Robbins and Engling head to Cordova after "successful" IHRA Outing
(7-21-2005) HIGHLAND, MI - After a runner-up finish at the 2nd Annual JE Pistons NMCA Hot Rod and Muscle Car Nationals in Martin. MI the duo of Keith Engling and Brian Robbins made plans to test their Allstar Performance sponsored 72 Hurts Olds against some of the IHRA's best Torco Race Fuels Pro Mods with a trip to 3rd Annual IHRA Dukes of Hazard Motor city Nationals in Milan Michigan.
The Pro Edelbrock series regulars were at a bit of a disadvantage in Milan, not just because of the Olds' lack of aerodynamics, mainly it was due to the difference in rules from Pro Street to Pro Mod. Two of the major differences are vehicle weight and blower overdrive. Minimum weight for the Olds in Pro Street trim is 2900lbs and blower overdrive is 29% while IHRA rules mandate a minimum weight of 2700lbs and only 20% overdrive.
While the difference in rules were somewhat of a challenge to, car owner/chassis builder, Keith Engling he was able to make the best of what he had and nearly put his Skinny Kid's Race Cars built Olds into the tight field. “We were able to take some of the weight out of the car but not enough to get down to 2700. The overdrive caused us some tuning problems but we learned from each run and it shows,” Engling said.
Brian Robbins, driver of the Jan-Cen powered Olds, called the IHRA outing a "success" despite not qualifying. “We improved on every run and were able to put down some career numbers for this team. I'd call that a success”, said the 34 year old from Saint Joseph, MI.
During qualifying for the Motor city Nationals Robbins posted a 6.46 at 217.56 then a 6.45 at 217.60 and on his final pass Robbins broke into the .30's with a 6.398 at 218.69. Robbins final pass placed him in the 15th spot for the tough Torco Pro Modified field but he was bumped out late in the round. Engling and Robbins missed the field by just eleven
hundredths of a second.
“I guess you could say we're the happiest guys that didn't qualify, joked Robbins. “We proved that we can run with the big guys and I think we can improve on what we've accomplished here. A high .20 is possible”.
Next up for the Michigan duo is a trip to Cordova Dragway for the 4th Annual Ross Pistons NMCA Hot Rod & Muscle Car Nationals. Driver Brian Robbins currently sits second in the 2005 NMCA/PRO Pro Street Points Standings and is hoping to climb the ladder in Cordova on July 22-23, 2005.
Both Engling and Robbins would like to take the time to thank their sponsors and would appreciate if you would taker the time to visit their sponsor's websites.
Sponsors:
www.skinnykidracecars.com
www.allstarperformance.com
www.aeroquip.com
www.ngksparkplugs.com
www.strangeengineering.net
www.ace-mfg.com
www.jepistons.com
www.scegaskets.com
www.jancen.com
www.mickeythompsontires.com
www.torcoracefuels.com
www.amalie.com
