off.  It’s a beautiful sight seeing all the entries lined up and poised for take off!  It seems to be a great mix of returning contenders and first timers.

(Smokey)  We shall see if that previous experience on the course will benefit the veterans.  We did have a rookie claim the crown at the last DT Road Rally.

(Tommy) Hello Race Fans! Smokey. Aurora!  Tommy checking in and glad to be back in the booth.  Sorry to be late, I experienced a little difficulty getting in to the track this morning.  Security seems to be more plentiful this year.

(Smokey) That might have something to do with one of our team’s sponsorship.

(Aurora) Welcome back Tommy.  It looks like the track marshals are staging the first car.

(Tommy) Indeed they are!  This car should look familiar to anyone who has been following the Dragon’s Tail Road Rally.  Returning for another go at the Dragon is the “Jagarrari” from the Outlaw Hippie Racing Team. Team owner Sal Matthews has replaced Guido the Britt and this time behind the wheel is Sir Charles Baggett.  Relatively new to the team, he doesn’t seem to appreciate the challenge at hand.  Is that a tea cup and saucer he’s carrying?

(Smokey) That’s correct.  He’s balanced his hot cup of Earl Grey in one hand and clutched a cannoli under his chin so he could pop open the car door. If I’m not mistaken, I believe I saw him take a flask out of his vest pocket and top off his tea.  I don’t think race officials saw this.

(Aurora) And He’s off! Ladies and Gentlemen the first car is out of the gate to start the qualifying runs for this year’s Dragon’s Tail Road Rally!

(Tommy) Just to revisit today’s task for those of you not familiar with the proceedings.  Each car will get a chance to warm up for about a minute before scoring starts.  Then each car will have 2 minutes to clock their fastest lap.  In case of two car teams, the car with the fastest lap moves forward to the race. One car teams automatically qualify but will still have to make a qualifying run. How well a car performs will determine where it is placed in the starting lineup.

(Aurora) This retuned “Jagarrari” seems to have much more pep than last time, but Sir Charles seems to be having a rough go of it.

(Smokey) Putting that hot cup of tea on the dash board, probably not a good idea on these twists and turns.

(Tommy) Next up for Outlaw Hippie Racing is “Flower Punch” a yellow VW beetle driven by Lance Ross the III from Colorado.  And he’s off!

(Smokey) Yikes, what’s that sound? It seems that the hand brake between the bucket seats is stuck.  The car is waved back in by officials. The driver trips a little getting out of the beetle giggling, perhaps embarrassed by his performance.  Outlaw Hippie Racing mechanics are attending to the situation.  Let’s see if I can get a word with Lance while repairs are made.  Lance what seems to be the problem with “Flower Punch”?

(Lance)  Man I don’t know… it was this incredible ear piercing noise. At first I just thought it was in my head and I was like, “Get out of my head man!”, but then I saw everyone else putting their fingers in their ears and I realized that I wasn’t alone in my suffering.  Hey man, can I get one of those doughnuts with that hot sauce doused all over it? I’m starving… Cool man! Ok, looks like I gotta run.  Wish me Luck!

(Smokey) Good luck to you indeed! And he’s off… again!

The chief mechanic informed me that they just severed the hand break cable.  Hope he doesn’t need it.

(Tommy) Well, leave it to Outlaw Hippie Racing to get us off to a colorful start.  Next up is the newly formed team of reigning DT Champion, Tom Hobgood.  Piston Slap Racing is what he is calling this newest effort.  Apparently all sorts of new fangled equipment was used in getting these two vehicles ready.

(Smokey) It would be hard to improve on his builds from last time.  Tommy, one thing has occurred to me.  There seems to be a lot of air cooled vehicles entered into the Dragon’s Tail.  This year is no exception and they always seem to perform well.  But in previous years the event was held in cooler months.  This year for some reason race officials decided to hold it during the hottest season of the year.

(Tommy) Good observation, Smokey.  We shall see if the high temps have any effect on the VWs.  Correction, not just the VWs, but there is a Corvair in the mix as well.

(Smokey) Speaking of heat… The Ghia with sponsorship from Texas Pete hot sauce is out on the course. Driving for Piston Slap is Clutch McCoy.

(Aurora) He seems to be handling the humps and bumps well, not even working up a sweat.

(Tommy) Next out is Skids Greyson for Piston Slap Racing.  He is driving the Krispy Kreme sponsored VW beetle.

(Aurora) The heat doesn’t seem to be a factor for these two.

(Tommy) Next up is Cornhusker Racing.  Team owner Mark Boesen has delivered two cars to the track.  After that unorthodox performance last time, I’m surprised to see McLovin return to drive. This time he will be the captain of a shiny red Lola. He’s off.

(Aurora) He does know his way around the curves!

(Smokey) Up at the green line is the second car for Cornhusker Racing.  A blue metal flake XP-755 concept car also known as a Mako Shark.  This car returns after being DQ’d from the previous DTRR for illegal tires.

(Aurora) It’s sleek low body and wide stance helps it chew through the course!

(Tommy) Our first newcomer to make an appearance today is J.L.M. Racing.  Team owner Yobear Jones from Washington, DC has entered a beautiful ’66 Mustang G.T. 347 for his beginner’s attempt.

(Smokey) Wow! He really leaped off of the start line.  That’s our first 7 cars to run qualifying laps.

Before we take a break to hear a word from our sponsors, let’s take a look at the board.

Lots of track side activity these last couple of days as several transporters rolled in to beat the deadline.  After all the teams unloaded and all the paperwork was filed, 16 teams made up of 27 entries journeyed to have their chance to slay the Dragon!

check out this year’s official race roster here.

Team Powell’s DQ’d Ford GT

Race officials examined each automobile and only one was found to be in clear violation of the car build rules. One from the pair of beautiful Ford GTs belonging to Team Powell was found to be equipped with illegal tires. Luckily the other GT passed the scrutiny and will go on to the race.  Several teams managed to stay within the gray areas, skirting the rules by taking full advantage of some loop holes.

Once again the field is a fine mix of machines; American metal, German, Japanese, Brit, Italian, customs. Air cooled, water cooled, self driving autonomous. First timers and repeat contenders!

Before they trade some paint on the track, let’s take a closer look at the entries.

Be sure to click here to cast your vote for the People’s Choice award in the DT concours d’elegance.