For Saskatchewan’s Grant Singer a recent very long road-trip from Regina to Gainesville almost paid off the ultimate in racing dividends……
Racing his SS/CM 1990 Camaro, the Western Canadian driver advanced further in NHRA national event competition then he has ever before – going all the way to the semi- final round during the Lucas Oil Sportsman Racing program held within the marque Eastern opening Amalie Oil Gatornationals event.
Regina’s Grant Singer recently had his best finish ever in NHRA national event competition
After qualifying 52nd of 57 cars entered in the eliminator Singer advanced his high-flying Camaro with convincing round wins over Gary Richards, Mike Volkman, Mike Bryant and Ken Schindler. Then late on Sunday afternoon, despite running closer to his dial in ( 9.119 on 9.11) Singer’s event winning bid was ended by Mike Crutchfield who used a better reaction time to take the decision.
Despite that loss – Singer was pretty pleased with his overall Gainesville event experience – a first for his career.
“I’ve always wanted to race at Gainesville and they had an opening in the class so we took it and drove the 2400 miles,” Grant revealed. “I’ve been drag racing about 30 years – so this event was on my bucket list.”
Singer was racing a Camaro which was originally built by Garley & Randy Daniels and was formally owned by Michael Crutchfield (who ironically he lost out to in the semi-final round). Using a single carb the Camaro’s 15 degree 370 CID small block produces about 800 HP.
“I’m certainly not the fastest car in the SS/CM class – but once you get qualified in Super Stock it’s anybody’s race,” he continued. “It’s a nice race track here and the competition was top notch. We weren’t really used to all the humidity they have here but I’m pleased with the adjustments we made the results we got.”
For Singer who is a bus driver back home in Regina for the STC – the chance to come to Gainesville was also largely attributed to his good friend and travel companion Grant (Claypool) who made the trip with him and shared the driving duties.
Grant & Grant – hit the road!
“Grant & Grant” did continue on with their road-trip after Gainesville – participating at another “bucket list” event – the prestigious Jegs Sports Nationals held the next weekend at Belle Rose Louisiana. But as racing fate would have it – they didn’t fair quite as well there. They did qualify higher (#36) but lost out in round one of Super Stock competition.
Post and Photos by: Bruce Biegler
