Brogdon looking for another hot start in Phoenix
(2-23-2004) - When Rodger Brogdon’s RoofTec race team rolled into the pits at Firebird International Raceway last February, they never realized what impact their weekend adventure would have on the balance of the 2005 NHRA racing season. After qualifying in the No.1 position and winning four eliminations rounds, they claimed the Checker Shuck’s Kragen (CSK) Nationals title in Competition Eliminator. This win ultimately threw them into an intense battle for the Lucas Oil national championship. At the end of the season when the points were tallied, Rodger finished in second place, missing his first national championship by the slimmest of margins. All was not lost, as Rodger was able to claim his second consecutive championship in NHRA’s South Central Division competition.
As Rodger and the team enter Firebird raceway for the 2006 edition of the CSK Nationals they do so with the same mindset that existed a year ago, taking the season one race at a time. However, this year there have been some major changes that will make this one of the most formidable teams in this seasons’ championship hunt.
The RoofTec team will now consist of Rodger and two other drivers, Brian Self and Scott Benham. Each of them brings national event final round and top-10 credentials to the table. Collectively, they have claimed a total of 5 Lucas Oil divisional championships as well. Rounding out the crew is Pete Smallwood, a 25 year friend who (although he never had a brother) considers Rodger the only “brother” he ever wanted or needed to have. Of interest in the history of this team, is the fact that all are second-generation racers: Brogdon’s father raced in Super Stock; Smallwood’s dad a former AHRA Comp racer; Benham’s father, Crawford Benham, a former champion in the old Modified eliminator category; and Brian Self grew up under the guidance of not only his dad but also his uncle competing in the former Modified Eliminator category.
While Rodger Brogdon and Brian Self will start off the season in two Super Modified entries at Firebird Raceway, a car under construction for the new AA/SM class as well as a track proven Street Roadster will more than likely see duty this season, allowing the team to compete in several classes within the Competition eliminator category. Early season testing at Houston Raceway Park found both EasTexas fabricated racecars turning in elapsed times capable of taking the number one qualifying position at almost any NHRA event.
For Rodger Brogdon though, it’s not about the championship, it’s about the love of the sport and the spirit of competition. If the 2006 campaign starts off like 2005 did, another serious pursuit of the championship isn’t out of the question. The schedule of events in which the RoofTec team plans to compete is currently written in pencil, and certainly subject to change dependent on early event outcomes. But until that happens, this self made businessman from Houston Texas looks forward to his days at the track being a break from the demands of owning one of the most successful roofing businesses in the state.
The competitive fires that have driven Rodger Brogdon and RoofTec to the forefront in the roofing industry are the same fires that fuel his passion for the Competition Eliminator category. The chase for the championship in 2005 found Rodger and the RoofTec team taking wins in Phoenix, Houston and Rusk TX, and another two wins in Memphis TN. Destinations for the 2006 tour include many of the same stops as last year, with additions added as needed to remain aggressive in the points chase.
With a newly defined focus for 2006, top quality racecars and components, and a team full of champions, Rodger Brogdon and the RoofTec team will certainly be in the thick of the battle in the championship points chase.
Courtesy Bob Unkefer
(2-23-2004) - When Rodger Brogdon’s RoofTec race team rolled into the pits at Firebird International Raceway last February, they never realized what impact their weekend adventure would have on the balance of the 2005 NHRA racing season. After qualifying in the No.1 position and winning four eliminations rounds, they claimed the Checker Shuck’s Kragen (CSK) Nationals title in Competition Eliminator. This win ultimately threw them into an intense battle for the Lucas Oil national championship. At the end of the season when the points were tallied, Rodger finished in second place, missing his first national championship by the slimmest of margins. All was not lost, as Rodger was able to claim his second consecutive championship in NHRA’s South Central Division competition.
As Rodger and the team enter Firebird raceway for the 2006 edition of the CSK Nationals they do so with the same mindset that existed a year ago, taking the season one race at a time. However, this year there have been some major changes that will make this one of the most formidable teams in this seasons’ championship hunt.
The RoofTec team will now consist of Rodger and two other drivers, Brian Self and Scott Benham. Each of them brings national event final round and top-10 credentials to the table. Collectively, they have claimed a total of 5 Lucas Oil divisional championships as well. Rounding out the crew is Pete Smallwood, a 25 year friend who (although he never had a brother) considers Rodger the only “brother” he ever wanted or needed to have. Of interest in the history of this team, is the fact that all are second-generation racers: Brogdon’s father raced in Super Stock; Smallwood’s dad a former AHRA Comp racer; Benham’s father, Crawford Benham, a former champion in the old Modified eliminator category; and Brian Self grew up under the guidance of not only his dad but also his uncle competing in the former Modified Eliminator category.
While Rodger Brogdon and Brian Self will start off the season in two Super Modified entries at Firebird Raceway, a car under construction for the new AA/SM class as well as a track proven Street Roadster will more than likely see duty this season, allowing the team to compete in several classes within the Competition eliminator category. Early season testing at Houston Raceway Park found both EasTexas fabricated racecars turning in elapsed times capable of taking the number one qualifying position at almost any NHRA event.
For Rodger Brogdon though, it’s not about the championship, it’s about the love of the sport and the spirit of competition. If the 2006 campaign starts off like 2005 did, another serious pursuit of the championship isn’t out of the question. The schedule of events in which the RoofTec team plans to compete is currently written in pencil, and certainly subject to change dependent on early event outcomes. But until that happens, this self made businessman from Houston Texas looks forward to his days at the track being a break from the demands of owning one of the most successful roofing businesses in the state.
The competitive fires that have driven Rodger Brogdon and RoofTec to the forefront in the roofing industry are the same fires that fuel his passion for the Competition Eliminator category. The chase for the championship in 2005 found Rodger and the RoofTec team taking wins in Phoenix, Houston and Rusk TX, and another two wins in Memphis TN. Destinations for the 2006 tour include many of the same stops as last year, with additions added as needed to remain aggressive in the points chase.
With a newly defined focus for 2006, top quality racecars and components, and a team full of champions, Rodger Brogdon and the RoofTec team will certainly be in the thick of the battle in the championship points chase.
Courtesy Bob Unkefer
