A record crowd took in the action as Jim Maher qualified on the pole with a 7.64. He was followed closely by Robert Lee (also of Whittier, CA) wih a 7.65. Lee has been qualifying near the top of ladder most of the season. His elapsed times varied only from a 7.655- 7.677 throughout this event. That consistency would placed his Rebel racing team into the final round.

During first round of eliminations, Lee defeated Ken Kraus’ Hardcore ‘Vette of Great Falls, MT. Lee took an easy win during the semi’s when the Dave McDannel CHP Camaro red-lit.

Working his way down the other side of the ladder was current points leader Mike Hilsabeck. He took out Elko, NV based Randy Smith during the opening frame. Hilsabeck then held back the Good Vibrations Camaro of Jim Maher placing the Arizona Thunder into the money round and securing the Phoenix resident his 4th CIFCA Championship title.

The best was saved for last. Hilsabeck’s Cutlass got a small jump over Lee’s Firebird at the start. On the top end Hilsabeck stopped the timers first with a 7.63 to Lee’s game 7.66. Margin of victory: .049 seconds. Hilsabeck was also awarded the Tavia Quick Reaction Time bonus (.434) and the Made For You Best ET award (7.60). The Perma-Cool Burnout Challenge went to Richard Bogan.