Ross wins Pro Gas race at Auto Club Dragway, Bolden finishes second

By Bob Johnson
Auto Club Dragway at California Speedway Fontana, CA Aug. 19, 2006

John Ross won his first Southern California Pro Gas Assoc., series event when he defeated Mike Bolden in the final round at Auto Club Dragway at California Speedway. Ross, driving his ’63 Corvette that was awarded the Best Appearing Car honor at the NHRA-Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Fontana earlier this summer, picked up the win as Bolden red lighted in the final round.

Product Engineering of Wilmington, Calif. sponsored the race, which attracted 66 competitors. Hollis Colleasure was the number one qualifier with his ’24 Chevy roadster. A total of 17 cars qualified on the 9.90 index, led by Colleasure at 9.901, and followed by John Matassa also with a 9.901, Randy Kersey was third with a 9.902 and Randy Lazarus was fourth at 9.903.

In the fourth round, series reigning champion Alan Hoefer defeated Wayne Silva 9.902 to a 9.986, Mike Boner beat points leader Jim Israel 9.907 to a 9.904, Jim Momjian ran a perfect 9.900 to stop points contender Jim Sowards, Bolden defeated Les Harris, and Ross got a bye run. Ross used a .004 light in the quarterfinals to stop Boner, Bolden defeated breaking-out Momjian, and Hoefer got a bye.

In the semifinals, Ross cut a .002 light and ran 9.972 as Hoefer lost with a .005 reaction and 10.004. Bolden got a bye into the final with his ’23 Ford roadster. Bolden was .017 too quick at the starting line in the final, sending Ross to his first association final round win with a shut-off 14.65 after a .029 reaction time. Ross thanked his Mother Kathy and his dad Gary, wife Bridgette, brother Michael and his wife Lois, nephew Ryan and Brandan, and Gary Cooke for their support. He also credits sponsors K&N Filters, Toyo Tires, David Beckley Race Cars, Custom Curbing & Finishing, the Priddy family, Quarter Mile Performance, and the SoCal Pro Gas Assoc. for his success.

After six of the eight races scheduled this season, Jim Israel holds the points lead with 3429 points, followed by Jim Sowards at 3407, ’05 Champ Alan Hoefer with 3007, and 2004 series champ Blodgett Sr. with 2916.

Ray's Notes