La Charite is Back in (the) Black after SIR Win

Race Report

Submitted by: Jim Maher

Famoso Raceway: May 1, 2004

May 1, 2004 (Tucson, AZ): Based on the level on competition at Southwestern Int’l Raceway last Saturday, CIFCA’s 20th anniversary season is shaping up to be a banner year. Team Scott grabbed the pole with a 7.51 though 2nd place Dennis La Charite would pocket the Bar’s Leaks Revolving Qualifier bucks with his 7.52 effort. La Charite also won the Perma-Cool Burnout Challenge.

La Charite continued to flex his muscle as he placed his Back in Black Corvette into the money round. During first round of eliminations, he duplicated his qualifying time after Pete Cogswell went .386 red. A holeshot assisted 7.530 in the second round narrowly held off Sean Dale’s near perfect 7.502. Another holeshot in the semi-finals was good enough to end Jim Broome/ Adam Sorokin’s day (7.55 –7.54).

Chill Scardino was making hay on the other side of the 16-car ladder. He placed a 7.52 on the scoreboards in the opening frame to cut short Val Richards’s day. Scardino then sliced the ‘tree with a .417 light coupled with a 7.59 to trailer Jamie Leppanen. During the semi-finals, Scardino’s .421 reaction was instrumental in taking the win over Jim Maher on a 7.604 –7.607 decision.

Chill Factor & Back in Black. These two met in the final once with Scardino taking the win when La Charite broke out. The circumstance would be similar this time though the outcome different. Scardino could not make the 1:00 am call to the lanes due to engine damage so La Charite would have a bye. He clocked a 7.47 breakout, this time good for the win.

Broome/ Sorokin was honored the Enderle Quick Reaction Time (.416) and the Good Vibrations Best Package (.426 - 7.549) bonuses. Two races into the season, four different finalists. This lack of dominance looks like an indication that 2004 is going to be a battle fest.