Super Chevy Magazine Homepage Super Chevy
Facebook Click here to find out more!

Running in the Sixes -- All Day

Nitro Coupes Just Love Thunder Valley

We know it's a beautiful place, but Bristol is a track that can hold horsepower -- and lots of it. Even the guys who stand at the side of the track taking photos can tell when the Nitro Coupes really "get a hold" of the pavement. It's more than just coincidence when every Nitro Coupe in competition qualifies in the 6-second zone during two consecutive sessions! Of course, it's best to be the big dog, like Dan Nickelson, qualifying in the low 6s, but we're still only talking a blink of an eye between a 6.20 elapsed time and a 6.99. We can't remember the last time this happened, and we're not crazy enough to expect it again real soon, even though the Super Chevy Show visits several of the greatest tracks in all of drag racing.

By the way, Nickelson finished off the weekend taking runner-up honors for the rained out Martin, Michigan, event, and then took the final round win light for the Bristol race. Both drivers running in those two finals, by the way, are the nearest to Dan in points -- Bruce Boland and Gary Irving. Good racing! Here's a hint to all those show car folks who ask about having us take a photo of their car. Please be at the award ceremony (both days) and then bring your car to our designated photo location. We seldom get the entire Top Ten Editor's Choice Show Car Award winner's photos, because they don't come around. Please don't settle for just having your name in the results list -- get your car photographed, too.

By the time you read this, we'll be on our way to Indy -- that's the big one. The following week is Maple Grove, which is darn near as big. We'll be there with Project "X" and we're hoping you get to come and see it. We'll look for you.

  • Chevrolets Group Shot Passenger Side
    Having a world-class NASCAR track over your shoulder adds a great deal more "cool factor" to our Bristol car show.
    Chevrolets Group Shot Passenger Side
    Having a world-class NASCAR track over your shoulder adds a great deal more "cool factor"
  • Chevrolet Nitro Coupe Driver Side
    Extra long, crowd-pleasing burnouts sure helped the Nitro Coupes find their "sweet spot" for maximum traction in Bristol.
    Chevrolet Nitro Coupe Driver Side
    Extra long, crowd-pleasing burnouts sure helped the Nitro Coupes find their "sweet spot" f
  • Chevrolet Jr Dragsters Passenger Side
    Our next generation of Chevy fanatics turn out in numbers down South with some well prepared Jr. Dragsters.
    Chevrolet Jr Dragsters Passenger Side
    Our next generation of Chevy fanatics turn out in numbers down South with some well prepar
  • 0306Sc Bristweb 06 Z
    Incredible scenery surrounds the Bristol Motor Speedway complex. You wouldn't regret visiting this area (with your Chevy, of course).
    0306Sc Bristweb 06 Z
    Incredible scenery surrounds the Bristol Motor Speedway complex. You wouldn't regret visit
  • Chevrolet Truck Driver Side
    "Run watcha brung" means anybody can win some loot by trying their hand at bracket racing. Consistency pays!
    Chevrolet Truck Driver Side
    "Run watcha brung" means anybody can win some loot by trying their hand at bracket racing.
  • 0306Sc Bristweb 04 Z
    Jr. Dragsters just get prettier every year. Plus, the go-fast parts get more focus from the manufacturers.
    0306Sc Bristweb 04 Z
    Jr. Dragsters just get prettier every year. Plus, the go-fast parts get more focus from th
  • 0306Sc Bristweb 07 Z
    Cool trucks just can't be overlooked. They're responsible for a large portion of the aftermarket parts business.
    0306Sc Bristweb 07 Z
    Cool trucks just can't be overlooked. They're responsible for a large portion of the after
  • Chevrolet Nitro Coupe Rear Passenger Side
    Tony really likes this car.
  • Chevrolet Jet Funny Car Front Passenger Side
    You can always count on the Jet Funny Cars to provide sizzle, pop, flames, and smoke. That's showmanship!
    Chevrolet Jet Funny Car Front Passenger Side
    You can always count on the Jet Funny Cars to provide sizzle, pop, flames, and smoke. That
  • 0306Sc Bristweb 10 Z
    Bristol's beautiful tower/suites provide an awesome background for race watchers. This place is top notch!
    0306Sc Bristweb 10 Z
    Bristol's beautiful tower/suites provide an awesome background for race watchers. This pla
  • Chevrolet Nova Front Passenger Side
    Though pleanty of quick Novas leave the starting line at each show, they still seem outnumbered by Camaros.
    Chevrolet Nova Front Passenger Side
    Though pleanty of quick Novas leave the starting line at each show, they still seem outnum
  • 0306Sc Bristweb 15 Z
    Extra! Extra! The new two-piece camshaft made its debut at Bristol. Bet that caused some internal carnage.
    0306Sc Bristweb 15 Z
    Extra! Extra! The new two-piece camshaft made its debut at Bristol. Bet that caused some i
EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN DRAG CARS
Bristol Arnold, Saltville, VA, 66 ImpalaRobert & Jeremy Brown, Elk Park, NC, 55 Chevy
Phillip DeLong, Collinsville, VA, 69 TruckCorey Ferrell, Richlands, VA, Jr. Dragster
Teresa Groseclose, Witheville, VA, 66 ChevelleJamie Holston, Rural Retreat, VA, 72 Chevelle
David Lineberry, Pulaski, VA, 74 CamaroGlen Munt, Bristol, TN, 69 Nova
Jamie Raleigh, Kingsport, TN, 67 NovaDavid Reustle, Salem, VA, 57 Chevy
  • 1966 Chevrolet Impala Front Driver Side
    Bristol Arnold
  • 1955 Chevrolet Driver Side
    Robert & Jeremy Brown
  • 1969 Chevrolet Truck Front Passenger Side
    Phillip DeLong
  • Chevrolet Jr Dragster Front Passenger Side
    Corey Ferrell
  • 1966 Chevrolet Nova Front Passenger Side
    Teresa Groseclose
  • 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Front Driver Side
    Jamie Holston
  • 1974 Chevrolet Front Passenger Side
    David Lineberry
  • 1969 Chevrolet Nova Front Passenger Side
    Glen Munt
  • 1967 Chevrolet Nova Front Driver Side
    Jamie Raleigh
  • 1957 Chevrolet Front Driver Side
    David Reustle
EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN SHOW CARS
Shawn Davis, Johnson City, TN, 62 CorvetteLarry Duncan, Radford, TN, 63 Nova
Daniel G. Ernst, Thompson's Station, TN, 69 NovaLarry Hickman, Statesville, NC, 54 Truck
Mac Martin, Lenoir, NC, 66 NovaRonnie Ottinger, Newport, TN, 55 Chevy
Terry Smith, Bassett, VA, 61 ImpalaPaul & Cynthia Trivette, Mountain City, TN, 55 Bel Air
Jerry Venable, Siloam, NC, 66 ChevelleFoster Venturini III, Suffolk, VA, 68 Camaro
  • 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Front Driver Side
    Shawn Davis
  • 1954 Chevrolet Truck Front Driver Side
    Larry Hickman
  • 1961 Chevrolet Impala Front Driver Side
    Terry Smith
  • 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Driver Side
