Sean Dale chills Scardino for RMR Funny Car Fever Title

Race Report

Submitted by: Jim Maher

July 6, 2002 (Rocky Mountain Raceways): The Dragparts.com backed CIFCA circuit made its northern swing through Salt Lake City, UT for RMR’s Funny Car Fever. This annual event draws funny car teams from a variety of states and once again had a full house of spectators.

Robert Lee of Whittier, Calif. unloaded a near perfect 7.508 to qualify in the top position. Local racer Shane Westring qualified second and won the Perma-Cool Burnout Challenge. Gary Densham's son Steven made his CIFCA debut and qualified for the 16-car ladder.

Two Arizona teams would make their way to the final. Gary & Sean Dale of Phoenix started their trek to the money round when Val Richards "bulbed" in the opening frame. Dale’s Shakey Situation Camaro then advanced to the semi’s when Westring recorded a 7.47 breakout. Dale earned his spot in the final with a holeshot win over Dennis LaCharite (7.64 –7.53).

CIFCA * 8858 Painter Ave, Ste E * Whittier, CA 90602

Tim & Chill Scardino had highway difficulties but with some help from the DLS Motorsports team, they made it to the racetrack. Their hard work paid off. Scardino defeated Dan Whitman in the opening bout. Chill then placed their Chill Factor Daytona in the semi’s after points leader Adam Sorokin went red. Scardino then ended rookie Densham's day on a 7.60 to 7.84 decision.

In an all-Arizona final round, Dale left first but faltered just past half-track. Scardino drove around but ran .005 seconds too quick (7.495-7.938) sending the Dales to RMR winner circle. Dale also won the Enderle Quick Reaction Time bonus and moved up to 2nd in the DragParts.com points standing.

Thanks to Ron Craft and his staff at RMR for organizing a great event. And special thanks to Auto Glass Express and South Valley Motorsports for their support of this race.