West Coast 1320

The 20th California Hot Rod Reunion in photos

2011-10-30T04:31:00.000-07:00

This was my second reunion, my first experience being in '07. So much has been written, by better writers than myself, I will say that this event should be on your bucket list. Here are some photos ............

Will family dominates at Redding Dragstrip's Fall Classic

2011-10-14T00:46:00.000-07:00

Kimberly Will was in her zone last weekend at Redding, her trusty '73 Challenger kept her marching on as Super Gas competitors dropped like the proverbial flies. Not the only Will in the household to return victorious, father Steve, piloted his rail through the Pacific Pro Comp class to bring home the win.

Steve Will

Kimberly Will

I wasn't able to stay for the finals, so I have no idea who won in other classes yet. But being my first time to Redding Dragstrip (which by the way is the first track sanctioned by the NHRA), I can safely say "I'LL BE BACK". The staff members that I encountered were friendly, courteous, and helpful, a special thanks to track prez Bob Lydell, for allowing me to be track-side for my photos, and being as I didn't get all the info this will be mostly just photo coverage.
Here's a few that are ready to post, many more to come. STAY TUNED!!!!!!!

Daniels brings home the gold at year end race

2011-09-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

We will never forget the special meaning of September 11th, but I'm sure Curtis Daniels will cherish this one for quite a while as the day he won the Samoa Championship race in Super Pro. But that's not all, he also kept the momentum going through the Race of Champions, in the final he actually went from 3rd to 1st in Super Pro points, making him the 2011 Super Pro points champ it was an exciting time in the Daniels camp.

Curtis Daniels marched through the rounds in his trusty Chevelle.

The second place spot in the Samoa Championship race went to Troy Beck in Super Pro. In the Pro class final it was Mike Wright over a red lighting Jerry Toledo (.0499). The Sporstman class saw Larry Ghidinelli in the final against John Skelton, Skelton lit the red bulb, leaving .014 seconds too soon. Sportsman Motorcycle racer Phil Nasca won his class for the second time consecutively, though Mike Pettit Sr. maintained the points championship.(more pics to come soon.)

Tight battle for the Samoa Championship

2011-09-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a close race in Super Pro and Pro between the Toledo brothers and the family Giacone, with Jim Toledo leading in Super Pro by a scant 1 point over Mike Giacone. In Pro brother Jerry Toledo leads by a mere 7 points over Nick Giacone. Sportsman is a bit more spread out with Glen Terry leading by 82 point over Ana Toledo, Sportsman Motorcycles has Mike Pettit Sr. leading by a 74 point margin. Jr. Dragsters is a landslide with Mike Pires Jr. clinching the title with a 63 point lead over his only competitor this season, Ashley Johnson.
With all that in mind, September 11 th will be an action packed day at Samoa, with the champs being decided, and the final race of the season.

Mike Giacone

Jim Toledo

Jerry Toledo

Nick Giacone

Mike Pettit

Sylus Girard

Glen Terry

Ana Toledo

So don't sit at home thinking of the tragedy that took place 10 years ago, though we'll never forget all those who perished on that fateful day, come out and root for your favorite racer as they entrench themselves in a friendly battle for the championship.

Welcome to West Coast 1320

2011-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

My mission is basically to expose drag racing to as many people as possible, promote my local track (Samoa Dragstrip) while providing news and pertinent information on the west coast drag racing scene. I don't get to travel to a bunch of races, but I usually make a trip or three to other tracks during the year, and I'm happy to share my experience through my photos and any info I can manage to type.
Our season is almost over up here on the north coast of California, so I'll be hitting the learning curve for a bit, please bear with me and hopefully by next season I'll have it down.

above: National Dragster Challenge winners, from L to R Ana Toledo took the Wally in sportsman, Ray Rapp got pro, and first time Wally winner Kimberly Will took super pro. not pictured is Phil Nasca who won sportsman motorcycle. below Shon Messier set a new low E.T. for Samoa of 6.647 during the Nor Cal Top Comp Association's visit. It was a blast seeing a bunch of 200 mph dragsters screaming down our remote strip.