    Paul & Cynthia Trivette
  • 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Front Driver Side
    Jerry Venable

  • 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Front Driver Side
    Scott Teeters
  • 1955 Chevrolet Front Passenger Side0
    Johnny Edmundson
  • 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Front Driver Side
    Bobby Wells
  • 1965 Chevrolet El Camino Front Driver Side
  • 1971 Chevrolet Truck Driver Side
    Joe & Carol Keeney
  • 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Driver Side
    Jerry Beasley
  • 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Front Driver Side
    Bradley Gray
  • 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Front Driver Side
    Kip & Margo Missigman
  • 1964 Chevrolet II Driver Side
    Bruce & Jimmy Elliott
  • 1956 Chevrolet Front Driver Side
    Bryan Wilde
  • 1986 Chevrolet S10 Front Driver Side
    Roger Wellman
  • 1948 Chevrolet Truck Front View
    Tom Coleman
SPECIALTY AWARDS
BEST INTERIORJohnny Edmundson, Sweetwater, TN, 55 Chevy
BEST PAINTScott Teeters, Gibsonville, NC, 68 Camaro
BEST ENGINEMike Vinson, Sparta, TN, 55 Chevy
BEST DETAIL SPONSORED BY RACING COMMUNICATIONS, INC.Roger Wellman, Galion, OH, 86 S-10
BEST WORKMANSHIP SPONSORED BY WATERLOO INDUSTRIESTom Coleman, Asheville, NC, 48 Truck
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STOCKBobby Wells, Elliston, VA, 62 Bel Air
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STREETWayne Sink, Glade Hill, VA, 68 Camaro
BEST ACHIEVEMENT MODIFIEDBradley Gray, Rockwell, NC, 69 Camaro
ESPN2 AWARD OF EXCELLENCEBruce & Jimmy Elliott, Chesapeake Beach, MD, 64 Chevy II
"TRANSPORT AWARD" FEATHERLITE TRAILERSLarry Hickman, Statesville, NC, 54 Truck
"GRAPHICS AWARD"--AMERICAN COLORSCANS, INC.Chris Clark, Bristol, TN, 89 S-10
ISCA "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE" ISCA Bryan Wilde, Huntingtown, MD, 56 Chevy
SUZUKI "OUTSTANDING 4X4" AWARDDavid Belt, Lawrenceville, GA, 87 GMC
"OUTSTANDING STREET ROD" AWARD--STREET RODDER MAGAZINEJim Payne, Mountain City, TN, 39 Chevy
"OUTSTANDING CLASSIC TRUCK" AWARD--CLASSIC TRUCK MAGAZINERichard Branch, Reidsville, NC, 49 Truck
"OUTSTANDING CUSTOM ROD" AWARD--CUSTOM RODDER MAGAZINEN/A
TREMEC "TRICK STICK" AWARDEarl & Mary Lou Brotherton, Asheville, NC, 77 MG
SUNDAY AWARDS
SPECIALTY AWARDS
WORKMAT CAR OF THE SHOW AWARD--WORKMATRon Massow, Fountain Inn, SC, 55 Chevy
MEGUIAR'S "MEDALLION AWARD" FOR OUTSTANDING BODY APPEARANCERoger Wellman, Galion, OH, 86 S-10
"ATTENTION TO DETAIL" AWARD--SOFFSEALScott Teeters, Gibsonville, NC, 68 Camaro
BEST OF GOLD--STOCK--STREET & PERFORMANCE, INC.Jerry Beasley, Hazel Green, KY, 69 Chevelle
BEST OF GOLD--STREET--STREET & PERFORMANCE INC.N/A
BEST OF GOLD--MODIFIED--STREET & PERFORMANCE INC.Chris Pilos, Athens, OH, 57 Chevy
