Tommy Godfrey : F/S #1 : Bradenton,FL ’09

This is the first year I had zero testing before the opener and also the first time I wasn’t around for every qualifier either. We left Maryland at about 2:30pm on Friday and drove straight through to the track. I think we arrived at 6:30am Saturday morning. Needless to say, I was a little tired. After having some driveline issues and thoughts of possible power loss during qualifying because of my lack luster performance, we summed it up to the rusty nut behind the steering wheel.

Race Day Sunday

So come Sunday morning round one I was sitting in the worst qualifying spot I’ve ever been in my NMRA racing history (#5) and having to face the #1 qualifier. My luck was about to change, I got my act together (some sleep) and was off with a killer 1.54 60ft. I never saw my competition and crossed the line with an 11.19 @ 118 mph, which was the 4th quickest pass in class history – I was happy to say the least.

Now I’m getting ready for my second round match up with Jay Dold. This would be a repeat match up from the Bowling Green finals from last season. Lucky for me, I was able to get the best of him again. I hooked hard again with a 1.55 60ft and ran a 11.18 @ 118 to his 11.50 @ 119. I was feeling good going into the finals against John Leslie, since I seemed to have a bracket car. As usual it’s a rush to the finals if you win the semi’s – they want to get the race done! It wasn’t long before we were towing to the staging lanes for my first Florida final since my rookie years first race.

We lined them up and when I released the 2 step I knew it was GAME OVER for JLJ Racing. My car dead hooked again with another 1.55 60ft and rolled through the beams with another 11.18 @ 119 mph. I was so stoked about my cars performance, it was on rails and of course winning the first race of the season makes the long drive worth it! Now it’s on to Atco,NJ for hopefully my 2nd win of the season and first win in NJ.

Waiting for the winner circle picture! Florida 2007 I didn’t get one until it was dark thanks to the Engine P&G.

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