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IHRA 2011 Results from the Summit Series event at Castrol Raceway. Andy Closky had a great weekend as did Rae Caswell. Andy won two gamblers races and the No Box event on Saturday. Likely he took home over 5K for his efforts. Rae Caswell won the big Race Friday, earning a spot in the finals in Virginia in three weeks. He has the possibility of winning well over 25K in cash and prizes. Chloe Clarre (Andy's step daughter) was r/u in two races including the ROC race. Bill Boult from Thunder Mountain was the Sunday gamblers race winner. SUMMIT
SUPERSERIES RUNOFF - TOP (box) SUMMIT SUPERSERIES RUNOFF
- MOD (no box)
Saturday
WIN Natasha
Cherchuk Castrol Team 2 7.75 -0.012 7.752 172.05 MODIFIED
MAIN EVENT (no box) JUNIORS
MAIN EVENT TOP
ET FRIDAY GAMBLERS MODIFIED
ET FRIDAYS GAMBLER JUNIORS
FRIDAY GAMBLER JUNIOR
RACE OF CHAMPIONS SATURDAYS
TOP GAMBLERS SATURDAYS
MODIFIED GAMBLERS SATURDAYS
JUNIOR GAMBLER SUNDAY
TOP ET GAMBLERS SUNDAYS
MODIFIED GAMBLER SUNDAYS
JUNIORS GAMBLER
BEST APPEARING JUNIOR CT -
Paige Baskerville July 9-10 results Sunday No Box (sorry no photo) Marty Parsons Quensel BC 67 Dart .072rt 9.901/129.34 def. Nick McKay Surrey BC 02 Sentra .016rt 15.776/85.84 Box Andy Preston Fraser Lake BC 72 Chevelle .006rt 10.423/123.60 def. Rae Caswell Lower Nicola BC 27 Ford Roadster .020 9.786/134.32
Jr. Dragster Kaelyn Bollinger Burnaby BC .085rt 8.183/79.67 def. Chloe Carre Quesnel BC .354rt 8.092/77.47
High School (sorry no photo) Rylen Ross Kamloops BC .206rt 13.841/102.13 def. Sydney Glesbrecht 100 Mike House 2010 Chevy PU .094rt 16.376/76.33 NW Outlaws Steve Kendall Penticton BC .112 6.598/208 def. Dane Lachelt Kelowna BC .017 red 6.589/200.71
Saturday No Box Paul Karr Rosedale BC 63 Comet .165 12.095/110.56 def. Holly Clarke Rosedale BC 68 Nova 11.558/109.58
Box Andy Preston Fraser Lake BC 72 Chevelle .003rt 10.320/128.38 def. Al Quigley Aldergrove BC 98 Mustang .014rt 9.488/139.08
Jr Dragster Travis Clarke Rosedale BC .021 rt8.087/80.53 def. Kaelyn Bollinger Surrey BC .159 8.078/81.42
Eagle Motorplex Pro Am results April 24, 2011 Pittsburgh Pro Am Saturday results (courtesy IHRA Media) Photos courtesy Bob Wenzelburger Weekend Gallery is here
After seven previous meetings and seven excruciating losses to Peter Gallen and the "Poverty Stricken" team Mike McIntire and the "McAttack" crew finally got their revenge on Saturday with a thrilling victory during the finale of the inaugural Pittsburgh Nitro Jam at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.
And he wasn't alone.
Saturday was a night for new winners as Michael Manners retook the Pro Fuel points lead with a victory over Friday winner Robin Samsel and Mike Scott, who traveled all the way from British Columbia to compete in Pittsburgh's Nitro Jam event, claimed a win over Nitro Harley newcomer Jake Stordeur.
