Seemingly faster than the flash of a firework, everyoneβs favorite footbrake race has returned to Bristol Dragway for its nineteenth installment. Dialed in with a perfect forecast and fueled by an incredible crowd of racers on just day one, the BTE World Footbrake Challenge XIX launched with both wheels up while dragging the bumper in what is undoubtedly set to be one of the greatest events yet.
Thursday began with a test and tune session, where racers lined up nearly to the creek, eagerly awaiting their turn to make a pass down Thunder Valley. Laris Motorsports Insurance stepped up to sponsor Thursdayβs livestream and weekend videography produced by Caufield Media. The original $3,000-to-win gamblers race was increased to $5,000 before the event, in appreciation of the expected crowd. A hefty 333 entries made the first round call, which quickly halved without the luxury of buybacks. Round seven featured six remaining drivers: David Bell, Steve Wagner, Cobi Toliver, Devin Dudley, Gage Burch, and Nick Scheckelhoff.
Only eight-thousandths separate the first pair on the starting line and both drivers run dead-on their respective dials as Burch takes the .007 margin of victory over Toliver. Dudley launches with a .014 red light beside Bell, who is .005 total to advance into the semifinal. The last pair each run dead-on with a two, but Scheckelhoff has the better reaction time to take the win over Wagner.
Scheckelhoff earns the bye into the final as the two Mustangs battle for the opposing spot. Burch is .012 on the tree and runs dead-on with a six to seal the deal over Bell, who breaks out nine thousandths at the stripe.
Five-time finalist Burch carefully inches into the stage beam beside Scheckelhoff, who prepares for his first Coalburg Racing Promotions final round. Burch has a nine-thousandths advantage on the starting line and takes the win over Scheckelhoff, who drops out at the finish line.
In response to Penningtonβs question regarding two tempting events on the same weekend, Burch says, βYou guys put on an awesome race and even though we probably arenβt racing for the most money this weekend, I think weβre definitely having the most fun…Iβm really glad to be back in it [his Mustang], this car makes you look better than you are, and I really appreciate everyone that helps us out.β
There are still three more days of foot-swapping and finish-line driving action as the first of three $20,000-to-win main event races begins Friday. Time permitting, there will be a $3,000-to-win gamblers race as well.
Catch the action live all weekend on Motormaniatv beginning tomorrow, courtesy of Weldon High Performance. For more information on Coalburg Racing Promotions, visit www.worldfootbrakechallenge.com.
Winner’s circle photos provided by Chris Simmons Event Photos.