BILL STEPHENS “IN THE GROOVE” 3/15/10

After two pretty strong outings to begin the 2010 season, it came as somewhat of a reality check when all three JFR cars were out of the program by the end of the second round in Gainesville on Sunday. The Gators have been very kind to John, who came into the event with seven career victories. But it’s not all about what you did in the past which determines what you’ll do this time around and when John lost to Ron Capps in Round 2, Gators win #8 just wasn’t in the cards.

Ashley took center stage in Round 1 when she took on the only other woman in NHRA history with a Funny Car national event win, Melanie Troxel. In a wild, zany, tire-smoking shootout, Melanie was able to get her machine to the finish line first, a testament to her skills as a drag racer. Of course, Mel has already proven her abilities by successfully competing in an A-Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, and last year, in one of the sport’s most treacherous, ill-mannered creations, a Pro Modified.

Ashley has also established herself as one of the most accomplished drivers in the class and has won more than a few rounds thanks to her incredible finesse and poise with the steering wheel and throttle pedal. The lady can drive!

Meanwhile, Robert was banking on a good outing and finally scoring his first Gators victory but couldn’t get past Bob Tasca III in the second round and so the JFR scorecard wasn’t a thing of beauty when the day was done. John still retains the points lead—something that hasn’t happened as frequently over the past few seasons as we had become accustomed to—and the next race in two weeks, the 4-Wide Nationals at the fabulous zMax Dragway in Charlotte, is shaping up to be one of the most highly-anticipated drag races in a long time.

Of course, one of the major developments which have unfolded at JFR since the last race in Phoenix was John Medlen moving to Schumacher Racing. It came as a serious surprise to the drag racing world collectively although rumors of the move had surfaced on the Internet weeks before. One can discuss and theorize on the reasons for John’s departure but the point that needs to be made is that he is, without doubt or debate, one of the finest and most respected men in drag racing or any other motorsport for that matter.

His talent, character, leadership, and positive attitude are qualities which make him a truly outstanding individual and I consider myself quite fortunate to know him and possess his friendship. His presence at JFR will be all but impossible to replace and I know each and every member of the Force team wishes John continued success as he pursues his new position with Don Schumacher’s excellent operation.

Now it’s a couple of weeks to get ready for zMax. More after the race.