Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Win or lose, the Santa Maria High School Race Team will roar into history as the first high school team competing in a NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag race this weekend.
The Saint’s racing 1968 Chevrolet Camaro has been rebuilt and is ready for the Super Street Class/10.90 Index Class at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. The NHRA event is the season opener.
“There has never been a high school race team that has built a car and competed in a national event,’’ said auto shop teacher and race team advisor Matt Almaguer,’’ adding the diver will be Greg Dreher. “We are all excited to represent our school, the SMJUHSD and Santa Maria.’’
The team recently won the 35-car D/Gas Class elimination during the American Nostalgia Racing Association’s event at the Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield, marking the first victory since the program started in 2007. The Camaro proved to be the best in the 10.60-second bracket.
Students on the race team are Brayan Flores co-crew chief, John Graack co- crew chief (Righetti student), Blake Almaguer (Righetti student) and Saints Hazel Perez, Alizé Torres, Jose Pizano, Gabriel Chavez, Heri Larios, Alberto Solis.
The SMJUHSD and the race team would like to thank those who donated engine components, fuel, and monetary support that allows the program to compete at a higher level of competition.
Famco Development, Home Motors, Fisher Pump and Well Service, Trojan Petroleum, Apex Auto Glass, Air Flow Research, Bullet Camshafts, Lucas Oil, Crower Cams, Holley Performance parts, Scat Crankshafts, Edelbrock, Enginetec Machine, Milodon , Code 4 Fire Management, Wheels n Windmills and the Central Coast Street Rods and Bent Axles Car Clubs.