Seattle Crash Won't Keep Demke from Racing at NHRA U.S. Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (August 31, 2016) – Less than two weeks ago, Chris Demke was climbing out of his mangled Top Alcohol Dragster chassis after a high-speed crash during the second qualifying session at an NHRA West Region race in Seattle. The crash would’ve put some other teams out of commission for weeks, it not months, but the Maddern Racing team went right to work preparing their spare car for this weekend’s 62nd annual Chevrolet Performance NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Racing at Pacific Raceways’ regional event, Demke was qualified seventh going into the second qualifying session when he encountered traction issues, pedaled a few times, and smacked the wall around the eighth-mile mark. The car then shot sideways across the centerline and hit the right wall, eventually coming to a stop past the finish line.

“Having won the Seattle regional the last three years, this is absolutely not how I wanted things to happen. I’m upset with myself for the driver error and destroying a beautiful race car. I’m very thankful to have a team that can put what happened behind them and move on to the next race,” Demke stressed.

The Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products team would’ve worked to prepare their spare car going into any race, but the effort was supercharged due to the fact that their next planned race was the legendary U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Demke won the 60th anniversary edition of the prestigious event in 2014.

“The decision to go to Indy was made the afternoon after I crashed. The team rolled the broken chassis into the trailer and we all knew that if we were going to attempt to go to Indy, the decision had to be made that afternoon. We reviewed our options in a team meeting and the decision was made to make our best effort.”

Demke will roll into Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis with a very capable Uyehara chassis that previously carried the Californian driver to the 2014 NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world championship and several race wins.

“Thanks to the Herculean efforts of Kevin Watson [car chief] and Jerry Maddern [team owner] and assistant Robert Hadaller, they pulled our other car out of storage and got her prepared in a very short period of time. We were prepared to go from Seattle to Indy. To change our plans and come all the way back to L.A., perform this work, and get the rig back on the road with a completely different car was nothing short of phenomenal.

“This car is the car I won the 2014 championship with and we used it through the Vegas national and regional earlier this year. We’re very familiar with this car and I’m very comfortable driving it; it’s not a huge change. Thankfully we took as little as possibly off of it when we put together this last car, but it was still a major task to get it ready for Indy,” Demke commented.

Fortunately, the Maddern Racing blown alcohol dragster was the only thing that was injured during the crash.

“The crash was violent as most crashes are, but all of the safety equipment worked flawlessly and I was able to walk away unscathed,” Demke recalled. “I had some tenderness, but nothing that a little Advil didn’t take care of. Honestly, I played some Ultimate Frisbee last week and I was sorer after that than I was after the crash.”

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products dragster will take to the legendary Lucas Oil Raceway quartermile for the first two Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session on Friday, September 2nd. Another two sessions will follow on Saturday morning. The first two rounds of eliminations will be contested on Sunday. The semifinals and final round will run on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Kevin Watson, Aimee Maddern, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, Robert Hadaller, and Ryan Miller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.Facebook.com/MaddernRacing.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Hoosier Racing Tires, Motorsports Unlimited, VP Racing Fuels, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Northwest Nationals Finalist Demke Seeking Fourth Consecutive Seattle Regional Win

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Ron Lewis

KENT, Wash. (August 18, 2016) – While most of the top NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster teams are racing at the Brainerd national event this weekend, 2014 TAD world champion Chris Demke and the Maddern Racing team will be competing for their fourth consecutive event title at the Pacific Raceways regional event, August 19-21. The decision to race Seattle was an easy call for the California-based driver, who raced to the final round at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways a couple weeks ago.

“We’ve won this race the last three years. We needed some in-region races. We missed out on the Woodburn and Mission races, so we figured we’d hang out in Seattle for the regional race then head east for the U.S. Nationals in Indy,” Demke said.

Demke’s Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster was running on the edge at the NHRA Northwest Nationals. Demke qualified number three with a wheelstanding 5.221 et at 273.66 mph. His first-round 5.219 et was the tenth quickest pass for a blown alcohol dragster. The Maddern Racing team then earned two more round wins over Shawn Cowie and James Stevens. Demke was scheduled to face rival Joey Severance in the final round before rain showers forced the rescheduling of the race. The final round will be completed during qualifying at the NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas in September.

The Maddern Racing group also spent the weekend celebrating the engagement of Demke’s younger sister, Aimee, and car chief Kevin Watson, who was celebrating his birthday during Friday qualifying.

