2008 Rookie of the year leader Josh Mason made his first ever trip to the So Cal Pro Gas winner’s circle on Sunday in Randy Balough’s Pro Gas Summer Nationals. Josh beat Dave Coapstick’s 9.876 with a .012 initiated 9.883.

Balough’s Blog

Hello Everyone and welcome to my one and only blog.

Race 7 and 8 of our Southern California ProGas series was held at Fontana. Though the turnout was a little light, a great time was had by all. We knew that going into the weekend, with the amount of racing having taken place prior to this race; The Western swing plus the Divisional in Sonoma. Add to that, the fact that this was a race that was not on the schedule at the beginning of the year; it was a replacement race instead of having to go to Bakersifeld in September. We still had a good turnout. I will say this, the weather could not have been more perfect. The hottest I saw it, either day, according to my weather station was 89 degrees.

On Sunday the #1 Qualifier was Anthony Mattasa. Anthony and his Dad Johnny Mattasa are great people and work very hard to keep there cars running as well as they look. Great Job Anthony. Again the money posted for the #1 Qualifier was posted by B&B Electric. Josh Mason drove 6 tough rounds of competition and came out victorious. This was Josh's first time to the finals and he did not let the pressure bother him in the least, nor did he disappoint. I'm not sure who was happier in the winners circle Josh or his Dad. It's nice to see that not all of the previous junior dragster racers step right into a S/C Dragster, instead trying there hand in door car racing. Dave Coapstick was the runner up.

I want to welcome back a couple of racers that have not raced with us in a long time. Dave Buono and Rodney Scarlett brought their venerable steeds out. Though Rodney has been running in S/ST trim for some time, he knocked the dust off his .400 trigger and did a great job. Dave has not raced his "Winged-T" roadster for 13 years. Though there are a few bugs still to be worked out, Dave will be back to his killer ways in no time. The only problem now is that Dave's sons, David and Michael, as well as his daughter Kathleen, have already given notice that he better get good quick or they are giving him the boot out of the seat.

Travis and I were the guinea pigs for the new format of having 2 teams run the race, instead of all the responsibility falling on Gary Cooke. I can tell you without a doubt Gary has this set up that it really is a no brainer to run a race. He has everything set up and ready to sell tickets with spot on directions for getting any and all information necessary. I encourage everyone to consider helping out and stepping up to run a race. As I said in the drivers meeting we are an Association run for the racers and by the racers. Now is the time to show your support. Lets work together to make OUR Association the best it can be.

In closing I want to thank some very deserving people that were instrumental in making our weekend a success. Joe and Robin Ordoqui (Travs Mom and Step-dad), Jimmy G, Larry Scarth, all of our great sponsors and all of the racers that came out and raced with us. A big debt of gratitude has to go to Lori Stafford. Lori has volunteered to be our web master and will be keeping us all updated with the latest info on our web site. Of course I cannot forget our CEO Gary Cooke. Even with racers stepping up and helping out, there is a great deal of work that goes into running this association. And in my humble opinion Gary does a great job. The last thing I want to mention is that our Banquet will again be held at the Commerce Casino. More information will be forthcoming, but please plan early and join us for what I am sure will be a great evening.

See you at the races
Randy and Travis