The new look for Bucky Austin Racing.

October 24, 2011

A huge event with over 30 cars in attendance

In the first round Mark ripped off a 5.886 to sit #9 in the field. With the qualifty of cars here you knew the bump spot of 6.145 would be in the 5.90's or better.

Final qualifying

1 337 Paul Romine, Fishers IN, '79 Mustang 5.698 241.58 246.89
2 732 Kris Krabill, Orange CA, '78 Arrow 5.721 250.83 250.83
3 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '69 Camaro 5.758 251.34 251.34
4 117 Jon Capps, Las Vegas NV, '70 Camaro 5.804 248.48 248.48
5 718 Mike Halstead, Fontana CA, '73 Duster 5.808 253.28 253.28
6 482 Ronny Young, Wylia TX, '78 Arrow 5.822 247.61 247.61
7 520 Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills CA, '69 GTO 5.837 231.48 231.48
8 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '79 Arrow 5.840 240.64 249.26
9 724 James Day, San Dimas CA, '77 Trans Am 5.846 234.13 234.13
10 3111 Chad Head, Avon IN, '77 Firebird 5.848 250.83 250.83
11 700 Steve Densham, Bellflower CA, '69 Camaro 5.858 237.88 237.88
12 256 Dwayne Patton, Visalia CA, '69 Caramo 5.863 241.84 241.84
13 496 John Hale, Dallas TX, '69 Camaro 5.866 243.06 243.06
14 168 Steve Nichols, Newark DE, '70 Camaro 5.882 235.39 240.81
15 792 Roger Garten, Huntington Beach CA, '73 Mustang 5.886 241.67 241.67
16 6143 Mark Hentges, Federal Way WA, '78 Arrow 5.886 241.20 241.20

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '70 Charger 5.901 239.14 239.14
18 394 Mike Lewis, Avon IL, '69 Camaro Z28 5.908 242.63 242.63
19 720 Lee Paul Jennings Jr, Sonara CA, '78 Camaro 5.922 249.58 249.58
20 6800 Claude D. LaVoie, Sherwood Park AB, '72 GTX 5.930 240.38 240.38
21 7791 Will Martin, San Dimas CA, '69 Mustang 5.981 242.54 243.41
22 736 Dan Horan Jr, Sylmar CA, '66 Mustang 5.994 229.70 229.70
23 7917 Brad Thompson, Visalia CA, '70 Nova 6.010 228.61 228.61
24 730 Chris Bennett, N. Las Vegas NV, '69 Camaro 6.074 196.30 227.57
25 714 Dennis Taylor, Anahiem CA, '73 Mustang 6.225 222.58 226.66
26 657 Shawn Nault, Anchorage AK, '70 Barracuda 6.262 222.47 222.47
27 769 Donny Watkins, Corona CA, '79 Arrow 6.306 206.39 213.27
28 500 Garrett Bateman, Herperia CA, '78 Corvette 6.331 225.48 225.48
29 756 Nate Bugg, Orange CA, '75 Monza 6.426 225.37 225.37
30 739 Ed Dougan, Brea CA, '74 Camaro 6.487 201.28 201.28
31 484 Kerbin Kinsley, Kennedale TX, '69 Camaro 6.521 212.90 212.90
32 701 Steve Rajcic, Orange CA, '69 Mustang 6.535 223.17 223.17
33 758 Rian Konno, Rosemead CA, '73 Mustang 7.400 131.42 131.42

October 20, 2011

Phoenix National event

The Arizona Nationals

This was abig dollar event with an exclusive 5K entry but the winners purse was big.

There were seven teams in attendance and

the "Hitter" team ended up #2 in the field

1 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '69 Camaro 5.725 245.45 245.45
2 6143 Mark Hentges, Federal Way WA, '78 Arrow 5.857 236.05 236.05
3 666 Tim Boychuk, Scottsdale AZ, '78 Firebird 5.899 238.68 238.68
4 7917 Brad Thompson, Visalia CA, '70 Nova 5.908 232.95 235.02
5 400 Mike Savage, Tucson AZ, '70 Barracuda 6.076 226.62 226.62
6 7800 John Powers, Phoenix AZ, '72 Arrow 6.091 211.13 218.62
7 709 James Day, Mission Vijeo CA, '78 Camaro 6.548 177.42 177.42

In round one, Mark defeated Mike Savage with a 5.85 and took on Tim Boychuk in the semi finals. Boychuk took that race 5.838 to a 5.974.

August 30, 2011

Spokane Night of Thunder

There were seven teams in attendnace at Spokane and they included The 'Hitter", Mark Sanders, Darrin Bay (Twig Zeigler), Jay Mageau, Troy Sitko, Chris Dennison, Tom Padilla and Roger Garten

1. War Horse 5.56 (clocks??) was not a valid time but it was a good run, so they left Roger in the #1 spot
2. Twig Zeigler 5.89
3. Mark Sanders 5.89
4. Mark Hentges 5.92
5. Troy Sitko 6.18
6. Jay Mageau 6.35
7. Dave Benjamin 6.90
8. Chris Dennison ???

In round one Mark Hentges defeated Troy Sitko, then in the semi finals he took on # 1 qualifier ROger garten and got the win. FInal round

It was a battle of Mark and Mark. And we won. Sanders broke on the burnout and we had a single. We ran it out and turned in a 5.85 for the win.

August 15, 2011

Boise Nightfire Nationals

Final qualifying

1-Paul Romine, Fishers, Ind., 5.84, 245.96 mph.
2-Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., 5.89, 245.90.
3-Mark Sanders, Maple Valley, Wash., 5.95, 237.84
4-Kris Krabill, Anaheim Hills, Calif., 5.98, 237.15.
5-Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., 6.05, 215.10.
6-Tim Boychuk, Edmonton, Alta., 6.01, 236.90.
7-John Hale, Addison, Texas, 6.03, 236.65.
8-Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 6.06, 231.30.
9- Mike Halstead, Fontana, Calif., 6.07, 232.31.
10-Todd Lesenko, St. Albert, Alberta, 6.10, 236.03.
11-Steven Densham, Bellflower, Calif., 6.11, 227.90.
12-Brad Thompson, Visalia, Calif., 6.12, 227.56.
13-Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim, Calif., 6.18, 218.23.
14-Jack Harris, Kaysville, Utah, 6.19, 232.37.
15-Darin Bay, Vancouver, Wash., 6.20, 236.22.
16-Roger Garten, Fallbrook, Calif., 6.24, 226.92.
Ed Dougan, Brea, Calif., 6.62, 199.15.
Derek Snelson, Anchorage, Alaska, 6.93, 173.74.
Kurt Cruise, Fair Oaks, Calif., 7.50, 169.45.

In round one Mike Halstead defeated Mark Hentges

July 27, 2011

Canadian National Open

Final qualifying

1. Tim Boychuk Edmonton Ab. 77 Firebird 5.776/247.58
2. Darin Bay Vancouver Wa. 73 Satellite 5.782 247.72
3. Mark Sanders Maple Valley Wa. 70 Nova 5.811/237.34
4. Tim Nemeth Chilliwack BC 69 Mustang 5.868/247.38
5. Todd Lesenko St Albert Alberta 70 Mustang 5.903/237.40
6. Mark Hentges Federal Way Wa. 78 Arrow 5.947/241.48
7. Nathan Sitko Edmonton Ab. 77 Arrow 6.038/224.94
8. Mike Savage Tucson Az. 70 Cuda 6.092/ 226.47
9. Michael Grekul Edmonton Ab. 73 Mustang 6,455/229.70
10. Jay Mageau Edmonton Ab. 78 Stingray 7.885/111.71

Round one pairing

Lesenko vs Hentges

Lesenko defeated Hentges 5.94/238.53 to a slightly quicker but second to leave 5.92/232.61.

June 15, 2011

The Rock a Billy Reunion at Las Vegas

Mark qualified #6 in the 20 car (16 car elimination field) RockABilly reunion at Vegas two weeks ago A 6.04 best put him against Ronnie Young in the Blue Max. Because the event was postponed until Monday Brad Thompson was put in in place of Young as he could not return for Monday. A monster holeshot by Thompaon put an early end to the Bucky's Arrow. Hengtes went 6.238 to Thompson's 6.305

Final qualifying

Hale, John - "Mike Burkhart Tribute" 1969 Camaro 5.698 247.16 247.16
2 Rupert, Jason - "Mert Littlefield Tribute" 1969 Camaro 5.751 255.34 255.34
3 Halstead, Mike - "McCains Nitro Angel" 1973 Duster 5.995 238.22 238.81
4 LaCharite, Dennis - "Back in Black" 1969 GTO 6.014 246.44 246.44
5 Densham, Steven - "Teachers Pet" 1969 Camaro 6.048 221.13 222.66
6 Hentges, Mark - "Buckys Service Center" 1978 Arrow 6.049 225.97 225.97
7 Dougan, Ed - "Fighting Irish" 1977 Camaro 6.053 240.89 240.89
8 Romine, Paul - "Man-O-War" 1979 Mustang 6.065 228.61 231.16
9 Godfrey, Bob - "Burnin Money" 1969 Camaro 6.074 231.75 231.75
10 Bennett, Chris - "Pure Heaven IV" 1969 Camaro 6.086 232.27 232.27
11 Young, Ronny - "Blue Max" 1978 Arrow 6.103 230.17 230.17
12 Van Gundy, Dale - "Quarter Pounder" 1973 Barracuda 6.194 212.59 212.59
13 Garten, Roger - "War Horse" 1972 Mustang 6.226 226.43 226.43
14 Bay, Darin - "Pizza Haven" 1974 Satellite 6.247 236.75 236.75
15 Lesenko, Todd - "Jolly Rogers" 1972 Mustang 6.370 223.32 229.78
16 Martin, Will - "Jam-Air Special" 1969 Mustang 6.394 228.50 228.50

------------------------------Failed To Qualify------------------------------

17 Thompson, Brad - 1970 Nova 6.452 211.03 211.03
18 Konno, Rian - "Kazanjian, Lemon & Konno" 1971 Mustang 6.592 214.18 214.18
19 Sitko, Nathan - "Team Ace Racing" 1978 Arrow 6.626 214.59 214.59
20 Rajcic, Steve - "LA Hooker" 1979 Arrow 6.919 193.63 193.63

June 1, 2011

Eliminations

In round one Mark took out Roger Garten in the War Horse flopper 0.148 5.901 234.19 to a 0.167 6.125 236.03

In the semis, it was Hengtes over Brett HArris. Mark went (0.161 rt )5.885 241.41 to a (0.102 rt) 5.999 243.70 for Harris. a real good battle there.

Mark had lane choice for the final round but it wasn't enough as Jason Rupert defeated Mark in the final round at the Ignitor. Mark looked to be a real threat in the final after a great 5.88 in the semis but it was a 5.90-244.03 for Rupert and a game 6.06-226.92 for the Austin team.

Vegas

NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR final qualifying

Sunny skies greeted racers and fans on day two of the 41st Annual NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor at Firebird Raceway. In the final qualifying session for AA/Funny Car, Jason Rupert and Mark Hentges went from out of the field to the top of the heap with an exciting side-by-side run that saw Rupert take the pole with 5.87-second run at 247.79 mph. Hentges was right behind him at 5.89 seconds to cover the quarter-mile.

1) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.875 seconds, 247.79 mp
2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., '78 Arrow, 5.898, 238.41
3) Brett Harris, Kaysville, Utah, '77 Trans Am, 5.988, 244.43
4) Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills, Calif., '69 GTO, 6.011, 242.84
5) Twig Zeigler, Ferndale, Wash., '74 Plmouth, 6.021, 230.23
6) Mark Sanders, Maple Valley, Wash., '70 Nova, 6.088, 220.96
7) Roger Garten, Fallbrook, Calif., '73 Mustang, 6.089, 232.55
8) Steven Densham, Bellflower, Calif., '69 Camaro, 6.096, 226.35

Firebird Ignitor

Heritage Series

Bucky and Mark are at Boise this weekend for the 41st Ignitor at Boise.

The Heritage series is a 5 race series, two races at Boise two at Bakersfield and one at Las Vegas. At the first race this year, Mark qualified #9 (the March Meet), and smoked the tires in round one.

At Boise the team made a test lap on Friday and went in Saturday's two runs ready to take on the other 10 competitors. In round one, he was beside Mark Sanders. THe car launched okay but soon after tire shake and smoke turned the run into a coaster as Hengtes got off the gas and coasted through to a 12 second et. While not what the "Hitter" was hoping for, they were in the field in the #8 spot. BAck to the pits and go over data.

1 722 Jack Harris, Kaysville UT, '77 Trans Am 5.988 244.43 244.43
2 520 Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills CA, '69 GTO 6.011 242.84 242.84
3 6000 Twig Zeigler, Ferndale WA, '74 Plmouth 6.021 230.23 230.23
4 6006 Mark Sanders, Maple Valley WA, '70 Nova 6.088 220.96 220.96
5 792 Roger Garten, Fallbrook CA, '73 Mustang 6.089 232.55 232.55
6 496 John Hale, Dallas TX, '69 Mustang 6.371 188.52 188.52
7 700 Steven Densham, Bellflower CA, '69 Camaro 9.829 85.07 85.07
8 6143 Mark Hentges, Federal Way WA, '78 Arrow 12.072 83.89 83.89

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 701 Steve Rajcic, La Habra Heights CA, '77 Arrow 12.474 69.63 69.63
10 7130 Todd Lesenko, St. Alberta AB, '75 Camaro 14.402 63.81 63.81

In the second run Mark took on Jason Rupert, one of the quickest cars so far in 2011. They were in the second pairing and it was a great side by side. Both cars hooked up and ripped down the Boise track recording side by side 5.80's. Rupert went 5.87 and Mark went 5.89/238. The run held up for the #2 spot in the field. He will take on Roger Gsarten in the War Horse.

1) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.875 seconds, 247.79 mp
2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., '78 Arrow, 5.898, 238.41
3) Brett Harris, Kaysville, Utah, '77 Trans Am, 5.988, 244.43
4) Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills, Calif., '69 GTO, 6.011, 242.84
5) Twig Zeigler, Ferndale, Wash., '74 Plmouth, 6.021, 230.23
6) Mark Sanders, Maple Valley, Wash., '70 Nova, 6.088, 220.96
7) Roger Garten, Fallbrook, Calif., '73 Mustang, 6.089, 232.55
8) Steven Densham, Bellflower, Calif., '69 Camaro, 6.096, 226.35

------------ Not Qualified ------------

9 496 John Hale, Dallas TX, '69 Mustang 6.201 238.79 238.79
10 701 Steve Rajcic, La Habra Heights CA, '77 Arrow 6.268 231.66 231.66
11 7130 Todd Lesenko, St. Alberta AB, '70 Mustang 6.574 193.54 193.54

March 25, 2011

The March Meet

One of the biggest Nostalgia events of the year (possibly the biggest). 28 cars were on hand to try and make the 16 car field.

In round one, 21 cars made runs and Mark Hentges driving the Austin/ O'Brien Arrow were in the second pair against Mark Sanders. Both cars were side by side the entire 1320. Sanders went 5.920 and Hentges went two ticks quicker a 5.918/236. After round one the team sat #5 in the field.

1 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '69 Camaro 5.693 249.26 249.26
2 724 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '77 Trans Am 5.824 237.96 237.96
3 114 Peter Gallen, Broomall PA, '74 Vega 5.828 243.11 243.11
4 732 Chris Krabill, Orange CA, '78 Arrow 5.849 241.02 241.02
5 6143 Mark Hentges, Fereral Way WA, '78 Arrow 5.918 236.92 236.92
6 6006 Mark Sanders, Maple Valley WA, '70 Nova 5.920 245.45 245.45
7 718 Mike Halstead, Fontana CA, '73 Duster 5.951 244.74 244.74
8 400 Mike Savage, Tucson AZ, '70 Barracuda 5.955 234.21 234.21
9 666 Tim Boychuk, Edmonton AB, '77 Firebird 5.963 241.28 241.28
10 736 Dan Horan Jr, Sylmar CA, '66 Mustang 6.030 211.06 211.06
11 496 John Hale, Addison TX, '69 Camaro 6.068 236.01 236.01
12 7222 Dennis Swearingen, Rancho Palos Verdes CA, '69 6.110 233.12 233.12
13 426 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '77 Mustang II 6.194 202.39 202.39
14 520 Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills Estates CA, ' 6.377 173.45 173.45
15 7791 Will Martin, San Dimas CA, '69 Mustang 6.957 212.23 212.23
16 758 Rian Konno, Rosemead CA, '71 Mustang 7.214 132.75 132.75

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 701 Steve Rajcic, La Habra Heights CA, '77 Arrow 9.115 74.29 74.29
18 756 Nate Bugg, Orange CA, '75 Monza 9.862 85.52 85.52
19 700 Steve Densham, Bellflower CA, '69 Camaro 10.536 63.30 63.30
20 6800 Claude D. LaVoie, Anderson CA, '72 GTX 28.000 0.00 0.00
21 792 Roger Garten, Fallbrook CA, '73 Mustang Mach I DQ

The second session saw tires smoke right off the starting line and Mark coasted down the track. After the second round the team moved down to the eighth spot in the 16 car field.

1 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '69 Camaro 5.693 249.26 256.16
2 666 Tim Boychuk, Edmonton AB, '77 Firebird 5.796 246.54 246.54
3 724 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '77 Trans Am 5.824 237.96 237.96
4 114 Peter Gallen, Broomall PA, '74 Vega 5.828 243.11 243.11
5 732 Kris Krabill, Orange CA, '78 Arrow 5.849 241.02 241.02
6 426 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '77 Mustang II 5.875 245.18 245.18
7 718 Mike Halstead, Fontana CA, '73 Duster 5.886 244.07 244.74
8 6143 Mark Hentges, Fereral Way WA, '78 Arrow 5.918 236.92 236.92
9 6006 Mark Sanders, Maple Valley WA, '70 Nova 5.920 245.45 245.45
10 520 Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills Estates CA, ' 5.934 239.57 239.57
11 400 Mike Savage, Tucson AZ, '70 Barracuda 5.948 243.85 243.85
12 700 Steve Densham, Bellflower CA, '69 Camaro 5.982 232.91 232.91
13 256 Dwayne Patton, Visalia CA, '69 Camaro 6.009 230.49 230.49
14 736 Dan Horan Jr, Sylmar CA, '66 Mustang 6.030 211.06 211.06
15 496 John Hale, Dallas TX, '69 Camaro 6.068 236.01 236.01
16 7222 Dennis Swearingen, Rancho Palos Verdes CA, '69 6.110 233.12 233.12

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 6460 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '69 Mustang 6.125 245.76 245.76
18 701 Steve Rajcic, La Habra CA, '77 Arrow 6.137 240.51 240.51
19 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '70 Charger 6.221 203.58 203.58
20 758 Rian Konno, Rosemead CA, '71 Mustang 6.313 207.27 207.27
21 7791 Will Martin, San Dimas CA, '69 Mustang 6.957 212.23 212.23
22 792 Roger Garten, Huntington Beach CA, '73 Mustang 8.560 106.03 106.03
23 756 Nate Bugg, Orange CA, '75 Monza 9.862 85.52 85.52
24 7130 Todd Lesenko, Cave Creek AZ, '69 Mustang 10.096 80.28 80.28
25 739 Ed Dougan, Brea CA, '74 Camaro 14.174 61.11 61.11
26 6800 Claude D. LaVoie, Sherwood Park AB, '72 GTX 28.000 0.00 0.00

In the final session, The car got a little further down track, but again tire spin ended the run early. The final order saw Hentges in the #9 spot.

1 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '69 Camaro 5.693 249.26 256.16
2 426 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '77 Mustang II 5.768 248.11 248.11
3 666 Tim Boychuk, Edmonton AB, '77 Firebird 5.796 246.54 246.54
4 724 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '77 Trans Am 5.824 237.96 237.96
5 114 Peter Gallen, Broomall PA, '74 Vega 5.828 243.11 246.80
6 732 Kris Krabill, Orange CA, '78 Arrow 5.849 241.02 241.02
7 6460 Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack BC, '69 Mustang 5.850 246.98 246.98
8 718 Mike Halstead, Fontana CA, '73 Duster 5.862 244.07 244.74
9 6143 Mark Hentges, Fereral Way WA, '78 Arrow 5.918 236.92 236.92
10 6006 Mark Sanders, Maple Valley WA, '70 Nova 5.920 245.45 245.45
11 520 Dennis La Charite, Rolling Hills Estates CA, ' 5.934 239.57 239.57
12 400 Mike Savage, Tucson AZ, '70 Barracuda 5.948 243.85 243.85
13 700 Steve Densham, Bellflower CA, '69 Camaro 5.982 232.91 232.91
14 256 Dwayne Patton, Visalia CA, '69 Camaro 6.009 230.49 230.49
15 736 Dan Horan Jr, Sylmar CA, '66 Mustang 6.030 211.06 211.06
16 496 John Hale, Dallas TX, '69 Camaro 6.031 230.76 236.01

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 758 Rian Konno, Rosemead CA, '71 Mustang 6.072 240.00 240.00
18 7222 Dennis Swearingen, Rancho Palos Verdes CA, '69 6.110 233.12 233.12
19 701 Steve Rajcic, La Habra CA, '77 Arrow 6.137 240.51 240.51
20 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '70 Charger 6.221 203.58 203.58
21 792 Roger Garten, Huntington Beach CA, '73 Mustang 6.308 146.59 146.59
22 7130 Todd Lesenko, Cave Creek AZ, '69 Mustang 6.354 203.00 203.00
23 6800 Claude D. LaVoie, Sherwood Park AB, '72 GTX 6.749 170.19 170.19
24 7791 Will Martin, San Dimas CA, '69 Mustang 6.957 212.23 212.23
25 739 Ed Dougan, Brea CA, '74 Camaro 6.966 154.47 154.47
26 756 Nate Bugg, Orange CA, '75 Monza 9.862 85.52 85.52

The Austin/O'Brien Arrow would face off against Mike Halstead in the Bomb Squad Duster. Unfortunately is was a similar result as in the final two qualifiers. Serious tire smoke right at the hit and the weekend was done.

March 2, 2011

A slight change to the first race of the season, as the new Trans Am body will not be ready and painted for the March Meet. The Arrow will be used for the first few events.

February 28, 2011

A bio on Mark Hentges

1) Two time Seattle Int'l Raceway's Track Champion
2) Two time Fox Hunt Champion, Seattle & Yakima WA
3) Two NHRA National Open wins
4) 17 NHRA Divisional Wins
5) Four NHRA National Event Wins
6) Two time NHRA Division 6 Champion, T.A.D.
7) Tied with Joey Severance in 2003 T.A.D. Division 6 Championship points
8) NHRA Division 6 Crew Chief of the year
9) NHRA Division 6 Driver of the year
10) Two time Carcraft Magazine Driver of the Year Nominee, T.A.D.
11) Four seasons combined top point earner in T.A.D. NHRA National Points, 2000-2003
12) Set the Blown Alcohol Dragster Speed record in 2004 at 271.08 mph that held for over 4 years
13) Placed 3rd in 2010 in NFC points after late start, missing 40% of the races
14) Two time NFC #1 qualifier in Boise, ID and Bakersfield, CA - CHHR
15) 2010 NFC track records in Boise, ID - 5.770/247.93 mph, Pacific Raceways, WA- 5.692/249.26 mph

February 21, 2011 Update........ The sponsors and the guy behind the graphics (Kenny Youngblood) convinced Bucky to get the new car South now to get painted. So the debut this year will be with the all new Firebird/Trans Am body instead of last years Arrow.

February 16, 2011

The new Kenny Youngblood art work is currently being applied to the Arrow body (Update....... the new graphics and paint are going on the new body in time for Bakersfield.) The car will be out for the fabled March Meet in three weeks time and the team hopes to continue their run at the world famous Bakersfield track.

Last year in his first year of running a Nitro Funny Car team Bucky Austin tuned Mark Hentges to the #1 qualifier spot at Boise's Nightfire Nationals as well as the quickest run for an NFC at Seattle's Pacific Raceway, a stellar 5.69/249 lap. They also qualified #1 at the California Hot Rod Reunion. The team is only one of three to run in the 5.60's.

Partners Mike and Jeanette O’Brien of Benchmark RV Center have been involved in auto racing for many years and are proud to be part of the Bucky Austin Nitro Funnycar Team.