National Sand Drag News - PR: Summer Sizzler Offers Cool Show at Big River

For a show that has often carried the name of "Summer Sizzler", the only thing sizzling Saturday night at Big River Sand Drags were the BBQ grills. The racing wasn't that bad either! 103 competitors from four states wide took part in the Independence Day weekend points race sponsored by Wies Drywall and Construction of St. Louis. When it got down to the money, it was a Show-Me State winners circle as you will soon find out.

"The buzz around the track was GOLD," says the Merseal family as they decompressed after the mid-season show. No, not the glimmering lumps of solid goodness that we'd all like to possess. But BRSD experienced an equipment upgrade as they transitioned from the Port-a-Tree Timing Systems SILVER edition to the more advanced GOLD package. "This change will lead to a more productive and efficient show."

John "The Legend" Dreher of Wentzville, MO experienced his fastest pass ever while driving his car "Livin' in Fast Forward" (3.444 @ 94.7 MPH). He backed it up just moments later with a 3.445 pass at the same speed. "The car definitely could have dialed in if I were bracket racing," mentioned Dreher. However, he went on to capture first place and top eliminator in the Open 4x4 class. Josh Varner of Bonne Terre won second.

BRSD offered a variety of classes; everything from a best 2 of 3 competition in Pee Wee ATV to a field of 24 Unlimited ATV's at 5.19 and faster. Two pals from Piedmont, MO battled it out for first place honors. Ty Martin and Justus Ross were the youngsters in Pee Wee. Martin took the first two races and the first place trophy. In Unlimited it was Jason Waller, Sr. of Bonne Terre with first place and top eliminator wins as Justin Garnett of Hillsboro, MO received second.

The magic number for Jr. ATV and Competition Eliminator was 15. Both classes provided strong numbers and stellar performances by many of the tracks finest. Justin Dee of Leadwood, MO placed first and top in Jr. while newcomer Davon Connelly of Hillsboro captured second. It was also Hillsboro native Ed "The Fun" Bunch taking first in Comp, but it was James Casteel of Bismarck, MO winning second place and top honors.

The Glatczak Race Team of Potosi, MO dominated both Pro ATV and Super Pro ATV. Allie G. went home with first and top in S/Pro as her dad pulled off second and top in Pro ATV. Mark Smith of Cedar Hill, MO was second in Super; Michael Miller of DeSoto, MO took first in Pro.

In Vehicle E.T. was an all too familiar match between Bonne Terre native Gladys Edwards and Phillip Beaird from St. Louis. Edwards settled for first as Beaird managed to score second and top eliminator.

Big River also hosted two "winner take all" heads up classes. Jeff Patterson of Hornersville, MO won in the Fast ATV class while Danita Ross of Piedmont won in the Utility ATV class.

Racing action continues this weekend as the East Missouri Action Agency returns to kick off their Back to School program. First State Bank will also headline the July 12^th show. Races begin at 6pm with gates opening at 2pm and time trials 3pm-5pm. Admission is $10 per adult; kids 12 and under FREE. For more information, contact James Merseal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (573) 225-8360, or visit www.bigriversanddrag.com . Information can also be found in the forums of www.stlracing.com , and BRSD is on MySpace @ www.myspace/bigriversanddrags .

PR Courtesy: Jason Harris – Big River Sand Drags