As the Jerry Maddern-led Peen Rite team moves on to this weekend’s regional event, they must adopt a different tune-up than the one that carried Demke to the final round at the national event.

“At some tracks it helps to race there back-to-back, but I don’t think that’s the case with Seattle this year. The track prep won’t be as good as it was at the national event – it was incredible – and the weather was cool. It’s a completely different situation here for the regional with the temperatures expected to be 15 to 20 degrees warmer, as well as elevated track temps,” noted Demke.

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products dragster will take to the Pacific Raceways quarter-mile for Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying sessions at 5:30 PM on Friday and noon and 3:30 PM on Saturday. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Kevin Watson, Aimee Maddern, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, Robert Hadaller, and Ryan Miller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visitwww.Facebook.com/MaddernRacing.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Hoosier Racing Tires, Motorsports Unlimited, VP Racing Fuels, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Northwest Nationals Tests Ahten's Mettle

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Costabile Productions

KENT, Wash. (August 12, 2015) – Shinny bits of metal are great when they are jingling in your pocked as coins. They are less desirable when they are inside the block of your racing motor. That’s just what Johnny Ahten had after his first qualifying run at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways last weekend. A wrist pin broke near the finish line under power and the number five cylinder became a disaster zone.

“Our 5.474/250.04 in the first session put us in the fourth position, but it was costly,” said Johnny Ahten. “The wrist pin failure meant we had to change motors between rounds, and the thrash was on. When they called Alcohol Funny Cars to the lanes we still had yet to put the magnetos on. Luckily, there was oil down and it gave us time to complete the motor change. The plan was to go to a thousand feet with the backup motor. The run went well with a 5.459/245.23, making me wish I had kept my foot in it. That put us in the number five spot after Friday qualifying. It was a positive sign after the destruction of the first session. ”

For Saturday’s final qualifying session the decision was made to crank it up a bit, and try move up the ladder. The Stump Puller had other ideas, as large clouds of smoke poured from the Goodyear’s at the hit. That put Johnny in the eighth spot and a first round meeting with CleanBoost Oil teammate Garrett Bateman. At the start of the race Bateman got off the line first, but Johnny pulled ahead at the two hundred foot mark by a car length. The two A/Fuel warriors battled to-and- fro down the quarter mile. In the end, Bateman’s 5.333/269.03 got the win over Ahten’s 5.354/264.39.

“This was the closest race of the weekend in the class,” added Ahten. “We are bummed about the early exit, but the experience was a very encouraging. I now have about ten runs on this new chassis and I am feeling more comfortable in the new Stump Puller. I would like to give my guys a gold medal, because we were a man down this weekend. My dad and crew chief Al Ahten, along with racing partner Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, and Kevin Colvell were amazing. The engine swap after the first session proved small is mighty.”

The broken parts are off to be repaired because every now and again a small sacrifice to the aluminum gods is needed. The next race for the Island Renovations/Combust Filters dragster will be back at Pacific Raceways for the Regional race on the 21-23rd of August. To stay informed with the latest please visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

…
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The Combust Filters Oil By-Pass Filtration System provides 3 Micron filtration, 100% Water Removal, Soot Removal, Extended Engine Life, Pollution Prevention, and Reduced Oil Consumption. By keeping the oil free of moisture contamination and particulates larger than 3 microns, your engine oil will have reduced Oxidation, Nitration, while maintaining required oil viscosity and TBN for proper lubrication. Our system incorporates only the best technology and quality construction for ease of use and installation. Features include an easy to read pressure gauge, 2 sizes of spin-on filters (7” and 12”), a push button oil sample valve, and a custom flow fitting to ensure a continuous proper flow. No internal moving parts to wear out! Visit us at: www.combustfilters.com

Points Leader Chris Demke Bringing Red-Hot Peen Rite TA/D to Seattle

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

KENT, Wash. (August 6, 2015) – Red-hot NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Chris Demke is back on the west coast after a dominant Midwest tour, which ended with a total of three race wins in four attempts. Demke, who leads the NHRA Lucas Oil Series national points, is set to compete in the NHRA Northwest Nationals near Seattle, with full knowledge that he'll face competitors and conditions he hasn't seen in months.

