2007 POCI Convention

Drag Racing In Tulsa
For the last several years, drag racing has become an integral part of the POCI Convention experience. It seems that every year, the numbers grow for both racers and spectators. For 2007, things went off without a hitch, though at first it didn't look like it would.

Racers woke to heavy rain early Friday morning and it appeared that the weather might prevent the running of the 2007 POCI Drag Meet. Fortunately, the event proceeded as scheduled, albeit a bit rain-delayed.

"The key thing is that the rain let up at 8 a.m.," says POCI Vice President Dave Bennett. "We woke up looking out the windows of the hotels thinking we were doomed. Once we were at Tulsa Raceway Park, Denise, the track manager, assured us that they would have the track dry an hour after the rain stopped, and she certainly kept her promise. She really knew how to run a race. The track and the personnel were top-notch in all respects."

A total of 81 racers and 467 spectators took part in the event. Cash and prize totals were over $6,000, and all awards were handed out at an impromptu ceremony immediately following the end of eliminations. "The purpose of going to the POCI Convention is to have fun," Bennett explained. "We are creating an environment to increase the enjoyment factor for convention participants. Drag racing is a big part of that. Despite the weather, it was still the best-attended activity at the convention. I want to thank the volunteers from the Indian Nations Chapter for their help in making the event a huge success."

For 2008, the POCI convention will be held July 8-12 in scenic Spearfish, South Dakota, near such attractions as Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, the Black Hills, Devil's Tower and Spearfish Canyon. It will be hosted by the Tomahawk Chapter, under the direction of POCI Vice President Dave Bennett, Secretary Paul Bergstrom and Treasurer Jim Felker. The POCI Drag Meet will be held at Sturgis Dragway in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, July 11. Be sure to visit www.poci.org for updates.