PDRA Top Sportsman champion Dan Ferguson had already resigned to the fact, his good fortunes of the last three seasons were going to end with a second championship. Team owner Dale Pittman made the decision to sell his Corvette, leaving Ferguson to fend for himself in 2017.

Ferguson didn't fret, but with a small measure of disappointment began working on his own Firebird with the expressed intent of racing one event, which would determine whether he'd run the full season.

Ironically, he experienced a bit of deja vu dating back to 2014, when a successful debut turned into a full season which yielded his first career championship.

Top Sportsman continues to evolve, making the car he won his first championship, a Firebird, a car a decade older than that of most of his competitors’ nothing more than wishful thinking.

Thanks to Henry Dogay, an oil and gas construction manager, Ferguson can rest a lot easier in preparing for the giants.

Dogay, who owns a Jerry Bickel ‘68 Camaro. Dogay has selected Ferguson to drive his Pat Musi-powered Camaro complete with a three-speed Mark Micke lockup transmission and converter.

Dogay's work overseas has limited his racing opportunities and instead of letting the car sit idle, decided to put Ferguson behind the wheel. A large factor in his decision was watching Ferguson’s journey to update and repair his Firebird. About a month ago, Dogay began to see Ferguson might not finish his the overhaul in time for the first PDRA event of the season.

“He couldn’t find the words to thank me,” Dogay said of Ferguson. “I told him he didn't have to thank me. I know he’ll take care of my equipment. I know Dan and Rick [Fogle, crewman] will take care of the car like it’s theirs.

“I could find a driver anywhere, but me and Dan are real close. Dan is a hell of a drag racer. I’ve watched him race from the tree. I’ve watched him race top end. He’s good on both ends.”

“This is an unbelievable opportunity,” Ferguson added. “I was excited about getting the Firebird back together, but it’s just not the caliber of car Henry’s Bickel Camaro is, and it still needs a lot of work. How could I possibly pass up an opportunity like this? Henry is a really amazing person and friend. To be able to race with him this year as a team to defend my championship is an honor.”