“No doubt the last few races have given us great momentum but you can never take it for granted. As we head back west we're going to be facing a whole different set of players, each presenting their own challenges. We're leaving the heat and humidity of the Midwest and heading back to the oxygen-rich Northwest. We traditionally run well at Seattle. I have high expectations for our car's performance, and we're going to need it because we're going to run head-to-head with our strongest competitor, Joey Severance,” noted the Peen Rite-sponsored driver.

“We have that momentum,” Demke added. “Now it's going to be important for our team to continue what we're doing. The points and the championship chase are important, but we never want to lose sight of the fact that we go to the races to have fun.”

The Northwest Nationals is one of the most memorable and successful stops on the tour for Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster team. They went to the final round in half of their last six Seattle appearances, including an infamous coast-fest with a former rival in 2012. Demke's Seattle memories aren't all positive, though, as the Top Alcohol Dragster community lost one of its most universally respected competitors in 2010.

“The coast-fest final round with Jim Whiteley was a very exciting way to win a race, but losing Mark Niver in 2010 will always hold a higher position in my memory. That was my second win, and it taught me that winning isn't always fun. I always go to Seattle with Mark Niver in my mind and in my heart.”

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products Top Alcohol Dragster team will hit the Pacific Raceways quarter-mile for qualifying at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, August 7-9, beginning with sessions at 2 and 5 PM on Friday. Teams will get a third qualifying session at noon on Saturday before first round of eliminations at 3 PM. Eliminations continue on Sunday afternoon.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Hoosier Racing Tires, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Positive Momentum has Hunter Primed for NHRA Northwest Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

KENT, Wash. (August 5, 2015) – Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Greg Hunter is beaming with his usual pre-race optimism as he and the Synoil Energy Services team prepare for the NHRA Northwest Nationals. A recent test session in the team's native Canada has the Geoff Goodwin-owned team re-energized after a sizable break since their last event, a race they won as back-to-back champions.

“We had a pretty good test session in Edmonton after winning the Mission regional race. Testing was successful and gave us a lot of optimism. We're feeling good about Seattle,” said Hunter, a Northwest native.

The test session, held during the IHRA Nitro Jam Rocky Mountain Nationals, couldn't have happened at a better time, as it turned out. While the Synoil team was using the opportunity to gain more experience with Goodyear slicks, they also caught an unfortunate parts failure.

“We actually broke some parts at the test session, which is never good, but we were glad it happened then instead of during Seattle. We were so happy that we came out and had that happen then, because it would've been a real downer to suffer a parts failure at the Northwest Nationals. We broke the rear-end and the crew did just an amazing job. They changed it out in less than an hour. Everybody worked spectacularly together and I feel like we have some momentum. We had some issues but we got better with each run,” added the driver of the Synoil Energy Services/Exact Air Compliance Systems entry.

NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competitors will begin qualifying at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, August 7-9, on Friday with sessions at 1:30 and 4:30 PM. Last chance qualifying is set for 12:30 PM on Saturday, followed up by first round of eliminations at 3:30 PM. Eliminations continue after first round of Professional competition, which begins at 11 AM Sunday morning.

Greg Hunter and Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team are returning for their second season together in 2015. With primary support from Synoil Energy Services and Exact Air Compliance Systems, Hunter will run a full schedule of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and LODRS regional events. Synoil Racing receives additional support from Northgate Industries Ltd., Ron Hodgson Chevrolet-GMC-Buick, Twister Piling Inc., Proform Concrete Services Inc., Prowler Contracting, Pumps & Pressure Inc., Hampton's Oilfield Services, Landale Signs, MD Truck Repair, and CleanBoost Motor Oils.

Like Synoil Racing on Facebook – www.facebook.com/synoilracing.

Demke Wins Seattle Regional, Adds Topeka Regional to Schedule

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 20) – Top Alcohol Dragster star Chris Demke claimed his third regional event win of the season last weekend when he won the NHRA Lucas Oil Series West Region race at Pacific Raceways. Just weeks removed from reaching the finals at the O'Reilly NHRA Northwest Nationals, also at Seattle, Demke beat two northwest blown alcohol drivers and a fellow SoCal resident to win his third regional event in as many attempts. Now Chris and the Peen Rite team head east for two weeks of Midwest racing in Kansas and Indiana.

