2003 Tucson Super Chevy Show - Events & Shows

Second only to Denver in elevation, many folks are surprised to learn that Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson is approximately 3,000 feet above sea level. The drag race tuners have to compensate for every bit of that, and more, depending on the local weather conditions.

Gary Irving was up to the task, however, as he turned in low e.t. of the event with a 6.28-second run during Saturday qualifying, and went on to win the finals on Sunday. However, that was not enough to overhaul Dan Nickelson, who clinched his second consecutive Nitro Coupe Championship, with a first-round win.

Irving should be tough to beat next year, particularly as the word around the pits is that Nickelson will be running an abbreviated schedule for 2004. We sure have enjoyed their head-to-head battles for points during all of 2003, and look forward to seeing some new talent in the Nitro Coupe ranks next year. Stay tuned for more word on what teams will be competing in Nitro Coupe for 2004; it will be interesting.

This ultra smooth '41 Chevy was the hands-down winner of our "Outstanding Custom Rod" Award, presented by Custom Rodder Magazine. Jessica Laya from Douglas, AZ, is the owner of this slick custom, but she quickly gave credit to her uncle, Javier Ortega, who found the car in Hermosillo, Mexico, and built it in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Quite a talented uncle, we must admit.
This ultra smooth '41 Chevy was the hands-down winner of our "Outstanding Custom Rod" Awar
If you're going to get this close to the business end of a jet dragster, make sure it's at rest, as Al Hanna does during some routine maintenance. This is where he does the lube, oil, and filter every 500,000 Btu's.
If you're going to get this close to the business end of a jet dragster, make sure it's at

On occasion, Nitro Coupes "flameout" a bit. Jerry Hicks had a good run during qualifying on Saturday, and then things came apart at the top end. He drove out of it, cranking his racer across the track to slow things down.
On occasion, Nitro Coupes "flameout" a bit. Jerry Hicks had a good run during qualifying o
It looked worse than it was, and Hicks was back racing on Sunday. Jerry was quite pleased to tell us that the rescue personnel were at his door about the same time the car stopped. Great track workers at Tucson!
It looked worse than it was, and Hicks was back racing on Sunday. Jerry was quite pleased

The Hemi Chevy in Bob and Marion Horchar's '53 Plymouth gets plenty of attention. This car is actually powered by a 1989 350 cubic-inch Chevy motor, fitted with Hemi valve covers.
The Hemi Chevy in Bob and Marion Horchar's '53 Plymouth gets plenty of attention. This car
Close to clinching the championship, Dan Nickelson lights 'em up before his run with Kirk Kuhns, driving the C5 Corvette that Dan debuted earlier this year.
Close to clinching the championship, Dan Nickelson lights 'em up before his run with Kirk

Nickelson decided both cars needed some laps, so we got a chance to see the whole team at once. Kuhns left a bit early, and Dan benefitted from his over-anxious red light.
Nickelson decided both cars needed some laps, so we got a chance to see the whole team at
Was it just our imagination, or were the women always around the Corvettes? There are many reasons to have a Vette, including the attention of the more particular people in the crowd.
Was it just our imagination, or were the women always around the Corvettes? There are man

The Hicks team thrashed on their racer all night and got it back for Sunday's Pro Show. Jerry's in the far lane warming up for his run against Andy Neyer, displaying his trademark flag during burnouts.
The Hicks team thrashed on their racer all night and got it back for Sunday's Pro Show. Je
Lee Smith and his beautiful '61 Corvette left in a hurry against Gary Irving. Running against Irving's team, you'd better leave quickly, but it was to no avail, as Gary moved up the ladder with a win.
Lee Smith and his beautiful '61 Corvette left in a hurry against Gary Irving. Running aga

We'll call this the "no name" mid-year Corvette. It's a great car, but without a show tag on the dash we can't tell you who owns it (or where it came from). Too bad.
We'll call this the "no name" mid-year Corvette. It's a great car, but without a show tag
"I think it's a short-sleeve occasion." Drag racers can probably tear an engine apart and put it back together faster than any people in motorsports.
"I think it's a short-sleeve occasion." Drag racers can probably tear an engine apart and

For what this trailer went through, it should have much more damage. It survived a fairly serious crash with a show car inside.
For what this trailer went through, it should have much more damage. It survived a fairly
Fortunately, the trailer is still being used to haul that car, and what you see is all the damage it sustained. See our magazine coverage for full details.
Fortunately, the trailer is still being used to haul that car, and what you see is all the

