LightningFest 2003 and Lightning/Harley TruckFest 2004 websites

LightningFest, a Concept:

The whole idea for Lightning-specific event was conceived while waiting for our second run at WFC4.  Although the Lightnings are the largest single class at the WFC, we are always treated like the stepchildren and last to run etc.  After WFC, some of us decided to attempt a Lightnings-specific national event.  Jerry Hart contacted different tracks and found a free date, at a track in the center of the USA that had both a Drag Strip and a Road Course.  We took the open date and thus started the saga of LightningFest.

LightningFest 2003
LightningFest 2003 was the first national event presented by the NLOC.  None of us had attempted to put on a racing event, and it was quite an eye opener.  The 2003 event was two days long and a full but tiring time.  The event was held at Heartland Park Topeka (HPT) and the Capitol Plaza was the event hotel...nice!  The event had all of the Drag Racing on Saturday, and the Open Track/Auto Cross was on Sunday.  Saturday was also the scheduled time for the Truck Show, so participating in both Drag Racing and the Truck Show was not possible.  There was Grudge Racing and the 1st annual Golf Cart race on Saturday evening after the Drag Racing awards ceremony.

Lightning/Harley TruckFest 2004
Lightning/Harley TruckFest 2004 was presented by the NLOC.  We expanded the event to cover three full days.  We had drag racing on Friday and Saturday, with the On-Track/Autocross and Truck Show being held on Sunday.  Once again the On-Track/Autocross did not have enough participants to make the event pay for itself.  We will drop the On-Track/Autocross events for 2005.  We also changed the event name in 2004, to include the Harley Davidson trucks, but had a disappointing HD turnout.  Thus the event name will be changed back to LightningFest, although all HD trucks are invited to participate.

One of the major highLights of the L/H TF was again, the Golf Cart drag race between Dwight and Shawn.  We found a suitable trophy for the 2004 event, and are even now, searching far and wide for the 2005 trophy.  Dwight had been the undisputed winner of the GC race in 2003.  Therefore it was with great anticipation, that the fans waited for the 2004 race.  Dwight had the fastest [I am writing this so can say anything I want to :-)] GC again this year.  Due to a mechanical falure (brakes failing to hold the GC at the starting line), Dwight's powerful machine crept through the beam and accidentally turned on the red light.  That being said, Dwight's GC (race prepped by Ray) was the undisputed, fastest GC on the course!

Both Shawn and Dwight are already moving forward with their quest for the fastest GC for the 2005 race.  NOTE:  Any and all forms of cheating are allowed!  The 2005 Golf Cart race is a "Do Not Miss!" event with both of the dueling parties hard at work to out-cheat the other!