Knowing that the engine had suffered some major internal damage, the team started taking the car apart the minute it got back to their pit. A new engine would be installed for the next round. If you've never seen a crew perform this task, make a point to do so. Photos by Don Ewald.

While the crew got the broken engine ready to come out, Sean Bellemeur and Brett Johansen removed and prepped the spare engine before the car returned to the pit.

With Green working on the engine swap, Walt Stevens took care of packing the chutes including changing over one that was damaged on the previous run.

With the broken engine completely unbolted and disconnected, it was time for some good old brawn. Fitted with "handles" the guys latterly lifted the damaged short block out of the car and onto the asphalt... all 350 pounds of it.

Immediately the procedure is reversed and the fresh engine takes its place in the frame rails of Big White.

While the team works on the car, hospitality coordinator Arlene Eliason makes sure there is ample food and beverage for the crew and guests.

In less than an hour from the time the car got back to the pit the new engine was ready to fire up. The HSMS team is second to none when faced with "thrash" situations.

2:30 p.m. With just four cars left in - two of them still in contention for the championship - all eyes were riveted on the starting line. The first pair would match Jim Murphy and Brett Harris who had lane choice. It was do or die for Murphy and a walk in the park for Harris who was there to play the role of spoiler.

In less than 6 seconds the drama was over. Brett Harris unloaded low ET and top speed of the event (5.696 at 260.56). Murphy's 5.810 at 258.99 was no match and just like that Troy Green was the 2008 Top Fuel Champion. The entire High Speed crew reacted as one could expect - WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

Knowing they were the champions before the engine was even fired, Green and the team had to reel in their emotions and focus on the task at hand - they still had a drag race to run and wanted to meet Harris in the final.

Johansen gets ready to send Green up to do his burnout for their race against the ever consistent Rick White.

Johansen pulled the plug on the injector, turned on the data computer and the ball was in Green's court.

White had a very slight lead at the hit.

 

Green knew he was in trouble early on when the car didn't run as hard as it had been on the bottom end.

Like Harris before him, White had his best run of the weekend (5.770 at 253.95) and Green carded his slowest (6.036 at just 203.57). The new engine simply didn't perform like its predecessor.

The crew was not happy for losing the battle but winning the war more than made up for a tough loss.

At the topend Green was out of the car and greeted Sean and Erin Bellemeur who beat the truck down on his motor scooter.

Walt Steven and Tom Shelar share some words while an emotional Dale Singh hugs Brett Johansen. In the firesuit is John Bowser who not only manages Famoso Dragway but serves on the Safety Safari when needed. He, along with his son Blake do it all.

Along with Amelia Singh in the truck were some of the High Speed guests for the weekend - Don and Gerrie Kaeding and Guss Feederle.

As soon as they got back to the pits Troy went over and congratulated Jim Murphy on a hard fought battle.

Prior to the semi finals Walt Stevens told Brett Harris he'd kiss him if he beat Murphy. Walt is a man of his word.

It wasn't long before the champaign came out and most of it ended up on some ones head.

Waiting to get into the Winners Circle, the car sits under its sponsors banner in the staging area.

L to R: Todd , Sean Bellemeur, Dale Singh, Rick Shelar, Tom Shelar, Troy Green, Brett Johansen, Bert Toulette, Walt Stevens and Pete Palumbo.

Blake Bowser, Troy, Lara and John Bowser.

 

 

In a symbolic gesture, Green peeled off his 4002 division number as it will be replaced by a big number 1.

 

 

HSMS CHRR Page Three - The Team

HSMS CHRR Page One

2008 California Hot Rod Reunion Video Clips