State Of The Class Address: Extreme 10.5

[NewsBot]

One month, two races and eight places up for grabs.That’s what the 2010 ADRL season has come down to after a season filled with world records, incredible hot streaks and plenty of spectacular racing.Only two races remain before the LenMar Motorsports World Finals VI in October, and it’s a perfect time to take a look at each of the ADRL classes and how they stack up heading into “The Battle For The Belts.”Call it the State of the Class Address or call it whatever you like. Either way, these final two races before the world finals - Simpson Dragstock VII at Rockingham Dragway (Sept. 10-11) and the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags IV (Sept. 24-25) - will feature an abundance of action and excitement before world championships are decided.Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for this wild finish. TODAY: Extreme 10.5WEDNESDAY: Pro NitrousTUESDAY: Pro ExtremeHOW IT GOT HEREIt’s almost mind-boggling to think how far Extreme 10.5 has come in such a short time and even the talented drivers will admit as much.The list of contenders seemingly grows by the race, while the times and speeds continue to amaze even the competitors doing the driving.The class was Gary White’s (pictured) for a spell that was incredibly impressive and it includes a stretch that saw him either win or advance to the finals in five straight months, a span that included six races.He won three of those, including a dominant back-to-back stretch in May and June, but even White predicted that possibly couldn’t last all year.The current points leader didn’t doubt himself, he was simply realistic enough to understand that several competitors were capable of doing what he had done.Billy Glidden (pictured) had the biggest weekend of anyone this year, winning two races in two days in Texas in the scorching late July heat.He will figure heavily into how the season plays out, but he’s not alone.The foursome that follows in third through sixth - Jeff Naiser, Todd Moyer, Spiro Pappas and Chuck Ulsch, respectively - could easily read as the top four in the class.Naiser just broke the 3-second mark in testing, Moyer has a win this year, Pappas won the 2009 World Championship and Ulsch just set the XTF world speed record with an unbelievable pass of 206.35 miles per hour.Pappas hasn’t had the best of summers, but he has openly stated he plans to go 3.79 before the year is out, which would be a massive record reset considering Pappas’ 3.92 is the current record.Kenny Doak and Michelle Wilson (pictured) round out the top eight, with Wilson joining the mix after advancing to her first finals in Texas. She doesn’t have the big-money backing, though Wilson has proved she can go rounds.But the list of possible contenders for the “Battle For The Belts” stretches far further than the top eight and it exemplifies XTF’s most talented field in its ADRL existence.Dan Millen’s powerful new car sits in 11th, but he could easily become that last Mickey Thompson 3-Second Club Member if everything goes right.That immediately makes him dangerous, but he first has to jump some other talented drivers, including Michael Neal (9th) and Eric Stubbs (10th).It will all make for an interesting two-week stretch in September.WHAT LIES AHEADGlidden and Ulsch are the most recent winners in Rockingham and if last year is any indication, this seems to be the point in the season where Ulsch gets on a roll.He was the first driver into the 3-second club last August and followed that up by winning in Rockingham.Considering he already topped himself by breaking his speed world record in August, what does that mean for this September for the Maryland native?Pappas cracked through for his first win at the Ohio Drags in late August last year and that has seemingly spurred Pappas for even more greatness since then.He’s primed and prepared for this point in the season, which means everyone else is doing the same.Pappas even went so far as sacrificing results in the summer so his car would be ready to dominate in the fall.He might be able to pull out the fastest number - remember that 3.79 mark he talked openly about - but will he be the most consistent?White has been consistent nearly all year, while Glidden has made a career out of being consistent, especially when it counts.It would also be silly to forget about Naiser (pictured) and Moyer.If Naiser breaks into that 3-second club, any race could be his, while Moyer is as talented as they come.That’s a lot of factors without even considering a dark horse or a potential upset from the likes of a Wilson or a Millen.This field may not be as deep as say Pro Nitrous, but that day is coming and it will be soon.As for right now, Extreme 10.5 is deeper than it has ever been and it would surprise absolutely nobody if mind-blowing times and mind-blowing speeds follow over these last three races.The best part will be enjoying watching how it all unfolds.Tomorrow: A look at Pro Extreme Motorcycle heading into the final stretch of the 2010 season (Photos by ADRL/Richards)http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ADRLNews/~4/hKlDI-BwgIE

More... (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ADRLNews/~3/hKlDI-BwgIE/3292)