Crumlich defeats Herem in Pro Gas Final at L.A. County Raceway

By Bob Johnson
L.A. County Raceway Palmdale, Calif. Sept. 11, 2005

Reaction times decided the outcome of the Southern California Pro Gas Association final round at L.A. County Raceway when Doug Crumlich and Ryan Herem ran identical 10.213 elapsed times, but Crumlich’s .013 reaction to Herem’s .025 gave the win light to Crumlich.

Twelve thousands of a second difference in reaction times decided the final round winner of the seventh event of the Southern California Pro Gas Assoc., series, as Doug Crumlich and Ryan Herem ran identical 10.213 elapsed times (10.20 index), with the win going to Crumlich as he cut a .013 light to a second best of .025.

Wayne & Dave’s Automotive and S & Z Racing sponsored the event. Forty-five cars qualified for the race, with five of them qualifying with a 10.201, including Wayne Silva, John Gilbert, Jim Israel, David Carroll, and Doug Crumlich. Bill Welch Portable Welding sponsored the low qualifier award.

Wayne Silva opened the third round with a .006 reaction to defeat PJ Giacalone, points leader Pete Kinney beat red lighting CW Hoefer, Randy Fabbro stopped John Gilbert, Crumlich defeated Wayne Newman, Dave Fargo edged Jimmy Galante, and Herem stopped Rick Gunther in a double breakout race.

Silva opened the quarterfinals with a win over Pete Kinney, Crumlich took a .004 win over Fabbro, and Herem advanced as Fargo red lighted by .001 seconds. In the semi, Crumlich beat Silva, and Herem got a bye into the final.

Crumlich ran a 10.213, 141.38 (.013 r.t.) for his first Pro Gas win of the season with his Vega, as Herem’s Canyon Racing ’69 Camaro lost with a 10.213, 136.68 (.025 r.t.). Jim Sowards Racing furnished the event trophies.

Doug Crumlich offered special thanks to Phil Parker, Cutting Edge Transmission, Doug Spencer & Rick Jaeger Tim & Donna Daniel, Kato Engineering, Ron Kato, OC Mufflerman, Mickey Thompson, C&J Engineering, Continental Torque Converters, Hi Torque Starters, OC Restoration & Paint, Devi Callion for the flames and helmet. Thanks to the Pro Gas Board, you know I know what you have to do. The LACR Crew, all the racers who finally let me win a Pro Gas event, and also, everyone who is helping me get the motor fixed for the final race. Thanks again to Karen, Danielle and DJ.

The final race of the season—and the 2005 Pro Gas Shootout—will take place on October 1, 2005 at L.A. County Raceway. Pete Kinney (3422 points) will take a narrow 187-point lead over Randy Fabbro, (3235), in to the final. Wayne Newman is third with 3132, Rich Okerman has 3121, and Ryan Herem is fifth with 3012.

Ray's Notes