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GOSHEN, NY -- By Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media
Northeastern Modified Star Jerry Higbie made his long awaited driving debut on Thursday Night at the 22nd Annual running of the prestigious Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals and in true "Higbie Form", the Slate Hill, New York resident made the quick adaptation to the powerful little beasts as he wired the field in his heat race event but just missed the automatic transfer into the A-Main portion of the evening by a single digit. Higbie, who was strapped into one of Corey Tucker's three cars entered for the event, started on the pole in his heat, one of nine heats on the Thursday night schedule, and was never challenged for the point in a great wire to wire run. David Gough, Garrett Hansen, Chett Gehrke and Cole Whitt rounded out the top five in the star-studded event.
With a points formula determined as to who moves on to which portion of the alphabet, Higbie moved to the fourth A-Qualifier where once again the smooth driving Modified star drove a great race to finish in the fifth transfer slot, a finish that would enable him to move forward into one of the B-Main events. Garrett Hansen won the qualifier with Tony Stewart finishing in the runner-up slot, Chad DeSelle was third, and Chris Windom winding up one spot in front of Higbie.
Higbie then moved into one of the two B-Main events scheduled and wound up in seventh place in his final event of the evening. Brad Loyet won the event with David Gough second, Ryan Durst in third, hometown boy Matt Sherrell fourth. and Justin Grant rounding out the top five. Higbie was sandwiched between western sensation Danny "Showtime" Sheridan and the versatile Eastern talent Billie Pauch Jr, and ahead of such renowned racing figures as JJ Yeley and ASCS Champion Gary Wright. The A-Main run a short time later was won by two-time National Midget driver of the year Brad Kuhn with the top non-wing Sprint Car driver of the Year Jon Stanbrough finishing second, "The Throttle" Sahne Cottle in third, 16 year old California sensation Cole Whitt fourth and Tony Stewart completing the top five. Only the top four ttransfer into the A-Main for Saturday night, making the Alphabet Main event rosters on Saturday appear to be like a who's who in open wheel racing. Higbie will be most likely begin his racing in the D-Main on Saturday and with it his hopes of making it to the A-Main.
Higbie will enjoy a night off from racing tonight but will continue to remain an interested fan and student as he learns the in and outs of Midget car racing. Higbie credits much of his early success to the teachings of the "Hurricane" Randy Hannagan, the transplanted Californian now residing in Pittsboro, Indiana. Hannagan, who is teaming up with Higbie and Jason Meyers in the three Corey Tucker's mounts, raced the night prior and was second in his heat, third in the qualifier and made it into the A-Main where he was credited with a 17th-place finish. Hannagan has taught Higbie much about the rigors of Midget car racing and the very humble Higbie was quick to credit the World of Outlaw star for all of the help Hannagan has given Higbie upon his arrival to Tulsa. With teammate Jason Meyers taking to the track tonight, Higbie will make his mental notes and keep an keen eye on the racing in front of him to try to find the winning edge that will propel him forward in the action on Saturday.
Always the gentleman, Higbie wishes to thank CTR race team owner Corey Tucker for what he considers to be the "dream of a lifetime" and have the chance to play at the biggest indoor racing event in the country. Higbie also thanks the efforts of sponsors K&N Filters, Brown & Miller, Penske Shocks, Bullet Chassis and Mopar Engines. Higbie also stated the opportunity to meet and chat and race with many of the top drivers in the country will become part of his fondest memories in all of the many years he has been associated with racing.
Jerry Higbie Racing would like to thank the entire racing community for their support and well wishes in sending their driver to Tulsa.
Anyone wishing to play a part and lend some sponsorship support to the CTR Team for the Chili Bowl and other possible select races can contact Corey Tucker at: 704 467 0956. Jerry Higbie can be reached at his shop at: 845 294 0898.
For additional information and updates regarding Jerry Higbie Racing, go to their website at: http://www.higbieracing.com
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