BEST DETAIL GOLD CLASS--STREET & PERFORMANCE INC.Joe & Carol Keeney, Westminster, MD, 71 Truck
BEST PAINT GOLD CLASS--STREET & PERFORMANCE INC.Tommy Stracener, Jonesboro, AR, 56 Nomad
BEST '55-57--DANCHUK MANUFACTURINGJohnny Edmundson, Sweetwater, TN, 55 Chevy
BEST BIG CAR--SOFFSEALClara & Roger Bailey, Buford, GA, 63 Impala
BEST CAMARO--RICK'S FIRST GENERATION CAMAROSBob Receveur, Friendsville, TN, 69 Camaro
BEST CHEVELLE--ORIGINAL PARTS GROUPJames Brown, Rossville, GA, 66 Chevelle
BEST CONVERSION--MEGUIAR'SBarry Wilson, Dublin, VA, 50 Ford
BEST CORVETTE--TRIM PARTS & VETTE MAGAZINEDavid & Catherine Andis, Somerset, KY, 64 Corvette
BEST EARLY CHEVROLET--KIMBERLY-CLARK SCOTTTom Coleman, Asheville, NC, 48 Truck
BEST EL CAMINO--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.Wayne Banister, Marietta, GA, 76 El Camino
BEST MONTE CARLO--PARTS UNLIMITEDKip & Margo Missigman, London, TN, 98 Monte Carlo
BEST NOVA--WHEEL VINTIQUESBruce & Jimmy Elliott, Chesapeake Beach, MD, 64 Nova
BEST OPEN--WORKMAT.NETJames Stamey, Hickory, NC, 98 Lumina
BEST PRO STREET/PRO ENGINEERED--AEROQUIP PERFORMANCE PARTSLarry Hickman, Statesville, NC, 54 Truck
BEST TRUCK--WORKMAT.NETJohnny Golden, Pickens, SC, 72 Truck
CLUB PARTICIPATIONTeam Purple of Fairborn, OH
AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS, INC. PARTNERSHIP AWARDSteve & Bev West, Normal, IL, 72 Chevelle
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--DRAG RACEAaron Burgin, Cox's Creek, KY, 79 Malibu
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--CAR SHOWChris Clark, Bristol, TN, 89 S-10
FLOWMASTER DRAG RACE GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERWesley Cox, Pulaski, VA, 68 Chevelle SS
FLOWMASTER CAR SHOW GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERGary DeLoach, Elizabethton, TN, 70 Chevelle SS
MR. GASKET "BRACKET ONE" GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERSJeff Mize, Harriman, TN, 97 Dragster Clarence Wright, New Castle, VA, 71 Nova
BEST APPEARING CREW--SIMPSONN/A
SUPER CHEVY SHOW YOUNG STAR AWARDN/A
GOLD CLASS WINNERS
GOLD '55-57--STOCKTommy Stracener, Jonesboro, AR, 56
GOLD '67 CAMARO--STOCKJohnny Norrell, Cumming, GA, 67
GOLD '69 CAMARO--STOCKTom Coleman, Asheville, NC, 69
GOLD CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STOCKJerry Beasley, Hazel Green, KY, 69
GOLD NOVA '68 & NEWER--STOCKLindy Farmer, Ellenwood, GA, 70
GOLD PRO-STREET--MODIFIEDChris Pilos, Athens, OH, 57
GOLD PRO-STREET TRUCK--MODIFIEDJames Carswell, Hickory, NC, 48
GOLD TRUCK '49-72--MODIFIEDJoe & Carol Keeney, Westminster, MD, 71
CLASS WINNERS
SPECIAL INTEREST--STREETBrett Young, Fairborn, OH, 57
'55-56-57--STOCKJimmy Summey, Kingsport, TN, 55
'55-56-57--STREETShaun Terrell, Lynchburg, VA, 55
'55--MODIFIEDRon Massow, Fountain Inn, SC, 55
'56-57--MODIFIEDBryan Wilde, Huntingtown, MD, 56
