The Summit Racing Mid-West Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service LLC at US 131 Motorsports Park, was nothing short of a success for the Black Mamba racing team. With a brand-new Pat Musi powerplant under the hood, Keith Haney and the Black Mamba proved ready to take on anyone, especially Steve King and the Pilot Racing team, as the highly anticipated Smack Down 2024 draws near.
With just two passes on the new motor, the Black Mamba team arrived in Michigan confident in their contender status. The weather forecast looked promising, providing an ideal setup for success. During Friday testing, the car ran a 3.6908, marking their second quickest pass of the season. Despite some tire shake in Q1, the team still recorded a 3.742. By Q2, with optimal conditions and impeccable track prep from Samuel Peterson and Jimmy Bradshaw, the Black Mamba laid down a blistering 3.6331 ET, securing the No. 3 qualifier spot.
In Round One, the Black Mamba squared off against Ed Thornton’s Turbo Camaro, tuned by Shane T. Despite a slower E.T. of 4.07, Keith’s personal best reaction time of 0.007 secured the round win.
Round Two saw an intense nitrous-on-nitrous showdown with Jim Widener. The fans were treated to an exhilarating race, with both cars leaving close, but the Black Mamba pulled ahead around 200 feet, finishing with a 3.673 run.
The competition heated up in Round Three against long-time friend and rival Aaron Wells, who was coming off a stellar day after swapping engines. Wells set personal bests across the board, running a 3.616, but the Black Mamba’s 3.672 marked their best pass in eliminations this season, sealing a successful weekend.
Keith’s reaction times throughout the weekend were another highlight, with his personal best at 0.007 and the worst at a solid 0.034.
The team missed Misty, Kilee, and Braylee, who stayed home to hold down the fort but look forward to their return for Smack Down 2024. With Misty keeping everything in line, Keith and the girls are eager to hit the track as a family.
As for the call-out from Steve King and the Pilot Racing team, they better be prepared. With $500 on the line for each increment — Reaction Time, 60’, 330’, 660’, Top MPH, and the Win Light — King’s orange C7 Corvette is going to look great behind the Black Mamba when the dust settles.
Catch the Black Mamba team at Flying H Drag Strip from September 19-21. Fans are encouraged to stop by the pit, show their support, and get their shirts, hats and hero cards signed by Haney.
This story was originally published on September 12, 2024. 
