Medford Dragstrip Race 4 of 5

September 13-14, 2024

Medford Dragstrip

The California Independent Funny Car Association (CIFCA) made the haul to Central Point OR. 6 CIFCA funny cars were able to make the trip to race number 4 of their 5-race series presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports.

There were two qualifying passes before the top four ran off in a sportsman style ladder. Rick Alvarado was the System 1’s number one qualifier with a 7.184 on the 7.10 index. James Maher qualified in the second position with a 7.286. There was some very tricky track conditions as most drivers were not able to get full passes down the track. Jesse Guiterrez and Jim Maher qualified 3rd and 4th respectively. Guiterrez won the Mike’s Transmission Burnout Contest in qualifying session number two. Ken & Denise Wynn made the haul from San Diego but just missed the 4-car show with a 7.964. Chris Bates was at the wheel of the Wynn’s Mustang II known as “Bad Intentions” Bates had an impressive .053 reaction time and took home the Enderle Best Reaction time award. Shaun Bryan had some tire shake but managed to pedal to a 8.030.

The semi-finals kicked off with James Maher, in the Junior Vibes 84’ Tempo against Jim Maher, in the Good Vibrations 85’ Tempo. James’ was off the starting line first with .122 as Jim was just behind with ha .178. James’ got to the finish line first with a 7.27 taking down Jim Maher who was the currently CIFCA points leader.  On the flip side of the ladder was Rick Alvarado vs Jesse Guiterrez. Guiterrez unfortunately broke on the starting line and couldn’t fire.  Alvarado took the solo victory lap with a 7.14 ET and .081 reaction time which claimed him the CP Carrillo Best Package award.

The final round matchup between Alvarado and James Maher who faced each other earlier this year in the final round at Redding Motorsports Park. While in the staging lanes for the final round the track lost the ¼ mile timing sensors. So the call was made to run the final to the 1/8 mile with a 4.55 index. Alvarado broke the rear end of the starting line and James Maher ran a 4.69 to win the event!  

Thanks to the track crew at Medford Dragstrip for a relentless weekend. They had many challenges on and off the racing surface but always kept things moving. A Thank you to all our CIFCA sponsors and we will see you at our final race of the 2024 season. Redding Motorsports Park Thunder Under The Lights September 20-21, 2024.