BIG CAR '49-54--STOCKRicky Southerland, Boone, NC, 51
BIG CAR '49-54--MODIFIEDHugh & Shirley Banks, Woodbridge, VA, 50
BIG CAR '58-89--STOCKGlen Stipes, Piney Flats, TN, 63
BIG CAR '58-89--STREETTerry Smith, Bassett, VA, 61
BIG CAR '58-89--MODIFIEDClara & Roger Bailey, Buford, GA, 63
CAMARO '67-69--STOCKBob Receveur, Friendsville, TN, 69
CAMARO '67-68--STREETWayne Sink, Glade Hill, VA, 68
CAMARO '69 Z-28--STREETVance Wheeler, Weaverville, NC, 69
CAMARO '69 OTHER--STREETLeRoy Phillips, Winfield, TN, 69
CAMARO '67-69--MODIFIEDScott Teeters, Gibsonville, NC, 68
CAMARO '70-81--STOCKTim Morris, Campton, KY, 79
CAMARO '70-81--STREETJosh Jackson, Cumming, GA, 74
CAMARO '70-81--MODIFIEDWarren Weber, Rutherfordton, NC, 79
CAMARO '82-92--STOCKJerry & Dee Frank, Mt. Vernon, OH, 92
CAMARO '93 & NEWER--STOCKKen Clark, Hazel Green, KY, 95
CAMARO '93 & NEWER--STREETDiane England, Maynardville, TN, 2002
CHEVELLE '64-67--STOCKJ.A. (Chip) Wright, Marietta, GA, 67
CHEVELLE '64-67--STREETJames Brown, Rossville, GA, 66
CHEVELLE '64-67--MODIFIEDCary & Daphne Bawcum, Bartlett, TN, 67
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STOCKTrey Skeen, Wytheville, VA, 70
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STREETRussell Lay, Know, TN, 70
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--MODIFIEDSteve & Bev West, Normal, IL, 72
CONVERSION '48 & EARLIER--MODIFIEDPreacher Franklin, Smyrna, TN, 30 Ford
CONVERSION '49 & NEWER--MODIFIEDBarry Wilson, Dublin, VA, 50 Ford
CORVETTE '53-67--STOCKDavid & Catherine, Andis, Somerset, KY, 64
CORVETTE '53-67--STREETDale Simmons, Beaver, WV, 64
CORVETTE '53-67--MODIFIEDMike Pope, Statesville, NC, 67
CORVETTE '68-82--STOCKRonny Cloke, Church Hill, TN, 81
CORVETTE '68-82--STREETSteven French, Hurricane, WV, 77
CORVETTE '68-82--MODIFIEDGeorge Garland, Union, WV, 79
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--STOCKMarcus Fleenor, Blountville, TN, 93
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--STREETChris Green, Dunlap, TN, 2002
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER --MODIFIEDEd McPeak, Radford, VA, 2003
EARLY CHEVROLET '35 & EARLIER--MODIFIEDGene Dagenhart, Statesville, NC, 33
EARLY CHEVROLET '36-48--STOCKHomer Blockwell Jr., Waynesboro, VA, 38
EARLY CHEVROLET '36-48--MODIFIEDTom Coleman, Asheville, NC, 48
EL CAMINO--STOCKPete & Rose Campbell, Newport Richey, FL, 71
EL CAMINO--STREETRichard Lewis, Elizabethton, TN, 65
EL CAMINO--MODIFIEDWayne Banister, Marietta, GA, 76
MONTE CARLO--STOCKCharles Biggs, Patriot Springs, VA, 72
MONTE CARLO--STREETBuddy Teaster, Chuckey, TN, 85
MONTE CARLO--MODIFIEDKip & Margo Missigman, London, TN, 98
NOVA '62-67--STOCKAndy Clark, Apex, NC, 67
NOVA '62-67--STREETLarry Small, Waynesboro, VA, 66
NOVA '62-67--MODIFIEDBruce & Jimmy Elliott, Chesapeake Beach, MD, 64
