Chris Rini knows a thing or two about survival.

The survivor of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 that crashed in New York's Hudson River earlier this year returned to the survival skills he's more accustomed to by outlasting 27 entries to win Piedmont Dragway's opening Big Dog event on Saturday evening.

Rini, of Carmel, N.Y., combined a string of four-teen elapsed times to win big for new engine builder Charlie Buck.

Winning big for Rini meant winning from the No. 1 qualifying (4.14, 175) position en route to beating Jason Harris in the final round.

The road to the winner's circle included wins over J.D. Goad, Darrin Hoyle and Ford runner Tracy Cockman.

Chris Rini knows a thing or two about survival.

The survivor of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 that crashed in New York's Hudson River earlier this year returned to the survival skills he's more accustomed to by outlasting 27 entries to win Piedmont Dragway's opening Big Dog event on Saturday evening.

Rini, of Carmel, N.Y., combined a string of four-teen elapsed times to win big for new engine builder Charlie Buck.

Winning big for Rini meant winning from the No. 1 qualifying (4.14, 175) position en route to beating Jason Harris in the final round.

The road to the winner's circle included wins over J.D. Goad, Darrin Hoyle and Ford runner Tracy Cockman.

Rini, who was fresh off a final round appearance in NMCA competition in Bradenton, FL last week, was quick to thank Buck for the 784 Hemi that delivered his first career Big Dog trophy.

"In addition to Charlie Buck, I want to thank ATI Performance, and also my adopted family, the Lamberts, for letting me keep my stuff at their house between races," commented Rini, who will compete next week in Mooresville's Mad Dawg opener.
 
"It's a credit to the engine builders, car builders and the improved track conditions," added Bob Harris, who co-owns this 1/8 mile facility with Jim Turner. Saturday's 16 car field was quicker than any 8-car shootout previously held at Piedmont. J.D. Goad's 4.24 was the quickest bump spot ever recorded for this event.
 
Other highlights from Saturday night's action include Travis Harvey with a stunning, between rounds shakedown blast of 4.10 e.t. Harvey was debuting Russ Farmer's new Race Tech Camaro. Heavy hitter Dewayne Silance was on hand for his first Big Dog event, qualified fifth with a 4.17; lowering his elapsed time in round one with a 4.16 e.t. Silance dropped a close one to Tracy Cockman in round two. Chris Croom, Brian Williams and Joel Douglas also posted impressive 4-teen elapsed times. (Van Abernethy contributed to this report) 

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