"We knew we had an advantage here this weekend with the shorter distance and we felt this was our weekend to turn things around," McIntire said. "Ironically that didn't even come into play tonight as Peter and I both pedaled and we were lucky enough to cross the line first. It has been over a year since our last win and we are certainly excited to be back in victory lane." McIntire and Gallen were once again the class of the Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car field Saturday in Pittsburgh as the pair put down the two quickest laps in round one to match up in the final for the second night in a row. Gallen lead the qualifying round with a solid 4.898 elapsed time at 228.54 miles per hour in a win over Greg Jacobsmeyer while McIntire recorded a 4.920, 222.55 in a win over Laurie Cannister. In the final a much anticipated battle tuned into an old-fashioned pedal-fest as McIntire lost traction immediately off the line and Gallen smoked the tires at 330 feet setting up a battle to the 1,000 foot line. Both cars traded the lead several times in the battle for the Ironman, but it was McIntire who was able to record the victory by a little over five tenths of a second. McIntire posted a 7.254, 170.58 in the win, snapping a streak of seven straight losses to the "Poverty Stricken" team. Gallen recorded a 7.701, 115.18 in the runner-up effort. Cannister won the consolation round over Jacobsmeyer, her first career nitro round win.
Manners drew Bill Evans in round one for the second night in a row and was able to reverse Friday's results with a 4.604, 250.42 to top the Pro Fuel charts. In the other opening round matchup Samsel posted a 4.670, 242.33 in a win over Cherissa Smallwood. In the final Manners got off the line first with a huge holeshot and made a very nice run to pick up the win. Manners ran a 4.525, 253.24 in the victory, edging Samsel's 4.607, 243.51. In the consolation Evans won his third round in four tries over Smallwood. With Saturday's victory Manners also retook the points lead after Evans briefly topped the charts Friday night.
Scott traveled all the way from British Columbia for the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam and made the trip pay off with an Ironman Stordeur lead round one with a weekend best 5.540, 201.61 in a win over Steve Dorn to take lane choice in the final against Scott who recorded a win over Friday winner Jay Turner. In the final Stordeur got off the line first and appeared to be well on his way to picking up his first career Nitro Jam victory, but he lost power near halftrack and Scott was able to power past his opponent to take the win. Scott recorded a 5.625, 198.06 in the final to Stordeur's 6.236, 151.21. In the consolation Dorn finally found his groove in a win over Turner.
Closing out the weekend was another great show by the Shockwave jet semi and Grave Digger, Megasaurus, the Chevy Rebellion wheelstander and much more.
Next up for Nitro Jam is a trip west for back-to-back races in Utah and Alberta, Canada. The western swing will begin the weekend of July 17-18 at the Salt Lake Nitro Jam at Rocky Mountain Raceways. PITTSBURGH -- Saturday's final results from the IHRA Pittsburgh Nitro Jam at Pittsburgh Raceway Park. The race is the fifth of 10 in the 2011 Nitro Jam Series: PRO FUEL DRAGSTER DAY TWO Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, dragster, 4.525, 253.24 def. Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., dragster, 4.607, 243.51. PROSTALGIA FUNNY CAR DAY TWO Mike McIntire, Chesterland, Ohio, '69 Camaro, 7.254, 170.58 def. Peter Gallen, Broomall, Pa., '74 Vega, 7.701, 115.18. NITRO HARLEY DAY TWO Mike Scott, Blind Bay, B.C., 5.625, 198.06 def. Jake Stordeur, Loveland, Ohio, 6.236, 151.21. JR DRAGSTER 13-17 Andrew Valentino, Hallwood, Pa., dragster, 7.962, 77.85 def. Mason Gross, Fairmont, W.V., dragster, 7.944, 83.18. JUNIOR DRAGSTER 8-12 Brandon Butler, N. Huntington, Pa., dragster, 9.375, 57.95 def. Frank Pennington, Nicktown, Pa., dragster, 9.437, 67.63. Friday results For the fifth time this
season Peter Gallen and Mike McIntire met in the finals of a Prostalgia Nitro
Funny Car race.
In front of a rambunctious Pittsburgh crowd in Gallen's home state, the driver of the "Poverty Stricken" Vega cruised to his fifth win of the season and seventh consecutive victory over McIntire in a thrilling race at the inaugural Pittsburgh Nitro Jam Friday night at Pittsburgh Raceway Park. Gallen was joined in the winner's circle by Robin Samsel in Pro Fuel who upset new points leader Bill Evans and Jay Turner picked up his series-tying third win of the year in Nitro Harley over Steve Dorn.
"We were looking forward to this event being so close to our home and we made it count with another win over Mac tonight," Gallen said. "This was our first time at Pittsburgh and I feel like it went pretty well. We have some more work to do for tomorrow, but we are certainly enjoying ourselves and look forward to another big night on Saturday." Gallen, who lives just a few hours east in Broomall, Pa., spent Thursday traveling across the state to attend his daughter's graduation before arriving at Pittsburgh Raceway Park Friday morning. Once at the track Gallen unloaded his well-known purple and gold nostalgia machine and went to work preparing for a big night at the closest Nitro Jam of the year to Gallen and his team.
After picking up four wins over the last four events at races spread across the southwest, Gallen picked right up where he left off Friday evening with a round one victory over Greg Jacobsmeyer with a solid 4.929 elapsed time at 228.08 miles per hour in the event-shortened 1,000 foot distance. McIntire then surpassed his rival with a 4.716, 235.73 shot in a win over former world champion Laurie Cannister who was making her nitro debut behind the wheel of the "Bullet Bob" Pontiac. In the final McIntire lit the tires and had to get out of the throttle early while Gallen raced right down broadway with a 4.880, 228.19 in picking up his 12th career victory. In Pro Fuel Robin Samsel dominated the dragster class, leading the way from start to finish picking up his third career victory.
Samsel, piloting the "Predator" dragster, lead the qualifying round with a 4.601, 243.77 in a victory over Cherissa Smallwood, edging Evans for lane choice who ran a 4.615, 246.71 in a win over Michael Manners. With the round one win Evans overtook Manners in the championship standings. In the final Samsel kept up his strong start with a 4.712, 212.56 run in the final as Evans smoked the tires and failed to find his groove and Samsel pulled away for an easy win. Wrapping up professional competition was the insane riders of the Nitro Harley division as veteran and former champion Jay Turner picked up his third win of the season over points leader Steve Dorn.
Dorn lead qualifying with a 6.379, 130.59 shot in round one, but Turner wasn't far behind with a 6.921, 111.50 pass. While both motorcycles were not running at their best, it was Dorn's machine that actually went south first when his machine flamed out at halftrack in the final and Turner pulled away for the win. Turner ran a 6.212, 131.50 in the victory to Dorn's 6.665, 116.97.
Finishing out the night was an incredible showdown between the Grave Digger monster truck and Shockwave jet semi, the Chevy Rebellion wheelstander and Megasaurus. After a thrilling opening night at the inaugural Pittsburgh Nitro Jam on Friday, the teams will get back to work preparing for another big night of competition on Saturday. Saturday's schedule includes local bracket racing throughout the afternoon followed by FanFest at 6:30 p.m. and two more rounds of Nitro Jam Saturday beginning at 8 p.m. April 12, 2011 Eagle Motorplex Pro Am Poster
January 29-30, 2010 Palm Beach International Raceway WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Saturday and Weekend wrap-up Photo gallery is here courtesy Dean Murdoch (photos Pat Welsh)
(continued)........excellent....to be expected at a race track holding a major event for the first time ever. The car counts were not........139.... The total for the three pro class and the sportsman class cars (exhibition and Nitro Harleys numbers were not counted or reported). The brackets are not included in the total. This is not a back gate event to be sure. It is an event based on spectators, so the show is the most important aspect for the Nitro Jam series. My honest opinion is if the show is the same for the next few events as what it was this weekend, the deal will fail miserably. I know it is race one, but half the expected field for Pro (A/Fuel) Fuel showed up and they did not run well. Yes there were 5.40's, but these car run 5.20's at 94% in the conditions at Palm Beach. Bill Evans went to the final each day, and was the two day winner. The Nostalgia or Prostalgia Funny Car class did not perform even to conservative estimates. One 5 second pass out of 25+ laps. A fair bit of carnage also from the class. Peter Gallen and Steve Nichols were expected to be the two dominant cars and Gallen showed his cars potential with Top Fuel was okay, because of Bobby Lagana.
It was the Bobby Lagana show. The Paul Smith tuned Top Fuel cars with the last two IHRA world champions (Del Cox and Spencer Massey) drivers flat out fell on their faces Bruce Litton made one good run out of four, and Lagana was great with three of the four laps well in the 4 second 300mph range.
I think that the events at well established IHRA tracks may get a decent crowd for one day of the races, but unless they add more meaningful classes, such as Pro Mods (I know one or two will have Pro Mods), full fields of Pro Fuel and possibly eight car shows of Top Fuel, the experiment will not succeed. Edmonton will be solid (for the IHRA to say the crowd at Palm Beach was bigger than the Rocky Friday crowd....ah, I don't see it), so will Salt Lake, Grand Bend will be good, and Martin and Budd's Creek pretty good. I can't see Rockingham and Epping being all they can be..... But I have been wrong before. Weekend pit notes Courtesy Pat Welsh (photos Pat Welsh) Prostalgia Funny Car
Spoke
with Jeff Diehl driver of Bob Floch's "Bullet Bob" Corvette the
He
added, "It wasn't stupidity it's just one of those things that Regarding the new IHRA format Jeff says,
"It's a good thing for us. Tim Wood is the crew chief and the car is based out of Ohio.
PETER
GALLEN - POVERTY STRICKEN PROSTALGIA FC "This is an ex Scott Kalitta chassis made
in 2007. It's a copy of a So
what happened in the first round Friday when the car wouldn't start
MIKE
McINTIRE- McAttack Prostalgia FC The car he's driving is a 2006 Murf McKinney
chassis that he bought "We are number one qualifier
6.14, 229. It hurt the motor on that Mike is based out
of Ohio and ran a fuel altered in 2009. His crew
RICK
KRAFFT - Chicago Fire Corvette Prostalgia FC I spoke at length with Mike Faser, owner of the Chicago Fire Funny Car. Mike said, "We had
ordered some 34" wide tires and when we got down He added,
"We were in the lanes for the second round but we decided to Regarding
the IHRA series, "Love it! It's a great thing for the sport The Chicago Fire is a real nostalgia funny car. The chassis built
by Mike's a cool guy, always has a smile on his face, and you can tell
GREG
"JAKE" JACOBSMEYER - RUG DOCTOR/ALL STAR PROSTALGIA FC The team is based out of St. Louis, MO and they're committed
to eight
JOHN
DUNN - DUNN AND GONE PROSTALGIA FC Regarding their
approach to racing tonight John said, "We're going to
ARMY
ARMSTRONG - TEXAS JUNGLE PROSTALGIA FC Regarding the new
series Army told me, "The fans love it and this will Army
lives in Lewistown, PA and runs the Funny Factory which build Pro Fuel
MIKE
MANNERS - PRO FUEL DRAGSTER He's driving a Spitzer chassis that he bought turn key from
Tom JEFF HAMELINK - PRO FUEL DRAGSTER Jeff is based out of Minneapolis, MN and his crew chief is Chuck Ericson. Bob Ottow with Automan
Technologies popped up and gave me a little I asked him about the performance
of these cars, "Four seconds, 300 Top Fuel MITCH KING
- TOP FUEL SPENCER MASSEY - TOP FUEL (note) Spencer is currently looking for an NHRA ride in Top Fuel.
BRUCE
LITTON - LUCAS OIL TOP FUEL DRAGSTER Mike
Wolfarth is crew chief on the car and he has been with Bruce
IHRA communications weekend wrap up......... All eyes were on Palm Beach International
Raceway Friday and Saturday night as the Nitro Jam series opened its season with
the first major motorsports event of 2010. "We are obviously pleased with the results this weekend. We came in here with a plan to put on an incredible show for the fans and we feel we did just that," said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. "This being a first time event we expected to have a big weekend, but this event exceeded our expectations in every way." Traffic backed up for miles on the Beeline Highway and shuttles were brought in to transport the thousands of fans that packed PBIR Saturday night to see the nitro thrill show. "It was a thrill to see the stands packed with thousands of excited fans enjoying this wonderful sport," said Polburn. "With results like these we could have run into problems, but Jason Rittenberry and his staff did a tremendous job making sure there were no issues and that everything flowed smoothly. "What a tremendous way to open the year for IHRA Nitro Jam and Palm Beach International Raceway." On the track a pair of repeat winners were crowned in Top Fuel and Pro Fuel while a new driver graced victory lane in Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car. Longtime IHRA veteran Bobby Lagana Jr. (Scarsdale, N.Y.) swept Top Fuel with his second victory of the weekend, joining newcomer Bill Evans (Hialeah, Fla.) who doubled the feat in Pro Fuel. Steve Nichols (Newark, Del.) joined the club of