Fox takes narrow Napierville win

From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada

NAPIERVILLE, QC – Blistering temperatures at the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada V-Rod Destroyer Eastern Series round four at Napierville Dragway made way for some of the best times seen this season in the V-Rod Destroyer competition. Four different riders were on the hunt for a win with solid runs despite some very challenging track and weather conditions.

In the first qualifier of the day current champion Pete Thomson, riding for Rocky’s Harley-Davidson, once again showed his mettle with a brilliant run of 9.367, setting the stage for the tight racing that would follow. Following a disappointing runner-up finish at the last event, Chris Fox from Fox Harley-Davidson/Buell showed that he was up to the challenge with a blistering 9.399 in the second qualification run. MotoSport Plus of Kingston rider, Mitch McCallum, seems to be back in form as well, running in the adjoining lane with an impressive 9.41, his best run to date.

In round two of qualifications, McCallum backed it up with another trip at 9.399. Beside him, Thomson, who had a better reaction time, struggled with traction and despite slipping off the line still posted a respectable 9.55. Next up, Paul Guerrieri demonstrated that he was ready for the show and continued his move up the ranks with a 9.530; however, Fox was simply brilliant, running a 9.397.

Things continued to tighten up in round three of qualifications with Fox, Thomson and McCallum in the 9.4s and Guerrieri running a healthy 9.591, which left everyone guessing at what the outcome would be in the eliminations.

In elimination round one, Thomson was clear about what his intentions were when he lined up with Guerrieri. Thomson pulled the trigger and shot away from the tree, leaving Guerrieri sliding in his wake. Thomson took the win with a 9.480 while Guerrieri was sent to the sidelines. Next up, in what turned out to be the closest battle of the event, Fox lined up against McCallum. McCallum was ready and posted the best reaction time, but by the 60-foot mark, both riders were side by side. Even as the finish light flashed at the end of the strip, the difference was measured in a light pulse as Fox crossed the line with a 9.432 and McCallum shot through with a 9.477, just short of the mark.

The final run would be a repeat of the last event with Fox Harley-Davidson rider Fox lined up against Rocky’s Harley-Davidson-sponsored Thomson. With temperatures hovering in the 90s and the tarmac glistening in the heat, the riders pulled up to the line. Fox must have been paying attention and learned enough from his final loss in the last round because he showed up ready to battle. Thomson had the better reaction time, but badly spun up the back tire. Fox, however, got a great jump and crossed the finish line with a 9.40 for the win. Thomson regained control and still managed a 9.78, but this time he had to settle with the runner-up position.

The next event for the Eastern contingent will be this weekend, Aug. 6-7 at the Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON.

For further information on Canadian drag racing, please refer to www.cmdra.com.