Saturday, September 30, 2000

Shootout won’t shortchange race fans today

By Mark Wilson
Reporter-News Staff Writer

Fans who attend the 8th annual Abilene Shootout drag race looking for action won’t be shortchanged.

In fact, they’ll hardly have time to look away. With as many as 600 entries expected, races will be staged every 18 seconds during the two-day event at the Abilene Regional Airport. The Shootout qualifies as the largest two-day bracket race in the nation.

Racing begins today and will continue Sunday, with the first races each day starting at 8:30 a.m.

Among the classes having bracket races are Street Class (Pro and Super Pro), Junior Dragsters and Jet Cars. In addition, Pro-Mod car drivers will be competing in non-bracket races in hopes of reaching the “Quick 8.’’

“There will be a whole lot of excitement going on,’’ said Gary Glenn, the president of Abilene Motor Sports. “Some of the fastest cars in the state of Texas will be here for this race. I think we’re going to have really great weather.’’

Approximately 250 local racers are expected, and up to 350 others from out of town. Racers will be coming from New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana and Indiana.

The entry from Indiana will be Jay Farnsworth, who will compete in the Jet Car class. A “grudge match’’ between Farnsworth and Ansel Horton from Fort Worth is also expected to be staged at some point, according to Glenn.

This year’s purse will be $20,000. A year ago, there were 527 entries on hand.

Glenn said that racing should end at dark each day.

Tickets are $10 for Saturday and $12 for Sunday, and those under 12 will be admitted free. A pit pass will be $3 extra. A two-day pass, including a pit pass, will be available for $20.

Assistant sports editor Mark Wilson can be reached at 676-6775 or wilsonm@abinews.com. We are on the Web at http://sports.texnews.com.

Abilene Shootout

-- What: Drag racing

-- Where: Abilene Regional Airport

-- When: starting 8:30 a.m

-- Tickets: Saturday $10, Sunday $12, under 12 free, pass $3 extra, two day passes $20.