Demke qualified at the Seattle regional event in the No. 2 spot with a 5.273 at 273 MPH. He was a few thousandths of a second shy of repeating in the first round against Kim Parker, winning with a 5.278. A quick pedal was necessary to beat local hero Shawn Cowie in a 5.357 to 5.436 semifinal decision. Chris again had to pedal the Peen Rite entry in the final round but opponent Johnny Ahten, who ran 5.22 and 5.20 earlier in the weekend, smoked the tires. Demke took the win with a 5.348 elapsed time.

“Our car ran what I expected it would run during qualifying and the first round of eliminations, but we just missed the tune-up in the semis and final. It shook the tires and I can't say that I was ready for it. The car was running so well in the previous runs so the shake caught me off-guard and I didn't do the best driving job. I was impressed by the car's performance considering my driving during the final two rounds,” Chris said humbly.

The weekend was lucrative on the points front with Demke maintaining a healthy lead over Joey Severance in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster national points standings. Severance, a noted Northwest-based driver, was racing at a national event in Brainerd, Minn.

“It was a good weekend for the points chase,” Demke concurred. “There was certainly a buzz in the pit when we heard that Joey went out second round at Brainerd. The crew was excited because we knew our run for the championship had gained some momentum.”

Demke and the Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products team continue their busy 2014 season this weekend as they add the Topeka regional event to their schedule. Riding along with them will be continued support from a two-year Maddern Racing sponsor.

“I renewed my relationship with associate sponsor Morningwood Energy Drink while we were in Seattle. The CEO came by during the race and gave us some cases to pass out to fans. The forecast for Topeka is calling for 100 degree days so fans are welcome to stop by and sample a Morningwood Energy Drink.

“The Topeka race isn't as important to national points as it is to regional points as we're maxed out with three regional wins towards the national championship. We're going to Topeka hoping that the weather will be similar to what we'll see at Indy, so we're treating this as a test session for the biggest race of the year, the U.S. Nationals. This is our first time racing at the Topeka regional, though we've had some success at the Topeka national event. Even though we're treating it as a test session I'm confident that we have the opportunity to do very well there,” Demke claimed.

The NHRA Lucas Oil Series Central Regional event at Heartland Park Topeka, August 22-23, begins on Friday with TAD qualifying at 5 and 7:30 PM. Eliminations start at 6 PM Saturday evening.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Third Final of the Year for Ahten at Seattle Regional

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Costabile Productions

Kent, WA. – Johnny Ahten’s performance statement at the LODRS Regional speaks volumes. Johnny not only had low ET of the event, but he reset the Pacific Raceways A-Fuel track record. He then parlayed his #1 qualifying performance into the final round, which was his third of the year. See a trend here? Even though Ahten fell to CleanBoost Performance Oil teammate Chris Demke in the final, the numerical threat the Island Renovations / Combust Filters Dragster displayed was more than enough to make it a memorable outing.

“I am very happy with our performance, “said Johnny Ahten. “The Stump Puller was a monster and we ran on the edge the whole time. I am so proud of my guys the way we came back from a first round loss at the Seattle National event. It’s tough to lose, but it’s not so bad when it’s to the team leading the points. This was our third final of the year and Ahten Racing is confident going into the end of the year.”

Ahten’s Seattle Regional adventure began with a test session on Friday. The plan was to run to 1000ft and shut it off. Johnny got a great start, motored down the track, and pulled the chutes early. The scoreboard flashed an expectedly slow 237 mph, but when the 5.22 ET lit up, it made people take notice. Saturday’s first qualifying effort was dashed in a cloud of smoke as the Stump Puller was flexing some muscle. In Q2, a clean start netted a 5.26@269 pass that would hold up for the #1 qualifying spot. In the last qualifying session, the cooler temperatures had the Ahten Racing team looking for glory, but it was not to be as the track was unable to hold the power.

Sunday’s first round of eliminations began with a match-up with Jeff Ashwell. Johnny blasted off the line first and rocketed to a 5.202@269.73 to defeat Ashwell’s 6.022@179.59 effort. The run ended up being low of the event and reset the track record. It was also one of the quickest A-Fuel passes of the season. Second round was a battle with fellow A-Fuel racer Garrett Bateman. Here Johnny’s 5.273@267.85 dispatched a tire-smoking Bateman and it was on to the finals. Laying in wait was Chris Demke. Crew Chief Al Ahten and team partner Howard Katano backed down the tune-up and Bob Ahten, Chuck Costabile, and Kevin Covlell got the car ready. The record setting monster was ready to attack. All was well until one second into the run, when smoke poured from the tires of the Stump Puller. Just a toe over the edge of traction was enough to hand the victory to Demke.

