QSAC’s NCS Final Showdown Race at Lagoon Park Raceway

 The first thing that comes to mind about this race was the extreme heat. This is late July in South-Central Alabama. Plenty of fluids needed to be digested just to keep the drivers hydrated. The track temps measured on Friday were around 130 degrees. Saturday morning was a little milder with overcast skies. That did not last long. The Sun broke through and the extreme heat came with it. I believe the track temps were around the mid 120’s range in the afternoon. Looking back at the prior NCS races this year, it seems that Mother Nature controlled the racing and attendance. It was great to have a QSAC race return to LPR. Familiar faces and new made up the mix of thirty entries for this event. The sportsman class had the most entries with thirteen; the sprints had seven; the G/N six and four for the trucks.

Thursday, most of the racers had arrived. Most took the advantage to get as much practice as possible in the extreme heat. Some racers made short runs going on and off the track after adjustments. A few racers had the track figured out and made long runs testing setups, tire temps and carburetor adjustments. Bob Claussen was not happy with his setup early in the day. He spent most of his afternoon in the trailer going through his car rebuilding shocks and changing front and rear geometries. Later in the evening, his car finally found that sweet spot turning his best lap times of the day. While entering turns three and into four, his car took off to the right. The car drove straight into the barrier in turn four, climbed the fence, flipping backwards onto the track and running wide open into the pit-road barrier. His chassis demolished. Bob picked up the pieces and headed home. A battery connection failure was suspected to be the cause. Friday morning Bob was back at the track smiling and helping as usual. Bob is testament to devoted QSAC racers and LPR members. See Pics.

Friday started with practice then two rounds of heats. This was followed by the BRP dash for cash. Roger Newell took the win in Sprint car and G/N. Allen Johnson in Truck and Mike Reniger in Sportsman.

Saturday began with practice and then two more rounds of heats. This set the main field which is posted below. After the next two rounds of heats the Top Qualifiers were, Scott Schramske in Grand National. Mike Reniger in Sportsman. Randy Baker in Sprints. Allen Johnson in Super Truck. This would be my first NCS event to enter. I have been a member at LPR for many years and have helped with past QSAC events. Being a pit steward in past events and helping control the racing, I have seen some outstanding racing and have also seen some questionable. I will tell you that this was the Best, Cleanest and Fastest racing I have ever experienced.

Someone could argue that this may have not been the case if each class had ten cars on the track during each race, but I feel it would have not been any different. Each racer at this event can be proud of their performances and their attitudes.

The Sportsman “B” main started the Final Showdown racing.  Bubba Coker won this hard fought race. The top four of the “B” Main bumped their way into the “A” Main.

In the Sprint class was up in the second race. Randy Baker had the setup to beat winning the main. Roger Newell runs a close second staying on the lead lap. Mike Reniger was one lap down and the rest of the field two or more down. This was great race with only a few cautions. These drivers pulled off some daring moves coming through lapped traffic.

The Truck class took to the track next. Allen Johnson clearly had the field covered. He had his truck setup to run longer races. It took about ten laps for his tires to come in, but once they did he ran away with the event. Donald Etheridge come in second and became QSAC’s National Champion of Super Trucks. Robert Green found some speed during this race and turned some of his best laps of the weekend. Tim McCown DNF.

The Sportsman “A” main Mike Reniger started on the pole with Randy second. These two would put on the some of the best racing of the entire weekend. There were several cautions during this race. This was due to hot track temps and close racing NOT rough driving. Mike went on to win the race with Randy second on the lead lap and Raymond Johnson third one lap down. The rest of the field was two or more laps down but heeded to the leaders in good sportsmanship. Great racing guys!

G/N racing. Each of these racers was very fast all weekend. These guys give us a taste of speed during the four heat races. Once the main started, there was no doubt the track record was in jeopardy. Scott Schramske consistently turned 5.5 laps during this race. Jeremy Yoemans lead some laps early in the race while Scott waited to pick the right time to make his move. Mark and Roger had their own little battle going on in the middle of the pack. It was obvious that Scott was dialed in and once he got the lead, pulled away from the rest of the field. This would leave the close racing between Jeremy and Mark. These two would stay on the lead lap but had nothing for Scott. Scott won the race, Jeremy second and Mark third all on the same lap. The rest of the field was four or more laps down.

I do believe everyone enjoyed themselves even though it was extremely hot. The competition and comrade was as professional as you would find anywhere. The QSAC officials on hand did their best to keep the environment cheerful and fun, they succeeded!

LPR hopes to have QSAC back next year for any event they may choose us to host.

See you next year!

Tim McCown (QSAC #787

Sprint Car A-Main

Super Truck A-Main

Sportsman A-Main

Sportsman B-Main

Grand National A-Main