<img src="http://gallery.nitromater.com/files/6/5/M_Thomas.jpg" alt="m thomas" align="left"borders="0"/>
There's nothing that gums up a good Pro Stock tune-up more than a trip to the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
Less oxygen in the atmosphere robs engines of horsepower, slowing the cars to elapsed times that conjure up memories of 10 years ago when drivers were still chasing the "magic" six-second barrier. But that doesn't stop the drivers and crews from making a trek to the beautiful facility that is carved into the side of a mountain not far from Denver.
Count Kenny Koretsky's two Nitro Fish Wear Dodges in the mix for the 27th annual visit to the mile-high climes. Mike Thomas will be in the blue Stratus while former NHRA rookie of the year Gene Wilson will be in the red Stratus that is carrying a special tribute to former Dodge driver Scott Geoffrion, who passed away recently at age 42.
"This is a Mopar race and we want to make a good showing," said Eddie Guarnaccia, team manager and crew chief. “We are just overseeing the red car for Don Schumacher Racing, who is leasing the car from us for this race. We are excited to have Wilson in the car and to pay tribute to Scott, who was one of Mopar's top drivers in the 1990s.
"Gene tested at Bandimere two weeks ago and the car ran well then. He's
using a Schumacher Racing motor supplied by David Nickens."
Thomas, meanwhile, is enthused because engine builder Larry Morgan has been working diligently on providing more horsepower as the team begins a pivotal NHRA Western Swing, with sea-level stops at Seattle (July 21-23)and Sonoma, Calif. (July 28-30) awaiting.
"Larry says he made some changes and he feels like he's found something,"
Thomas said. "We ran good on the swing last year - qualifying eighth at Denver, first at Seattle and second at Sonoma. But first things first, we want to qualify well at Denver for all of the Dodge fans there this weekend. We'll worry about the next two races after that."
"We want to have a more successful second half of the season," said Guarnaccia. "We've definitely been trying our best. It's not for lack of effort. But we hope to put our best foot forward and get both cars qualified this weekend."
KPK Motorsports appreciates all its sponsors. We couldn't do this without them. Our thanks to Werner Enterprises, Nitro Fish, OCC, Motel 6, Goodyear, Royal Purple, Champion, Speed Pro, Fel Pro, FRAM, Prestone, Autolite, ISC Racers Tape, Cyclo, Boninfante Clutches, American Racing Wheels, Jerry Bickel Race Cars and VHT.
Guarnaccia Wants to Put Nitro Fish Wear Team's 'Best Foot Forward' at Denver
There's nothing that gums up a good Pro Stock tune-up more than a trip to the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
Less oxygen in the atmosphere robs engines of horsepower, slowing the cars to elapsed times that conjure up memories of 10 years ago when drivers were still chasing the "magic" six-second barrier. But that doesn't stop the drivers and crews from making a trek to the beautiful facility that is carved into the side of a mountain not far from Denver.
Count Kenny Koretsky's two Nitro Fish Wear Dodges in the mix for the 27th annual visit to the mile-high climes. Mike Thomas will be in the blue Stratus while former NHRA rookie of the year Gene Wilson will be in the red Stratus that is carrying a special tribute to former Dodge driver Scott Geoffrion, who passed away recently at age 42.
"This is a Mopar race and we want to make a good showing," said Eddie Guarnaccia, team manager and crew chief. “We are just overseeing the red car for Don Schumacher Racing, who is leasing the car from us for this race. We are excited to have Wilson in the car and to pay tribute to Scott, who was one of Mopar's top drivers in the 1990s.
"Gene tested at Bandimere two weeks ago and the car ran well then. He's
using a Schumacher Racing motor supplied by David Nickens."
Thomas, meanwhile, is enthused because engine builder Larry Morgan has been working diligently on providing more horsepower as the team begins a pivotal NHRA Western Swing, with sea-level stops at Seattle (July 21-23)and Sonoma, Calif. (July 28-30) awaiting.
"Larry says he made some changes and he feels like he's found something,"
Thomas said. "We ran good on the swing last year - qualifying eighth at Denver, first at Seattle and second at Sonoma. But first things first, we want to qualify well at Denver for all of the Dodge fans there this weekend. We'll worry about the next two races after that."
"We want to have a more successful second half of the season," said Guarnaccia. "We've definitely been trying our best. It's not for lack of effort. But we hope to put our best foot forward and get both cars qualified this weekend."
KPK Motorsports appreciates all its sponsors. We couldn't do this without them. Our thanks to Werner Enterprises, Nitro Fish, OCC, Motel 6, Goodyear, Royal Purple, Champion, Speed Pro, Fel Pro, FRAM, Prestone, Autolite, ISC Racers Tape, Cyclo, Boninfante Clutches, American Racing Wheels, Jerry Bickel Race Cars and VHT.