NOVA '68 & NEWER--STOCKD.J. Jeter, Bristol, TN, 70
NOVA '68 & NEWER--STREETTerry Barlow, Ferguson, NC, 68
NOVA '68 & NEWER--MODIFIEDDaniel Ernst, Thompson's Station, TN, 69
OPEN--STREETJames Stamey, Hickory, NC, 98 Lumina
PRO STREET--MODIFIEDBradley Gray, Rockwell, NC, 69 Camaro
PRO STREET TRUCK--MODIFIEDRoger Wellman, Galion, OH, 86 S-10
STREET CRUISER AWARDS BY TREMEC TRANSMISSIONSJohn Buttry, Sneedville, TN, 56 Chevy Jeff Summey, Kingsport, TN, 38 Sedan
TRUCK '49-72--STOCKLarry Roberts, Kingsport, TN, 54
TRUCK '49-72--STREETGayle Sharpe, Collinsville, VA, 62
TRUCK '49-72--MODIFIEDJohnny Golden, Pickens, SC, 72
TRUCK '73-87--STREETRick Swafford, Athens, TN, 84
TRUCK '73-87--MODIFIEDEula Colson, Mountain City, TN, 85
TRUCK '88 & NEWER--STOCKHarvey Evans, Johnson City, TN, 92
TRUCK '88 & NEWER--STREETManuel Moore Jr., Hazard, KY, 92
TRUCK '88 & NEWER--MODIFIEDAllen Gentry, Bristol, TN, 88
4X4 TRUCK--STOCKGene Morris, Campton, KY, 94
4X4 TRUCK--STREETChuck Cabe, Roan Mountain, TN, 2002
4X4 TRUCK--MODIFIEDBrody Justice, Steele, KY, 91
MINI TRUCK--STOCKSly Brisco, Boyce, VA, 97
MINI TRUCK--STREETCharles Brisco, Madison, TN, 2002
MINI TRUCK--MODIFIEDChris Clark, Bristol, TN, 89
SUV--MODIFIEDEd Vannoy, Jefferson, NC, 71
4X4 SUV--MODIFIEDDavid Belt, Lawrenceville, GA, 87
MINI SUV--STREETEugene Akers, Dublin, VA, 87
MINI SUV--MODIFIEDRonnie Ailon, Corryton, TN, 88
DRAG RACE RESULTS
BRACKET 1
WINNERSteven Boone, Weaverville, NC, 91 Beretta, 4.819 @ 146.13mph
RUNNER-UPChuck Henry, Knoxville, TN, 70 Chevelle, 6.689 @ 99.48mph
BRACKET 2
WINNERDon Evans, Abingdon, VA, 70 Nova, 7.597 @ 86.13mph
RUNNER-UPFloyd Archer, Maynardville, TN, 69 Camaro, 6.616 @ 100.71mph
DOT STREET TIRE
WINNERWilbur Calton, Zebulon, NC, 14.508 @ 97.00mph
RUNNER-UPJohn Silver, Bakersville, NC, 85 S-10, 11.858 @ 115.63mph
NITRO COUPES- BRISTOL
WINNERDan Nickelson, LaVerne, CA, 94 Beretta, 6.514 @ 223.43mph
RUNNER-UPBruce Boland, Stoney Creek, ON-Canada, 33 Willy's, 6.715 @ 217.18mph
NITRO COUPES- FROM US131 RAIN-OUT
WINNERGary Irving, Bolton, ON-Canada, 37 Chevy Coupe
RUNNER-UPDan Nickelson, LaVerne, CA, 94 Beretta
SATURDAY BRACKET RACE
WINNERJeremy Hutchins, Kingsport, TN, 27 Roadster, 5.628 @ 114.63mph
RUNNER-UPJim McDaniel, Corryton, TN, 91 Spitzer, 5.246 @ 128.74mph
JUNIOR DRAGSTERS
WINNERKalee Adkins, Piney Flats, TN, 11.835 @ 53.99mph
RUNNER-UPCory Hedgecock, London, TN, 8.842 @ 71.39mph
NITRO COUPE POINT STANDINGS
1. Dan Nickelson 175pts.
2. Bruce Boland135
3. Gary Irving100
4. Jim Nordhougen 75
5. John Reynolds 75
6. Andy Neyer 60
7. Mike Swinarski 45
8. Mel Eaves 25
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!

*Please enter your username

*Please enter your password

*Please enter your comments
Comments:
Not Registered?Signup Here
(1024 character limit)
Super Chevy