Rum Bum Hits the Vegas Strip

© Ryan Kuhnly

Rum Bum racer Shawn Gann lets one rip in Vegas.

Las Vegas is a-rumblin’ this weekend and not just on the Strip. The other strip – the drag strip at the Las Vegas Speedway – sits just 20 minutes northeast of the slots, craps tables, and Circus Circus. Friday, Rum Bum racers Shawn Gann and Bailey Whitaker competed in their first day of qualifiers in the second biggest race of the season. They’ve got three days to prove their stuff on the track, and Friday they were looking to start big.

From the get-go, Gann brought the heat to the track. “We’re on fire!” he belted after his first run, hitting a time of 7.07 going 188 mph and keeping consistent in his second qualifying round. He kept up his energy by signing miniature Shawn Gann figurines before diving into a bowl of cereal.  “Good luck this weekend!” wished one happy fan, taking care not to smudge the precious ink.  The racer then spooned vigorously into his concoction of Rice Chex (a staple in every bowl), Total Cranberry and Granola with 2% milk.

Whitaker, who’s “feeling good” and “running straight,” ended the day on a good note by improving his performance during his second run – decreasing his time by about a tenth of a second and increasing his speed by almost 10 mph during round two.  Though he suffered a blown motor during his first qualifier, the snafu (remedied by a speedy motor change by Rum Bum’s trusty pit crew) didn’t keep him from feeling good about the race situation thus far. “Everybody’s in good spirits around here,” he said. “Vegas is beautiful.”

The Rumbum Race Team is hanging around the strip – the drag strip – through the race finals on Sunday.  Go Team!