Kon Rodz Overpowers the Track at Norwalk Division 3 Event
Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotions
NORWALK, OH– Cassie Simonton and the Canada-based Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team headed toSummitMotorsportsParkconfident in their hot rod. Simonton experienced career-best runs inCharlotte, and then
earned a first round win at the previous regional event in Indy. As Sunday eliminations rolled around, their hot rod just had too much power for the hot racetrack, falling to Brian Harvanek.
“We tried some new things in qualifying and switched back for eliminations. The conditions for first round were unlike those we had on the good qualifying run. We just overpowered the track,” said Simonton.
The tire-smoking-hot weekend started with qualifying on Friday afternoon, when the car started to go into tire shake before half-track. The Chevy Monte Carlo funny car smoked the tires early in the run on Saturday, leaving Cassie and crew chief Randy Anderson with one shot to get into a tough field.
“That third qualifying pass was probably one of the most stressful runs yet. I knew that I had to go up there and do everything perfectly to get the car into the field. I sat there and got focused, taking it as an elimination round,” Cassie said.
Simonton was successful in her attempt to break into the 8-car field, clocking a 5.657 at 257 mph run. The crowd of over 40,000 fans erupted into cheer, congratulating Cassie and the team fromCanada.
“There was a great turnout. I was involved with the autograph sessions on Friday and Saturday, signing hero cards for fans. It was nice to talk to everybody and get the support. The coolest thing was going up for that final qualifying pass and seeing packed stands with people lined up all along the fence. The crew said the crowd really cheered when they went down the return road to pick me up. It’s a great feeling to know you have that support,” claimed “Sassy” Cassie.
Veteran tuner Randy Anderson and the crew will make the best of what they learned inNorwalkand prepare for the next race inChicago. The Burndown at Sundown at Route 66 Raceway is the next in a line of NHRA Lucas Oil Series events for Simonton and Kon Rodz Racing, June 8-10 inJoliet,Illinois.
