GORDIE RIVERA - "HAVING FUN"
Tue, 2008-02-19 06:00
Gordie Rivera finished last in Pomona's qualifying but that didn’t hurt
his feelings one iota. In fact, he'll be in competition this weekend
during the NHRA CSK Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona.
The longtime veteran from Yuma, Arizona, has been pulling the gears in NHRA Pro Stock competition since 1970. He used to run in the competitive circles and finished as high as fifth place in the points during the mid-1980s.
“Well, we'd like to be a little more competitive even though we don't have the financial backing to kind of do that stuff in research and development,” said Rivera. “For what we do I think we get it out of there. We're doing pretty good with what we've got.
Gordie Rivera finished last in Pomona's qualifying but that didn’t hurt his feelings one iota. In fact, he'll be in competition this weekend during the NHRA CSK Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona.
The longtime veteran from Yuma, Arizona, has been pulling the gears in NHRA Pro Stock competition since 1970. He used to run in the competitive circles and finished as high as fifth place in the points during the mid-1980s.
“Well, we'd like to be a little more competitive even though we don't have the financial backing to kind of do that stuff in research and development,” said Rivera. “For what we do I think we get it out of there. We're doing pretty good with what we've got.
“1984 and 1983 were our best years. I miss those years but it was a lot different racing than it is today, not near the dollars.”
Winning doesn’t command such a priority in Rivera’s game plan. He just likes playing the game.
“For me, it's being out here and having a little fun,” said Rivera. “I like the people here that come to the races and it's kind of like a family thing. You've done it all your life and you've got to stay with them.”
The longtime veteran from Yuma, Arizona, has been pulling the gears in NHRA Pro Stock competition since 1970. He used to run in the competitive circles and finished as high as fifth place in the points during the mid-1980s.
“Well, we'd like to be a little more competitive even though we don't have the financial backing to kind of do that stuff in research and development,” said Rivera. “For what we do I think we get it out of there. We're doing pretty good with what we've got.
Gordie Rivera finished last in Pomona's qualifying but that didn’t hurt his feelings one iota. He'll be in Phoenix this weekend.
The longtime veteran from Yuma, Arizona, has been pulling the gears in NHRA Pro Stock competition since 1970. He used to run in the competitive circles and finished as high as fifth place in the points during the mid-1980s.
“Well, we'd like to be a little more competitive even though we don't have the financial backing to kind of do that stuff in research and development,” said Rivera. “For what we do I think we get it out of there. We're doing pretty good with what we've got.
“1984 and 1983 were our best years. I miss those years but it was a lot different racing than it is today, not near the dollars.”
Winning doesn’t command such a priority in Rivera’s game plan. He just likes playing the game.
“For me, it's being out here and having a little fun,” said Rivera. “I like the people here that come to the races and it's kind of like a family thing. You've done it all your life and you've got to stay with them.”
Categories:
