In a matter of seconds, the Team Gates Bronco "Beast" added another chapter to its own fabled lore when its back window exploded all over onlookers in an attempt to win its power class at the annual Texas Heatwave. No one was hurt in the melee, but it was a sight to behold as digital cameras flashed and camcorders rolled during the ruckus, and dozens of SPL fans scrambled to grab pieces of shattered history large enough to hold an Alma Gates autograph. Oh yeah, and the Beast won the dB Drag Racing Extreme 13+ class rather handily.

While some fans were rushing to pick up glass, one was worried he wouldn’t see the Bronco burped again at this show. Known only as Greg to the KCG, the "Beast-watcher" offered to drive 180 miles to Houston to obtain a usable back window so the Bronco could compete again. No glass companies in the Austin area could fit the Bronco, and it would be disqualified without its back glass. Greg and a new window were waiting for the KCG crew to arrive on pit row the next morning – a story unbelievable enough to peak the interest of cable television’s The Learning Channel, which was on hand to film the Beast and interview the hero about his trip.

In full force for the first time since Spring Break Daytona, the KCG turned up the temp a few notches as well at the Heatwave by securing 12 championships at one of the largest summer soundoff and car shows in the nation. Mark Eldridge, Gary Biggs, Rob Rice, Cory Himel and Frank Rougeau completely dominated in their respective power classes, as did Team Gates, all gaining valuable points that qualify them for IASCA, USAC, and dB Drag Racing World Finals this fall.

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