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KING OF THE COAST
and so we split it into three separate categories and we instantly started getting 20 to 25 young racers showing up to race with us ,” says Rolison . Those numbers have practically doubled since then and Junior Dragster racing at Gulfport is a healthy prospect of the sport ’ s future . “ Some of the kids who raced in Junior Dragster back in 2005 now have kids of their own , and I can name many families that are still racing in this series from when it first started ,” says Rolison .
The family-friendly atmosphere is what Rolison likes best about King of the Coast , and when things get started on Friday night with test and tune and gambler ’ s racing , food and fellowship soon follow . “ It ’ s amazing to look through the pits and see everyone cooking out and exchanging food ,” beams Rolison . The family-oriented nature of this series doesn ’ t end with the racers ,
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though , as Rolison ’ s family is very much a part of running the series , and he voices high praise for his wife , Jennifer , who works tirelessly on the success of this series .
Their two children , Morgan and Kendal , are also active , with Kendal even expressing a desire to take over the series someday . “ Kendal is our youngest daughter , and for her to want to take over the series someday is pretty amazing . I hope that 40 years from now my grandkids are running this series and keeping the tradition alive ; that ’ s how much it means to me ,” says Rolison .
Along with continued support from track owner Reese , King of the Coast also has solid sponsors , with BTE being on board since day one and Moser Engineering now in their fifth year of backing the series . Both sponsors make it possible for the racers to be awarded with products and gift certificates , with the top 32 in points racing for some great prizes in the Tournament
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of Champions at the end of the season .
“ The higher you finish in points the better off you are for the Tournament of Champions because 1-8 in points get to go straight to the third round . Racers who finish 9-16 get to skip the first round and go straight into second round . The only people who race each other in the first round are those who finish 17-32 in points ,” explains Rolison . “ The idea is to spread it out where one person doesn ’ t win everything . We ’ re here for fellowship and to have a good time , and if you win you ’ ve made a little money and definitely had a great time .”
In short , The King of the Coast series represents a close-knit group of people who are competitive , and value friendship and camaraderie while doing what they love . For Rolison , the King of the Coast series is quite simply what he feels he was put on earth to do , and by all accounts he ’ s doing it pretty well ! DI
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PHOTOS : VAN ABERNETHY |