Johnny Ahten and the team will feed off of their Seattle Regional performance and ride the monster all the way to the finals at Pomona. Ahten Racing’ next outing will be the LODRS Regional race September 5-7 at Mission Raceway in British Colombia, Canada. To stay informed visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers’ needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows and doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service and products to give your home added value with the satisfaction and peace of mind from a company that puts their customers first. Visit us: www.islandrenovations.net

The Combust Filters Oil By-Pass Filtration System provides 3 Micron filtration, 100% Water Removal, Soot Removal, Extended Engine Life, Pollution Prevention, and Reduced Oil Consumption. By keeping the oil free of moisture contamination and particulates larger than 3 microns, your engine oil will have reduced Oxidation, Nitration, while maintaining required oil viscosity and TBN for proper lubrication. Our system incorporates only the best technology and quality construction for ease of use and installation. Features include an easy to read pressure gauge, 2 sizes of spin-on filters (7” and 12”), a push button oil sample valve, and a custom flow fitting to ensure a continuous proper flow. No internal moving parts to wear out! Visit us at: www.combustfilters.com

Seattle Regional Defending Champ Demke is Back for More

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

KENT, Wash. (August 14) – A recent runner-up finish at the NHRA Northwest Nationals is fresh on the mind of Chris Demke as he returns to Pacific Raceways for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Series West Region race. The Maddern Racing team is equipped with solid data from the national event, and they're eager to improve in this weekend's better predicted conditions. Demke is confident in his Peen Rite Top Alcohol Dragster's ability to make quick, clean runs down the race track, but he's also wary of his competition, especially the nitro-burning racers.

“The weather is possibly going to be cooler. I expect the A/Fuel cars to step up accordingly. I'm sure they've all gained data from the national event, and with that knowledge they'll refine their tune-ups and step it up a bit. But based on our performance at Seattle, I think we have something for them,” claimed Demke, who won this event last year.

This weekend's West Region event is the seventh race in three months for Demke and the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products team. They've crisscrossed the country from their home base in southern California to the rural race tracks of Ohio and everywhere in between. While the driver and crew has had time at home between those races, the equipment hasn't had the same treatment.

“This race is the end of a long road trip for the car and hauler. The rig hasn't been back to the shop since it left for Topeka back in May. Everything will head back to the Maddern Racing shop after this event for servicing and any necessary repairs before it goes out on its next journey,” stated the crew member-turned-driver.

When looking at their race planner for this weekend, the Peen Rite team was faced with a choice; stay on the west coast at Seattle or venture east again for the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.

“The crew had me enter the Brainerd race just in case we wanted to go to there instead. Ultimately we decided to stay at Seattle and use our good tune-up to accumulate some more points,” Demke concluded.

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the Pacific Raceways Lucas Oil Regional presented by The Sports Page begins at noon on Saturday, August 16th and continues at 3:45 and 7 PM. Eliminations start at noon on Sunday.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, and LA X-Ray.

Demke Streaks to Northwest Nationals Runner-up Finish

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

SEATTLE (August 5) – In a battle between two of the baddest blown alcohol dragsters in the country, Chris Demke came up just a little short to points rival Joey Severance. The two west coast hitters were racing in the final round at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways last weekend. While he lost the race, Demke maintained his national points lead and rediscovered a high level of performance.

Demke's Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products Top Alcohol Dragster was laying down consecutive five-twenty passes through qualifying, progressing with runs of 5.29, 5.27 and 5.26 to qualify number two behind Severance. Strong passes continued as eliminations started, first ousting Los Angeles firefighter Johnny Ahten in the first round with a 5.31, then Shawn Cowie with a 5.28. The Jerry Maddern-led team turned up the wick for the semifinals, beating Garrett Bateman's 5.32 with a 5.26. Chris' quickest run of the weekend would be in the final round. He streaked to a 5.251 at 273 MPH but Joey Severance's 5.238 ET and quicker reaction time were enough to take the Northwest Nationals victory.

“The final round was a very quick one,” Demke said. “I didn't expect our car to run that quick. In the round before, it backfired the supercharger at the finish line. We couldn't find anything wrong with the long block so we just installed a new intake manifold, slapped the blower back on, and borrowed an injector from Mark Taliaferro and Norm Grimes. I didn't expect the motor to be completely healthy – I thought there would be some hidden damage but lo and behold the car ran our quickest ET of the event. It was a very quick, side-by-side race. I certainly would've liked to win but Joey was setting the pace and he was the car to beat all weekend. He ended up with a well-deserved victory.”