Here's a look at the "big end." There's a whole different perspective of a high-speed drag race when seen from this angle. Not everyone gets to stand where we do, so here's a look at the chutes. The sensation of speed and the noise is very impressive "up here."
Here's a look at the "big end." There's a whole different perspective of a high-speed drag
Irving and Nickelson have battled it out in numerous final rounds this season. Usually, the race is much closer, but Dan left his blower belt on the track during this contest.
Irving and Nickelson have battled it out in numerous final rounds this season. Usually, t

Phil White retrieved the shredded remnants of Nickelson's blower belt, while Gary Irving took the win light (and the trophy).
Phil White retrieved the shredded remnants of Nickelson's blower belt, while Gary Irving t

2003 TUCSON SUPER CHEVY SHOW STATS
SATURDAY AWARDS
EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN DRAG CARS
Dylan Broome, Tucson, AZ, Jr. Dragster	Kevin Dailey, Sandia Park, NM, 67 Camaro
Dave Fleetwood, Phoenix, AZ, 69 Camaro	Greg Fleetwood, Phoenix, AZ, 76 Camaro
Mike & Kathy Hartigan, Tucson, AZ, 76 Vega	Richard Leunen, Catalina, AZ, 55 Chevy
Kevin Mayo, Tucson, AZ, 65 Malibu	Andrew Smith, Tucson, AZ, 72 Camaro
Matthew Smith, El Paso, TX, 72 Vega	Greg Woolfork, El Paso, TX, Dragster

Dylan Broome
Kevin Dailey
Dave Fleetwood

Greg Fleetwood
Mike & Kathy Hartigan
Richard Leunen

Kevin Mayo
Andrew Smith
Matthew Smith

Greg Woolfork

EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN SHOW CARS
Jerry Arpin, El Paso, TX, 68 Camaro	Ernest Barreda, Tucson, AZ, 66 Chevelle
Glen & Christine Dickens, Tucson, AZ, 68 Camaro	Gerald DiQuattro, Mesa, AZ, 69 Camaro
Robert & Violet Gustafson, Tucson, AZ, 57 Chevy Convt.	John Hadorn, El Centro, CA, 60 Corvette
Bill Hendrickson, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 51 Sedan Delivery	Roy & Claudia Hester, Tucson, AZ, 57 Nomad
John Piccola, Las Vegas, NV, 65 Nova Wagon	Monty Waterhouse, Tucson, AZ, 69 Chevelle

Jerry Arpin
Ernest Barreda
Glen & Christine Dickens

Gerald DiQuattro
Robert & Violet Gustafson
John Hadorn

Bill Hendrickson
Roy & Claudia Hester
John Piccola

Monty Waterhouse

SPECIALTY AWARDS
BEST INTERIOR	Les Hoctor, Glendale, AZ, 67 Chevelle
BEST PAINT	Dennis Scheepstra, Tucson, AZ, 34 Chevy
BEST ENGINE	Ron Greulich, Tucson, AZ, 86 Truck
BEST DETAIL SPONSORED BY RACING COMMUNICATIONS, INC.	John Hadorn, El Centro, CA, 60 Corvette
BEST WORKMANSHIP SPONSORED BY WATERLOO INDUSTRIES	Ron Rockwell, Las Vegas, NV, 2000 Corvette
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STOCK	David & Donna Wiliams, Anza, CA, 70 El Camino
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STREET	Lloyd Whitt, Tucson, AZ, 65 Chevelle
BEST ACHIEVEMENT MODIFIED	Billy Sanchez, Cortez, CO, 69 Chevelle
ESPN2 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE	Paul Smith, Tucson, AZ, 39 Studebaker
"TRANSPORT AWARD"--FEATHERLITE TRAILERS	Chuck & Cynthia Coulter, Sedona, AZ, 59 Suburban
"GRAPHICS AWARD"--AMERICAN COLORSCANS, INC.	Chris Summerell, Santa Clarita, CA, 84 El Camino
ISCA "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE"--ISCA	Dave Lowther, Glendale, AZ, 55 Nomad
SUZUKI "OUTSTANDING 4X4" AWARD	Barry Ellis, Tucson, AZ, 55 Suburban
"OUTSTANDING STREET ROD" AWARD STREET RODDER MAGAZINE	James Spencer, Tucson, AZ, 41 Chevy
"OUTSTANDING CLASSIC TRUCK" AWARD CLASSIC TRUCK MAGAZINE	Chuck & Cynthia Coulter, Sedona, AZ, 59 Suburban
"OUTSTANDING CUSTOM ROD" AWARD CUSTOM RODDER MAGAZINE	Jessica Laya, Douglas, AZ, 41 Chevy

