Thanks to all who helped in 2012

Even though we are well into the new year, I'd like to express our gratitude to all those who sponsored, donated, lend a helping hand and came to support us in 2012. It was a good year in which we made a lot of progress and gained much experience. Definately, 2013 will bring even better racing.

Of course, I'd be nowhere if it were not for my crew. A shout out goes to Stephen Maduro, seen here sanding the floater for the next pass, to Eric Felix and Priscilla Lotman. Pris has shown a lot of determination in learning the ropes and is not shy of getting her hands dirty, eventhough she keeps a pack of hand wipes handy!

Thanks for reading and see you at the races.

2012 Drag Fest Photo Album

At the 2012 Drag Fest, Drag Action Curacao (DAC) snapped lots of pictures of PISS'D OFF PETE, Eric and Stephen. That's the entrepreneurial spirit we miss a great deal off in Curacao.

Below, I've selected 18 pictures for your viewing pleasure. Click on a photo to view a larger version.


Above, the usual pre-race engine warmup, double checking

everything (including engine for leaks) and going through all 

gears.



Above, Eric finishes checking the engine's valves and springs

Above, Stephen, keeping the Cobalt steady during the burn out.

Above, Stephen adjusting the wheelie bars at just the right height. 

These bars are extremely strong and can support the car's weight.

Above, Eric closing the window safety net.

Above, Stephen brings me to the pre-stage light.

Above, after the run Eric telling me to stop being a wimp 

and keep your foot in it, or he'll call JD.

Above, in the shut down area.

If you ever need quality motor sport photos, be sure to get DAC to help you out. They're a professional bunch at reasonable prices. To visit their website, please click here.

In the near future I will write a piece on the valuable work of photographers in motor sports.
Please, check back occasionally.

Thanks for reading.

Blast from my past

The other day I stumbled upon some old pictures of when I was part of the Whathehell team and I thought it worthwhile to share them with you.

The pictures were of when we traveled to Mooresville, N.C., to take delivery of Jason Line's old GTO.  We had bought it from KB racing and crew chief Rob Downing lowered a Kaase 822 hemi in it for us. He also introduced us to Jeff Dobbins, who would become our "life line"... and still is.

The picture sequence from the left:

At this stage I was still unaware of the steep learning curve that awaited me, for I had never driven a drag race car before, let alone a Mountain Motor Pro Stock. In retrospect, this wasn't the best way to do it and I shouldn't have let them talk me into it.

Jon Kaase's 822 ci hemi engine, with intake and two set's of split dominators. I remember the heads as being huge, unlike anything I had seen before. The normally aspirated engine cranked some 1.800 plus hp, however, the exact number was never divulged to me.

Before taking delivery, Rob and Jason made sure that everything worked properly and started the engine to prove it was. Great group of guys!

KB Racing's operation in Mooresville comprises a seriously large hanger, big enough to hold a couple of large car and equipment trailers and every other equipment necessary to make them the team to beat on any given Sunday.

For those of you who are not die-hard race fans, Mooresville is also known as "Race City USA" because it has the biggest concentration of racing teams, engine builders and suppliers in the country, not only for drag racing but for Nascar and many other forms of racing as well.

Pictures: own library.

February get together

Back in the summer of 2011, the Danny de Kort Motorsports foundation organized their first fundraising event to assist in getting the car to Curacao, which we did in December, after Jeff Dobbins completed its assembly and took it to the track for testing.

In February of this year, we organized a get together to allow the participants of earlier mentioned fundraising to see the car up close and get an explanation from the car owner and driver, Danny de Kort.

Even though the picture won't do the gathering any justice, I thought it worthwhile to show it anyway.

Thanks for reading.