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Cordova Dragway Park event to show all-world talent

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By Shannon Heaton | Thursday, August 28, 2008 |

No one follows drag racing for long without knowing about the World Series of Drag Racing and its legendary list of competitors from its heyday.

That heyday might just apply to right now as it did to the 1970s, when everyone who was anyone in drag racing came to Cordova, Ill. and Cordova Dragway Park. The longest-running drag racing event in the U.S. — independent or otherwise, this year’s World Series kicks off for its 55th anniversary tonight, continuing throughout the weekend.

From a competitive standpoint, Saturday night’s pro finale should be star-studded. Try, just for starters, NHRA funny car points leader Tim Wilkerson, a resident of Springfield, Ill., defending NHRA funny car world champion Tony Pedregon and 2007 IHRA funny car runner-up Jack Wyatt, Ankeny, Iowa’s only nitro-fueled funny car driver.

“I personally don’t think it ever lost it,” Cordova public-address announcer Tazz said of the World Series’ place in drag racing lore. “In the ’80s and ’90s, maybe, it didn’t bring in quite the big names that it had in the past. Anyone who’s been around the sport for 20 or 30 years knows the World Series.

“It’s our 13th with this current crew (running this weekend’s event), and it just gets bigger and better every year.”

Cordova owner Scott Gardner said: “This is a dream lineup of funny cars. Any time you have the world champion, along with the hottest car and driver, in competition, you will have a great show.”

In a nod to the legends of yesteryear, this year’s field includes the first driver in the Top Fuel division to eclipse the 200 mph barrier, Chris Karamesines. Even the man who built the track in the 1950s, Bob Bartell of Moline, is expected to make an appearance before Saturday night’s session, Tazz said.

The World Series is about more than just names, though, as sportsman-class drivers in a variety of classes also have the opportunity to join the fray throughout the weekend.

“We’re expecting close to 400 sportsmen (entries) here,” Tazz said. “A lot of racers take great pride in winning trophies here. It’s a great trophy for a weekend racer. Anyone who is anyone has a trophy from Cordova.”

Contact the sports desk at (563) 383-2285 or e-mail sports@qctimes.com