Dennis Scheepstra
David & Donna Wiliams
Lloyd Whitt

Billy Sanchez
Dave Lowther
Terri Gard

Glenn Looney
Adrian & Raymond Felix
Penny Valentine

Ron Greulich

SUNDAY AWARDS
SPECIALTY AWARDS
WORKMAT CAR OF THE SHOW AWARD WORKMAT	John Hadorn, El Centro, CA, 60 Corvette
MEGUIAR'S "MEDALLION AWARD" FOR OUTSTANDING BODY APPEARANCE	Chuck & Cynthia Coulter, Sedona, AZ, 59 Suburban
"ATTENTION TO DETAIL" AWARD SOFFSEAL	Jag Amdahl, Fountain Hills, AZ, 67 Chevelle
BEST OF GOLD--STREET STREET & PERFORMANCE INC.	Fred & Belinda Smith, Alta Loma, CA, 71 El Camino
BEST '55-57--DANCHUK MANUFACTURING	Roy Hester, Tucson, AZ, 57
BEST BIG CAR--SOFFSEAL	Bill Hendrickson, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 51
BEST CAMARO--RICK'S FIRST GENERATION CAMAROS	Terri Gard, La Mirada, CA, 68
BEST CHEVELLE--ORIGINAL PARTS GROUP	Les Hoctor, Glendale, AZ, 67
BEST CONVERSION--MEGUIAR'S	Dennis Scheepstra, Tucson, AZ, 34
BEST CORVETTE--TRIM PARTS & VETTE MAGAZINE	Ron Rockwell, Las Vegas, NV, 2000
BEST EARLY CHEVROLET--KIMBERLY-CLARK SCOTT	Glenn Looney, Tucson, AZ, 34
BEST EL CAMINO--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Chris Summerell, Santa Clarita, CA, 84
BEST MONTE CARLO--PARTS UNLIMITED	Adrian & Raymond Felix, Mesa, AZ, 70
BEST NOVA--WHEEL VINTIQUES	Penny Valentine, Glendale, AZ, 66
BEST OPEN--WORKMAT.NET	Marvin Wolfmeier, Vail, AZ, 73 Vega
BEST PRO STREET/PRO ENGINEERED AEROQUIP PERFORMANCE PARTS	Ron Greulich, Tucson, AZ, 76 Camaro
BEST TRUCK--WORKMAT.NET	Barry Ellis, Tucson, AZ, 55
CLUB PARTICIPATION	Southern California Chevelle Camino Club
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--DRAG RACE	Robert Pancer, Mesa, AZ, 55 Chevy
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--CAR SHOW	Jarod Miller, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 68 Camaro
FLOWMASTER DRAG RACE GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNER	Connie Weber, Casa Grande, AZ, 78 Camaro
FLOWMASTER CAR SHOW GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNER	Larry Manning, Tucson, AZ, 80 Corvette
MR. GASKET "BRACKET ONE" GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERS	Brian Lopez, Tucson, AZ, 78 Malibu Richard Verdugo, Douglas, AZ, 55 Chevy
GOLD CLASS WINNERS
GOLD EL CAMINO--STREET	Fred & Belinda Smith, Alta Loma, CA, 71
CLASS WINNERS
'55-56-57--STOCK	Xavier Alcala, Las Cruces, NM, 57
'55-56-57--STREET	Roy Hester, Tucson, AZ, 57
'55-56-57--MODIFIED	Robert & Violet Gustafson, Tucson, AZ, 57
BIG CAR '49-54--STREET	Victor & Linda Olivarez, Tucson, AZ, 52
BIG CAR '49-54--MODIFIED	Bill Henderson, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 51
BIG CAR '58-89--STOCK	John Blair, Tucson, AZ, 66
BIG CAR '58-89--MODIFIED	Alex Jacome, Sahuarita, AZ, 63
BIG CAR '90-96--STREET	Joe Sanchez, Litchfield, AZ, 96
CAMARO '67-69--STOCK	Gerald DiQuattro, Mesa, AZ, 69
CAMARO '67-69--STREET	Terri Gard, La Mirada, CA, 68
CAMARO '67-69--MODIFIED	Jarod Miller, Lake Havasu, AZ, 68
CAMARO '70-81--STREET	Jerry Reynolds, Alamogordo, NM, 70
CAMARO '70-81--MODIFIED	Steve Hammond, Tucson, AZ, 70 _
CAMARO '82-92--STOCK	Rod Loveless, Phoenix, AZ, 83
CAMARO '93 & NEWER--STREET	Kathy Cease, Tucson, AZ, 2002
CHEVELLE '64-67--STOCK	Jad Amdahl, Fountain Hills, AZ, 67
CHEVELLE '64-67--STREET	Tim Munyer, Lomita, CA, 67
CHEVELLE '64-67--MODIFIED	Les Hoctor, Glendale, AZ, 67
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STOCK	Monty Waterhouse, Tucson, AZ, 69
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STREET	Jose' Alejandro, Hereford, AZ, 72
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Christine & Glenn Dickens, Tucson, AZ, 71
CONVERSION '48 & EARLIER--MODIFIED	Dennis Scheepstra, Tucson, AZ, 34
CONVERSION '49 & NEWER--STREET	Rick Becker, Tucson, AZ, 2000 Trans Am
CONVERSION '49 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Don Calford, Tucson, AZ, 51 Henry J
CORVETTE '53-67--STOCK	Dave Sheffield, Tucson, AZ, 67
CORVETTE '53-67--MODIFIED	John Hadorn, El Centro, CA, 60
CORVETTE '68-82--STOCK	Don DiGuardi, Tucson, AZ, 72
CORVETTE '68-82--STREET	Larry Mathis, Tucson, AZ, 79
CORVETTE '68-82--MODIFIED	Tom & Terry French, Sierra Vista, AZ, 76
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--STOCK	Joe & Barbara Endres, Glendale, AZ, 94
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--STREET	Barry Ellis, Tucson, AZ, 99
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER --MODIFIED	Ron Rockwell, Las Vegas, NV, 2000
EARLY CHEVROLET '35 & EARLIER--STOCK	Sonny Hegarty, Albuquerque, NM, 32
EARLY CHEVROLET '35 & EARLIER--MODIFIED	Glen Looney, Tucson, AZ, 34
EARLY CHEVROLET '36-48--MODIFIED	Jessica Loya, Douglas, AZ, 41
EL CAMINO--STOCK	David & Donna Williams, Anza, CA, 70
EL CAMINO--STREET	Ken Coffman, Tucson, AZ, 77
EL CAMINO--MODIFIED	Chris Summerell, Santa Clarita, CA, 84
MONTE CARLO--STREET	Adrian & Raymond Felix, Mesa, AZ, 70
MONTE CARLO--MODIFIED	Steve & Cameron English, Tucson, AZ, 85
NOVA '62-67--STOCK	John & Sylvia Piccola, Las Vegas, NV, 65
NOVA '62-67--MODIFIED	Penny Valentine, Glendale, AZ, 66
OPEN--MODIFIED	Marvin Wolfmeier, Vail, AZ, 73 Vega
PRO STREET--MODIFIED	Ron Greulich, Tucson, AZ, 76 Camaro
STREET CRUISER AWARDS BY TREMEC TRANSMISSIONS	Carlos Gonzalez, Tucson, AZ, 69 Truck Kevin Bera, Tempe, AZ, 2002 Camaro
TRUCK '49-72--STREET	Bret Fishel, Tucson, AZ, 72
TRUCK '49-69--MODIFIED	Rick Patino, Tucson, AZ, 68
4X4 TRUCK--MODIFIED	Jeff Wilson, Chandler, AZ, 94
SUV--MODIFIED	Chuck & Cynthia Coulter, Sedona, AZ, 59 Suburban
4X4 SUV--MODIFIED	Barry Ellis, Tucson, AZ, 55 Suburban
MINI SUV--MODIFIED	Chris Wilson, Tucson, AZ, 87

