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| Musi hits 215 mph at Moroso Powerfest | by Angela Wall
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2003) - The 2003 Moroso Powerfest, sponsored by Fox 29, SUBWAY and the Gater 98.7fm, came to a close Sunday, February 23rd. The event had 233 racers from across the Southeast, 120 cars, trucks and bikes in the Show-n-Shine. And as expected the event kept true to its claim of attracting the fastest muscle cars in America with 1/4-mile times of 6.64 seconds and speeds of 215 mph.
Five time World Champion, Pat Musi of Cartert, NJ, claimed the fastest run of the day with a 215 mph run. He posted the low E.T. of the event with a 6.664 on his way to winning the title for the Pro Outlaw class. That class had many contenders that traded places on the three Qualifying ladders Saturday. The final round brought James Clark of Laurel, MS, whose '97 Monte Carlo sports a Pat Musi built engine, to the starting line against his engine builder. Just as the Christmas tree started to drop Clark opened his door and got out of the car. Clark's car stalled on the line, but Musi certainly wasn't going to disappoint his fans on his final run of the day. He took a single run and drove his '69 Camaro down Moroso's 1/4-mile at 200 mph in 6.845 seconds.
The finals in the Heavy Street class was another highly anticipated race as Boca Raton's Richard Sweeney was up against Oakland Park's Russ Jung. Sweeney got the best of Jung at the light. Jung jumped .014 seconds early on his .500 bulb. This automatically gave Sweeney the win light as he drove his 2002 Camaro down the track in 7.648 seconds at 181 mph.
There's a first time for everything and this was the day for Jeff Shawver of Ocala, FL. Shawver piloted his 1980 Chevy Camaro in the Outlaw Super Street 10.5" Tire class where he was ready to take on local racer Howard Spires driving Pat Skofstad's '68 Mustang. Shawver who has been racing for 12 years had never won a race. Runner-up was a usual standing, but the winner circle constantly eluded him. Therefore it was a welcomed sight when his win light lit up as Spires launched from the starting line at the second yellow. Shawver finally got that monkey off his back.
The Car and Truck Show-n-Shine, sponsored by Dr. Enuf energy drink, had a great turnout with Pro Street Cars and Trucks, Muscle Cars, Fat Fendered Trucks, and many - many more. The final award of the day was "Best of Show" for the weekend and that award was rightfully given to Ron Hassel whose '37 Ford Roadster scored a perfect grade.
The Bike Show had an awesome turnout with over 75 bikes on display. From Harley Davidsons to racing Pro Bikes, the show topped the event. There was a red, '92 FXR Harley Davidson parked in the show that couldn't help but catch your eye. Owner, Mike Rion of Stuart, FL, took home the "Best of Show" award with a perfect score. "Best Race Bike" went to Don Darville and his wife Angel from Angel's Racing. Don is no stranger to trophies and winner-circle pictures as he was Moroso's 2002 Mopar Pro Bike Champion and 2001 Citrus Nationals Champion.
The next event at Moroso is the annual Chevy Celebration, March 8-9, 2003. For more information go to Moroso's web site www.MorosoMotorsportsPark.com or call (561) 622-1400.
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