Some elements of the event were predictable, but others weren't so, as Chris explains.

“It (the level of competition) was everything I expected. I was impressed with our ability to meet the challenge. I thought the A/Fuel cars would be able to take advantage of the good track conditions. Joey ran every bit as quick as I expected. (Mark) Taliaferro had his challenges, but I'm just glad he's okay after that horrific crash. I was the next pair down in that lane so I had a front row seat for that crash.”

Taliaferro is a fellow blown alcohol driver who suffered a threatening hit to the retaining wall after smoking the tires in the second round of eliminations. He walked away without serious injury but the crash brought back eery memories for Demke, who witnessed the loss of a friend and competitor at this event in 2011.

“I was very sad to see Mark's crash but I'm so happy to hear that he's okay. That's a tough team. I look forward to seeing them back on track when they get their program back together, but mostly I'm just glad that he's okay. It's a testament to the safety equipment that someone was able to walk away from a crash like that. It had me pretty shaken up on the starting line. Having seen the loss of Mark Niver from that same position, you never know what to expect when you see a car get banged up like that. I'm glad Mark is alright,” Chris stressed.

With everyone moving on from the weekend's events, Demke is already eager to return to Seattle for a West Region event in two weeks. He will go into the race with a higher confidence in his Maddern Racing entry.

“I think we have our reliability on track and now our five-twenty race car is back. I'm looking forward to more 5.2-second runs in the future.”

ESPN2's coverage of the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals airs on August 10th at 11:30 AM ET.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, and LA X-Ray.

Johnny Ahten's Northwest Nationals Menu Plan

Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Photo courtesy of Mike Cornelius

Kent, WA. – The entry list for this weekend’s NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways is a recipe for quick times and fast speeds in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Johnny Ahten and the Island Renovations / Combust Filters Team have all the ingredients they need and a plan to serve it up proper. The last few races have proved that the Stump Puller is capable of running a number. Last year Ahten Racing qualified in the second position and look to fair well again this year.

“We are going to pick up where we left off at Woodburn,” said Ahten. “Our tune-up is strong and we ran fast and hard. I look at all the trees here and am amazed at the splendor. It is a beautiful track, but I am looking to see some majestic numbers on the scoreboard. We have a good handle on the car and all I have to do is concentrate on my craft,” added Ahten.

Ahten Racing is now stronger because of the support of long time sponsor Island Renovations. The Hawaiian home improvement company and owner/Ahten Racing partner Howard Katano have blessed the car and trailer with many new go-fast parts. Katano will be assisting crew chief Al Ahten this weekend along with Kevin Colvell and Chuck Costabile. Johnny Ahten will once again handle driving and clutch duties for the weekend.

The 2014 Northwest Nationals marks the one year anniversary of the debut of the new-look Stump Puller. The classic blue and white wrap has set a tone for the team and refreshed more than just an image for the car. The momentum from one year ago is still with Ahten Racing. This weekend Johnny Ahten has a plan - let the Stump Puller feast.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, Aug. 1, with sessions at 2:15 and 5:00 p.m. The final qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Aug. 2, at 11:30 and first round of final eliminations are scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Sunday’s round 2 will follow the pro’s first round.

To stay informed visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing
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Sanford Enters Northwest Nationals with New Support From Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

SEATTLE (August 1) – After a few months away from the racetrack, 20-year old Ashley Sanford is more than ready to strap into her Gelish Nail Polish/Lucas Oil A/Fuel Dragster at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals, August 1-3. Refreshed with new parts, a spare motor, and motivation from promising performance at their last race, the SummitRacing.com Nationals at Las Vegas in March, Sanford and team head back into a consecutive stretch of racing.

“Keeping up with the results is pretty much the closest we've been to racing since Vegas,” Sanford said. “Ever since that race I was hoping the time between races would fly by and fortunately it did. What's great is now we're going to be busy. We have at least one race per month until the Finals in November.

“I haven't raced since March, but the team has stayed busy over the summer to prepare for these races. We tested at Bakersfield one weekend. While we didn't get the data that we were looking for, we did learn something and I received valuable seat time. I also want to thank my team for their hard work putting together our spare motor.”