DRAG RACE RESULTS
BRACKET 1
WINNER	Juan Moreno, Albuquerque, NM, 80 Olds Cutlass, 11.393 @ 116.54mph
RUNNER-UP	Robert Hall, Tucson, AZ, 62 Chevy II, 11.121 @ 112.72mph
BRACKET 2
WINNER	Rocky Salcido, Tucson, AZ, 55 Truck, 10.045 @ 133.68mph
RUNNER-UP	Tim O'Moore, Tucson, AZ, 70 Nova, 11.518 @ 115.40mph
DOT STREET TIRE
WINNER	Andrew Smith, Tucson, AZ, 72 Camaro, 13.067 @ 100.08mph
RUNNER-UP	David Pitera, Peoria, AZ, 57 Chevy, 11.565 @ 115.15mph
NITRO COUPES
WINNER	Gary Irving, Bolton, ON-Canada, 37 Chevy Coupe, 6.404 @ 222.14mph
RUNNER-UP	Andy Neyer, Scottsdale, AZ, 93 Corvette, 6.728 @ 192.38mph
SATURDAY BRACKET RACE
WINNER	Chris Smith, Albuquerque, NM, 01 Grand Am, 16.536 @ 71.90mph
RUNNER-UP	Dennis Brownfield, Tucson, AZ, 70 Nova
JUNIOR DRAGSTERS
WINNER	Dylan Newberg, Tucson, AZ, 11.521 @ 54.61mph
RUNNER-UP	Matt Hawk, Tucson, AZ, 8.669 @ 72.38mph