Spirits on the Strip

© Ryan Kuhnly / RumBum.com

Shawn Gann gets his start at the Las Vegas Nationals on Saturday.

Devils and ninjas in the Halloween spirit zipped around the Las Vegas Speedway on the crucial day two of the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals. If Rum Bum racer Shawn Gann felt inspired to dress up, his martial arts background would compel him to choose the latter. But he’d also be happy costumed as a mechanical part – specifically, a valve keeper.

The festive track also saw its share of remarkably human-looking wolves, but the real howling came from those revving engines. Even with the day’s stale conditions, Gann’s skills prevailed and he kept a consistent time around 7.01 (give or take a few thousandths), qualifying him to continue on in the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals on Sunday.

Between posing for photos and observing the blackjack table – “I only watch gambling,” he says, like he knows the only risks he should take in Vegas should be on asphalt - Gann’s mind was already on Sunday. He’s raring to hit the pavement full force on the last day of Nationals, as it’s his last chance to blow the competition out of the water before Finals.

As for Rum Bum racer Bailey Whitaker, he put up an impressive fight in Saturday's racers, but some engine trouble (let’s blame it on black magic) affected his speed and his ability to qualify for a spot in Sunday's races. It was a bummer, but “racing is racing. Things happen and parts come apart,” explains Rum Bum Pit Chief, Blake Gann. “Bailey’s getting better every race. He’s come a long way, and  the NHRA Nationals are a big deal.

Whitaker’s not settling in front of the slots for the rest of the weekend, though. “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’,” Whitaker explained. He’ll illustrate the concept by bouncing back to the pit to support his teammate through the final eliminations on Sunday. We'll let you know how it all turns out, so stay tuned!