first time Nitro Jam winners with the win in Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car. Other winners from Saturday's Nitro Jam included Elite 8 champions John Benoit (Montpelier, Vt.) in Top Sportsman and Sheldon Bissessar (Marabella, Trinidad) in Top Dragster. Sportsman winners from Saturday's IHRA Tournament of Champions qualifier included Mark Brown (Lake Worth, Fla.) in Top Dragster, Keith Russell (Jupiter, Fla.) in Top Sportsman, Scott Richardson (Barbousville, Ky.) in Super Stock, Michael Beard (Seagrove, N.C.) in Stock, David Bledsoe (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) in Quick Rod, Steve Furr (Harrisburg, N.C.) in Super Rod and R.L. Koontz (Sarasota, Fla.) in Hot Rod. Saturday's race was a hit with the fans who had a chance to see racing throughout the day followed by an incredible show put on by the new stars of the IHRA. And topping that list is Lagana. Lagana, aptly dubbed the People's Champion, faced one of the toughest Top Fuel fields in years this weekend with the past three champions on hand battling it out for Top Fuel gold. Going against a trio of past champions Lagana defied all odds with back-to-back wins giving Lagana one of his most memorable moments in his decade long Top Fuel career. "The number one reason why we race is that we love that race car and we love what gravitates to that car including the fans," said Lagana. "While we love this sport with or without a crowd, to see the stands packed like that was unbelievable. I can't explain how nervous I was. I haven't felt like that in years." Lagana defeated 2009 champion Del Cox in the final despite having some trouble on his run. Lagana, who fired off three straight 300 mph passes and consistent elapsed times over the weekend, crossed the line with a 6.339, 136.52. Cox also had problems on his run. While Lagana was clearly disappointed that he couldn't close the weekend with another solid run, he did enjoy the opportunity to put on a show under the new format. "IHRA took a big chance on doing this and I am glad that they did. Kenneth Feld is an awesome man and I really appreciate the respect he has shown to the IHRA, to the racers and the fans," said Lagana. "He wanted to see something that works for everyone and it worked. I have to thank Mr. Feld for this opportunity." Lagana reached the final with a first round win over Spencer Massey. Lagana ran a 4.635, 312.78 to Massey's 5.170, 216.27. Cox reached the final with a bye over Bruce Litton who broke on the starting line. In the consolation round Litton got things worked out and took down Massey who finished without a round win on the weekend. "We could not ask for a better weekend. I hope the fans are satisfied with the show they saw. We want them back twice fold next year," said Lagana. "This is incredible. If we don't win another thing the rest of the year, to win these first two races is unbelievable."
"It feels great. It is this team, they get all the credit," said Nichols. "We knew to be successful we needed a great team and we have that. Hopefully we can keep this going." Nichols ran a 6.217, 226.70 in the final to defeat Jacobsmeyer who ran a 6.235, 228.73. "I was absolutely blown away at the crowd both nights. We have never been to an event like this," said Nichols. "I was amazed at the first timers. I sat there and signed autographs for a lot of children and a lot of them it was there first time. "I have to thank IHRA for taking a chance with this and giving us a shot." Nichols reached the final with a first round win over Peter Gallen with the second lowest E.T. of the round at 6.425, 218.05. Jacobsmeyer produced the lowest time at 6.217, 229.82 in a win over Mike McIntire. In the consolation rounds John Dunn defeated McIntire and Gallen defeated Army Armstrong. First round winners included Jacobsmeyer, Dunn, Armstrong and Nichols. In Pro Fuel Evans continued his undefeated streak at Palm Beach International with a win over Michael Manners to win the first two Pro Fuel races in IHRA history. "It is great. One thing about it we will always be the ones that won the very first Pro Fuel race - and we won two of them," said Evans. "My guys are ecstatic. This is actually the first race I have had this crew so it is like taking four rookies and going and winning the Super Bowl." Evans ran a solid 5.498, 263.26 to defeat Manners who struggled off the line. In the consolation round Robin Samsel defeated Jeff Hamelink with a super 5.454, 257.04. In the first ever Elite 8 showdown Benoit and Bissessar walked away winners. Benoit won the Top Sportsman edition of the Quick 8 shootout with a victory over Matthew Buck, while Bissessar, the IHRA's fastest sportsman, won the Top Dragster shootout over Edward Careccia. Benoit defeated Buck with a 6.512, 212.49. He reached the final with a victory over Gary Bingham and a bye run. Top Dragster champion Bissessar defeated Careccia with a blistering 5.820, 233.56. He also claimed wins over Dean Brazell and Daniel Seidel. With the first Nitro Jam of the season in the books the series moves to Baton Rouge for the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam March 6-7. Saturday's final results from the IHRA Palm Beach Nitro Jam at Palm Beach International Raceway. The race is the first of 10 in the 2010 Nitro Jam Series: Top Fuel Dragster -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 6.339 seconds, 136.52 mph def. Del Cox Jr., 10.158 seconds, 80.78 mph. Prostalgia Funny Car -- Steve Nichols, Chevy Camaro, 6.217, 226.70 def. Greg Jacobsmeyer, Dodge Challenger, 6.235, 228.73. Pro Fuel Dragster -- Bill Evans, 5.498, 263.26 def. Michael Manners, 9.445, 95.79. Elite 8 Top Sportsman -- John Benoit, Chevy Camaro, 6.512, 212.49 def. Matthew Buck, Pontiac Firebird, 7.148, 167.22. Elite 8 Top Dragster -- Sheldon Bissessar, Dragster, 5.820, 233.56 def. Edward Careccia, Dragster, broke. Top Dragster -- Mark Brown, Dragster, 6.996, 183.77 def. Charlie Cullotto, Dragster, 6.912, 199.88. Top Sportsman -- Keith Russell, Chevy Camaro, 7.571, 181.81 def. Wayne King, Pontiac Firebird, foul. Quick Rod -- David Bledsoe, Dragster, 15.037, 156.46 def. Deborah Bogle, Dragster, 8.891, 160.79. Super Rod -- Steve Furr, Chevy Camaro, 9.917, 160.38 def. Steve Corker, Chevy Cavalier, 9.916, 159.12. Hot Rod -- R.L. Koontz, Chevy Beretta, 10.904, 141.40 def. Rick Nowlan, Chevy Vega, 10.857, 130.27. Super Stock -- Scott Richardson, Oldsmobile Achieva, 9.531, 134.60 def. Anthony Bertozzi, Pontiac Grand Am, 9.104, 145.52. Stock Eliminator -- Michael Beard, Plymouth Volare, 11.205, 114.55 def. JJ Carnero, Pontiac Firebird, 11.970, 109.93. ET Bracket -- Bobby Taylor Jr., Chevy Camaro, 10.272, 128.11 def. Mike Lago, Dragster, 7.133, 188.73. Top ET -- Mike Lago, Dragster, 7.172, 186.54 def. Kenny Underwood, Chevy Camaro 9.459, 139.93. Mod ET
-- Bobby Taylor Jr., Chevy Camaro, 10.295, 125.95 def. Adam Holmes, Chevy S-10,
10.067, 132.74. Friday wrap up
Courtesy Pat Welch (photos courtesy Pat Welsh)
Possibly the coolest thing was starting all of the nitro cars at once in the pits (6:30 pm I think). It was cool. REAL COOL. Lots of nitro in the air.
Highlights from the on track action saw Peter Gallen in the Poverty Stricken ran a 2nd round 5.82, 246.62. I asked him about the pass. "It was beautiful, but the car got a little loose and skated around" Gallen said. His career best run was at the Geezers at the Grove last year where he ran a 5.80, 246.
Jeff Diehl driving the Bullet Bob Corvette blew it up BIG TIME in his second round
matchup. The car ignited in a big fireball at the finish. The flames went down
but erupted again. The car ended up in the sand trap at the end of the track.
No report on his condition. - Spencer Massey was on hand driving Mitch King's car.
A
few career highlights from Peter:
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --
"I think we made one heck of a statement here tonight. What we proved tonight is that if you believe in what you are doing and put the fans and drivers first you will succeed in a big way," said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. "We knew what we are doing was going to work, we just didn't know how quickly it would take off. "I think we can officially say mission accomplished." While Saturday events have typically been the biggest draw at IHRA events, Nitro Jam's new format gave way to a new look that drew thousands to the West Palm Beach track.
Spectators lined the Beeline Highway Friday night for a chance to see the debut of the new Nitro Jam series and nearly two dozen nitro-burning vehicles race two rounds and plenty of extras including jet vehicles, the Cool Bus wheelstanding school bus, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman action and plenty of pyrotechnics.
