Roger Curtis Memorial Footbrake Nationals
Story by Megan Bunch 
Sumerduck Dragway hosted The Roger Curtis Memorial Footbrake Nationals on Saturday July 20-July 21. Many thought Saturday's race would be canceled due to thunderstorms throughout the area. Satisfying racers needs the rain went away and the sunshine came out!
The best footbrakers from the area came out to support the $5,000 to win races for both days. There were 65 cars total for Saturday's race as quite a few stayed home assuming the race would get rained out. It was stated that to pay out the full purse there must be a total of 80 cars; however, Mike and Joy went on to pay the entire purse!
Saturdays race would host hometown racers Darrell "Heavy Duty" Holmes, Todd Vallejos, and Scott Vaughn in the semis. With the best reaction time of the three Scott would get the bye into the finals, leaving Darrell and Todd to compete for the last spot in the final round. Todd was the better of the two and would go on to face Scott in the finals. As Scott and Todd raced down the track Todd would leave his family cheering as he took the win light from Scott giving Todd Saturdays 5K purse.
Sumerduck Dragway also held a Gambler's Race which would feature Seth Phillips and Joseph Maine in the finals. Seth received the victory over his opponent.
Sunday's race had perfect weather for the racers as even more terrific footbrakers came out to support Sumerduck Dragways second 5K race of the weekend held on Father's Day! The day started with a pit bike race featuring racers and spectators of all ages and genders. The finals held Sumerduck Dragway regulars Kris Bunch racing Bobby Hughes' golf cart against Alan Thatcher in his scooter. The win light would go to Kris Bunch with the better race of the two.
With lot's of Footbrakers hoping for a Father's Day victory the semis featured Larry Miller from Richmond Dragway and Sumerduck racers (who are currently tied for 1st place in the Footbrake points) Chris Moren and Kris Bunch. Larry Miller had the best light of the three giving him another victory and the bye into the finals sending him one step closer to the 5K. Kris and Chris faced off yet again this year with both of them being forces to reckon with and no one knowing who might win. Chris turned his light red giving Kris the automatic win into the final round to face off against Larry.
Many watched the finals in anticipation in hopes that their pick would take the win light. As everyone watched the score board to see whose win light would come on it would go to the left lane, giving Kris Bunch the win as Larry Miller ran too quick on his dial. The 14 time track champion then drove back up the track in celebration giving his supporters a well deserved high five.
Kris received two wins for the day and was granted with a big check from Mike and Joy Anderson and Mrs. Curtis and a wonderful Father's Day present!
Sumerduck Dragway would like to thank all of the racers who came out to support such a great race in remembrance of Roger Curtis. Sumerduck Dragway will reopen on Thursday for Test and Tune and again on Saturday for a regular IHRA points race and and will also feature the Southern Outlaw Top Sportsman. Come on out and "Try your luck at the Duck!"
