Grand Bend, ON – May-20, 2013 – The first of the four event series for the National Drag Racing Association (NDRA) wound up at Grand Bend Motorplex’s RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil Spring Blowout presented by Mickey Thompson Tire on Sunday with a successful start for 2013.
Saturday’s qualifying resulted in some satisfying numbers for both the NDRA Alcohol Funny Cars presented by Ohsweken Speedway and Pro Doorslammers. Last year’s NDRA AFC champion, Larry Dobbs of Welland, ON took the top qualifying spot with a 5.89 at 246 mph. Dylan Hache of London, ON wheeled in for second position in the battle of the Funny Car “Birds”.
Although a stiff head-wind challenged the racers all day, E.T.s and speeds were good and the entertainment was great!
Eliminations on Sunday afternoon were run under completely different climatic conditions, but the competition levels remained consistent with Saturday’s finishes.
In a pre-event interview, Larry Dobbs indicated that he was determined to keep his 2012 NDRA AFC championship intact and he certainly accomplished that in this, his first time in the seat for this year’s series. He piloted his Sportz Tent sponsored ’02 Trans Am to a 5.81 second @ 241.02 mph win over Dylan Hache’s 6.10 / 219.08 pass in his ’02 For Wheels Auto Care Firebird . In the same run, he took the day’s low E.T. and top speed.
Although, Pro Doorslammer Trevor Deeks’ E.T. in the final round was a little slower than his 6.58 quickest of the weekend, it was enough for his 6.65 / 211.81 mph victory. NDRA newcomer, Dan Aitken Jr. of Belle River, ON had to settle for runner up with a 7.09 @ 193.79 in his ’95 Ford Mustang.
Dave Earhart of Strathroy, ON missed the opening win that he was looking for, but did muscle the Earhart Heating & Cooling INC., Performance Unlimited sponsored ’02 Camaro to a really decent 217.02 mph fastest Pro Doorslammer speed of the event. Once again; proving that the old Pro Mod still has what it takes to produce big numbers.
It was a crowd pleasing opening for the National Drag Racing Association series. Rivalries were initiated and a high competition was set amongst the racers that will spell great entertainment for the rest of the season’s events.
NDRA President & Operations Director, Dale Boeru came away from the season opener with a gratified feeling and sense of accomplishment after all of the effort that was put into the pre-season. The work is far from done, but this was definitely a good start and a strong precursor to a successful 2013 season.
“We were pleased that we were part of the RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil Spring Blowout presented by Mickey Thompson Tire once again this year. Our Pro Doorslammer and Alcohol Funny Car drivers put on a fabulous show for the fans. I would like to thank Chris & Trish Biro, Matt from Lucas Oil and Paul and Kim Spriet of Grand Bend Motorplex for having the NDRA as part of this tremendous weekend event.”
With the first event in the bag, the National Drag Racing Association heads to Toronto Motorsports Park – Cayuga Dragway on July 12 – 14 for the 4th Annual Canadian Nitro Nationals. There, the Pro Doorslammers and Alcohol Funny Cars will team up with the NDRA Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars for an even better entertainment package.
The NDRA is proudly supported by Ohsweken Speedway, Essroc Ready Mix, Fast Entertainment Inc., Sousa Concrete, Trackless Vehicles Ltd, Xylotek Solutions Inc. Cambridge Concrete Pumping, Shellbourne Fuels, ClearShot Customs, InSight Graphics & Design, Pegasus Glass, Carmen’s Banquet Centre and Canadian Drag Racer Magazine.
For more information about the NDRA and their 2013 schedule, visit their website: www.ndra.ca
Photo Credit: Ian Sprague & Jessie Sharpe
