BILL STEPHENS “IN THE GROOVE” 3/29/10

How utterly cool was that?

The 4-Wide Nationals ended with tremendous drama, despite the fact rain required the race to be completed before a much-reduced crowd at zMax Raceway due to rain. John’s win accomplished several things; including increasing his points lead in the Full Throttle standings and giving him yet another remarkable achievement to add to his legendary career. Having Ashley alongside as the second-place finisher wasn’t too shabby, either.

John already owns the distinction of being the first winner of a major specialty event thanks to his win in 1999 at the Winston “No Bull” Showdown at Bristol Dragway (Coincidentally, another race facility owned by Bruton Smith). You will probably remember that the “No Bull” Showdown featured Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars racing side-by-side with the F/C’s enjoying a slight handicap start on the Christmas Tree.

John won that race when he beat Bob Vandergriff Jr. in the final and established yet another personal milestone. Who else would you expect, right?

The media coverage of the 4-Wide Nationals was more widespread than for any national event on the schedule going back many years. I saw highlights and features on the event all over the tube and the Internet was having a field day with the race. ESPN’s Sportscenter provided numerous replays of the final rounds and it was even spotlighted on SPEED’s Race Report. So, if the success or failure of a national event can be measured by the kind of splash it makes in the media universe, the 4-Wide Nationals hit the bullseye.

Cory McClenathan’s win in Top Fuel was also a major storyline thanks to his frightening first-round mishap that saw his car experience a rear tire deflation right at the finish line, sending him into a nasty skid. But Cory’s experience was clearly on display as he skillfully kept his car in his lane and off the retaining wall. To come back from such a near-disaster and win the race was very impressive. Congratulations should also go to Mike Edwards, the Pro Stock winner, and Matt Smith, who took the honors in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

So as the next event on this years lineup comes into view in a couple of weeks in Houston, John is having himself quite a 2010 so far with two wins, a runner-up, and a spot atop the Full Throttle standings. Who would have anticipated such a great start to this year’s campaign based on what the last several have looked like? It appears the magic is back at JFR and it looks like it may very well be here to stay.

Lots of racing left to go and there will be more to talk about after O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals.