With a Runner-up Finish, Williamson Retains WCOPMA Points Lead

by Steven Bunker

Sacramento, Ca – Going into the Nitro Nite of Fire event at Sacramento Raceway last weekend, Bret Williamson, driver of the Don Carter Motorsports 1953 Studebaker, was leading the West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod Association’s point’s standings after winning the first event of the season. Williamson and crew were looking at getting the car and tune-up back where it should be.

After having a stellar first outing with the car they went to Bakersfield a few weeks later and could not get the car down the track from “A-to-B” under power. Before heading to Sacramento this past weekend their goal was to get back to where they started, where they know it works. On Friday they made a descent test pass with an early shut off to see where they were. When the Friday night qualifying session came around they did not get the ‘Stude down the track after a peddling and early shutoff 7.85.

Saturday morning would give the Don Carter Motorsports team one more chance to improve their qualifying position. Although not a pass to the full potential of the car, they improved with another peddling run of 6.93. That would qualify them in the number six spot in the 8-car field.

In the first round of eliminations Williamson had to face number three qualifier Jay Diedrich in his “Evil Outlaw” 1957 Chevy. When the tree dropped Diedrich was off the line with a huge advantage but something happened to his transmission/clutch which allowed Williamson to drive around him and take the win with a 6.15 to Diedrich’s slowing 6.38. With that pass the team knew they finally had some data to work with.

In the second/semi-final round Williamson had West Coast heavy hitter Randy Kay with his red 1963 Corvette. This was looking to be a great race as the Studebaker has dipped into the 5-second zone before and Kay always lays down quick numbers and cuts great lights. Unfortunately for the Kay his blower belt broke while on the 2-step and Williamson was on his way to the final round with a bye. But he didn’t take the easy route down the track, instead he wanted to make sure he had lane choice in the final and laid down an event low ET of 6.02 @ 245.52!

When the final round rolled around the team chose the favored right hand lane and placed Dan Myers in his 1957 Chevy pickup truck in the left lane. Myers left on Williamson by 3-tenths on the tree but Williamson had the difference made up by half track. Shortly after driving around Myers at the 1/8th the supercharger banged on the Studebaker which engulfed the car with a huge flash of fire that allowed Myers to drive around Williamson and take the win on a holeshot; Williamsons loosing 6.49 to Myers early lifting and winning 6.51.

The Don Carter Motorsports team would like to thank their sponsors for their support this 2010 season:
Network Office Systems – www.NorCalCopiers.com
IDAK Transport
Folsom Lake Toyota – www.FolsomLakeToyota.com
Lucas Oil – www.LucasOil.com
Simpson Race Products – www.SimpsonRaceProducts.com
Marsh’s Carpet – www.MarshsCarpet.com
Don Beam Automotive
Honest Engine – www.HonestEngineOnline.com
Gladiator Challenge – www.GladiatorChallenge.com