Nothing about returning to the track was easy for the Housley/Walker Pro Nitrous team, but just getting back in the car and on the dragstrip proved to be the most cathartic thing for everyone.It was certainly an emotional trip back to the track for the team, who raced at the ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags IV at Heartland Park Topeka after missing two straight races following the tragic loss of crew member Mike Walker in April.That tragic incident still weighs heavily on everyone’s mind, but Housley felt good about returning to the track to honor Walker.“It’s a lot different not having Mike around, but we’re working through it,” Housley said.“The only thing we’re here for is to honor Mike. That first run was a little emotional, but the car is going good so that helped a lot.”Housley ran a 4.02 to qualify for final eliminations, but was eliminated in the first round by Pro Nitrous standout Shannon Jenkins.Housley had hoped to break the 3-second barrier for the first time in his career in Topeka, but that will have to wait until the ADRL Inaugural Texas Drags, which takes place next week at Houston Raceway Park.Getting that goal in Houston would be a major deal for a team and a perfect tribute to Mike and the Walker family.“Everything is working great on the car. We would really like to get in the 3s and a win would be awesome,” Housley said. “It just feels good to drive again after everything. It’s been hard, but it feels good to be back here.”Part of that was the response he got from the ADRL family. Housley said he was nearly overwhelmed with the support and kind words he received from various drivers and crew members.It was just one more reason why Housley and his team were glad they returned to the track.“Everyone here has just been amazing,” Housley said. “We had so many teams just come over and say that they were glad we were back and just offering their support. It was great to see and it really meant a lot.”
More...