When the smoke finally settled on the biggest night in IHRA drag racing history three drivers stood at the summit as the first three winners under the new format were crowned in Top Fuel, Pro Fuel and Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car. Those winners were Bobby Lagana Jr. (Top Fuel), Bill Evans (Pro Fuel) and Greg Jacobsmeyer (Prostalgia NFC).
"We are absolutely thrilled to have a packed house on the first night of Nitro Jam at Palm Beach International Raceway," said Jason Rittenberry, president and CEO of Palm Beach International Raceway. "Not only did we have a great turn out, but the fans were treated to a tremendous show put on by the IHRA racers. I'm really excited to see what Saturday brings."
Along with the new classes fans also saw only the second ever side-by-side jet truck drag race and the debut of Fan Fest. With sportsman racers running throughout the day, racing was stopped in the early evening hours for a two-hour fan spectacular that included autograph sessions, family activities and the most exciting few minutes in motorsports - Thunder in the Pits.
As Fan Fest came to a close spectators were invited to stand in the pits and experience the sights, sounds and smells as every nitro-burning vehicle on the property warmed up at the same time. "From Fan Fest to the on-track action we are very pleased with our first outing and things are looking even better for Saturday," said Polburn. "I do realize that this is just one night at one event and you can't forecast the future based on just one event, but what a start this has been." On the track fans were treated to some immediate excitement with a pair of first-round upsets in Top Fuel that set up an unlikely matchup in the finals. In the final Bobby Lagana Jr. defeated Bruce Litton after the pair defeated the last two IHRA Top Fuel champions. Lagana ran a 4.700, 305.63 as Litton had some trouble just after hitting the throttle.
"What a win. We came out here with the goal of coming away with a win and we accomplished that goal," said Lagana. "It has been a while for us, but we will take it however we can get it." Even more interesting, Lagana's victory comes on the same night he debuted a new writable body used in Fan Fest. Hundreds of fans signed Lagana's car moments before he made back-to-back 300 mile-per-hour passes on his way to picking up the win. "It was great to be a part of Fan Fest and to have all those people sign the car and then to go out and win it is just great," said Lagana. "I don't know that we will take this wrap off for a while after tonight." With the last two IHRA world champions back together for the first time in two years many thought that the tandem of Spencer Massey and Del Cox would make up the final Friday night at PBIR, but two others had something to say about that. Bruce Litton, who finished runner-up in the championship standings the past two seasons behind Massey and Cox, finally got the better of the two Friday as he defeated Cox with a blistering 4.615 pass at 321.73 miles per hour under the pristine Florida conditions. Litton's opponent in the final, fan favorite Bobby Lagana, pulled off the other upset with a victory over 2009 NHRA Rookie of the Year Massey. Lagana ran a 4.744 at 302.75 while Massey lit the tires. In the consolation round Cox defeated teammate Massey.
"What a way to start the year. With a new format and us being new out here it is great to walk away from here with the first ever win," said Jacobsmeyer.
Diehl reached the final with a victory over Army Armstrong while Jacobsmeyer eliminated Steve Nichols. McIntire originally held the spot in the final with the low E.T. of the round in a victory over John Dunn, but he could not make the call. Other first round winners in Prostalgia NFC included Jeff Diehl and Rick Kraft. In the consolation rounds Dunn defeated Armstrong and Peter Gallen, running one of the fastest Nostalgia passes ever, defeated Nichols with a 5.82, 247.
"We are thrilled to be out here and to pick up the win is just great. Now we have a chance to do it all again tomorrow," Evans said. Evans defeated Mike Manners in the opening round while Hammelink got by Robin Samsel. In the consolation round Samsel defeated Manners. All three professional classes and all of the exhibitions will be back in action on Saturday at Palm Beach International Raceway. Friday's final results from the IHRA Palm Beach Nitro Jam at Palm Beach International Raceway. The race is the first of 10 in the 2010 Nitro Jam Series: Top Fuel Dragster -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.700 seconds, 305.63 mph def. Bruce Litton, 12.244 seconds, 84.60 mph. Prostalgia Funny Car -- Greg Jacobsmeyer, Dodge Challenger, 6.209, 227.57 def. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Corvette, broke. Pro Fuel Dragster -- Bill Evans, Spitzer, 5.469, 267.43 def. Jeff Hamelink, Dragster, 5.538, 238.64.
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