The Northwest Nationals is the debut race for a new Ashley Sanford Racing sponsor, joining prominent supporters Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish, Lucas Oil, and America's Best Value Inns on the pink and white nitro-injected A/Fuel Dragster.

“We have our Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer on board now. They're a sister company to Gelish and we're very excited to have them on the side of the car. For me it's an honor to represent a girls' brand and a growing brand, like my team is; we're growing, too. It's two young girls who run the company so we can relate. It's a privilege to race for such great sponsors,” Ashley noted.

Ashley Sanford and her Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish/Lucas Oil Products Top Alcohol Dragster team will hit the track at 2:15 and 5 PM on Friday and 11:30 on Saturday for qualifying. Eliminations begin at 2:15 PM on Saturday and resume on Sunday morning.

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 20 year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, tuned by Troy Schweers. The Gelish team – team owner Shane Sanford, Troy, Dave, Ed, Mike, Jeff, Dean, Torrey, and Robin, formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer, Lucas Oil Products, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

For more information on Ashley Sanford and the Gelish A/Fuel Dragster team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).

Northwesterner Greg Hunter Chasing First Win at Northwest Nationals

Courtesy of NVWMotorsports Promotion

SEATTLE (July 31) – Northwest native Greg Hunter will race at his home national event this weekend. Driving the Synoil Energy Services/ExactAir Top Alcohol Funny Car, Hunter is competing at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, August 1-3. Despite having four months off since their last national event, Greg and the Geoff Goodwin-led Synoil Racing team are excited to improve upon their performance and race for their first Wally together.

“Our last NHRA national event was the SummitRacing.com Nationals in March, where we reached the semifinals. Over July 4^th weekend we ran a match race at the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals with John Evanchuk. A lot of our sponsors were in attendance and the car ran well. Since then I've been doing a lot of business stuff with work – that has been going very well – so it'll be nice to go out to Seattle and race again. It's been a while since we've been back at the track and back at an NHRA national event,” Hunter claimed.

Hunter, who resides in Wyoming, last raced at the Northwest Nationals in 2013 behind the wheel of a blown Top Alcohol Dragster. Seattle was the site of his first national event race with his own TAFC in 2004. Now he's back in a methanol-burning Funny Car, eager to push deep into eliminations in front of a home crowd.

“Seattle is one of our team's favorite races. It's a great track and it looks like the temperature should be just right. It's going to be a tough field but we're confident going in that we'll be able to run with anyone,” Greg added.

Greg Hunter and the Synoil Energy Services/ExactAir Top Alcohol Funny Car team will hit the track at 1:45 and 4:30 PM on Friday and noon on Saturday for qualifying. Eliminations begin at 2:45 PM on Saturday and resume on Sunday morning.

Greg Hunter and Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team have joined forces for the 2014 season. With primary support from Synoil Enery Services and ExactAir Compliance Systems, Hunter will run a full schedule of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and LODRS regional events. Synoil Racing receives additional support from Northgate Industries Ltg., Ron Hodgson Chevrolet-GMC-Buick, Southgate Buick, Twister Piling Inc., Proform Concrete Services Inc., Prowling Contracting, Pumps & Pressure Inc., Waylon's Transport, Hampton's Oilfield Services, Landale Signs, MD Truck Repair, and Castrol.

Like Synoil Racing on Facebook – www.facebook.com/synoilracing.

Demke Returns to West Coast for Northwest Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

SEATTLE (July 31) – Maddern Racing driver Chris Demke returns to the west coast this weekend for the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, August 1-3. He brings with him the Top Alcohol Dragster national points lead, as well as Wallys from recent wins at Billings, Chicago and Columbus. Momentum and a history of success at Seattle will fuel the California team as they race for national event win number three of the season.

“This is a continuation of that road trip. The car hasn't been back to the shop since it left for Topeka in May. Certainly these last few races have squared our shoulders and given our team a bit of a swagger, but I can't discount the competition that's going to be at Seattle. It's the same bunch of guys that we avoided by going to Columbus instead of Woodburn. Now we're going to face the facts that we have to race these guys. We're going to give it our best. It won't be easy but I think we have a good tune-up for Seattle,” Demke claimed.

Realizing the potential of the competition, Chris Demke knows that his team can't miss a step as the 2014 season reaches the tail end of the summer stretch.

“Everybody is patting me on the back for having the points lead. It's a great position to be in but the season is far from over. Our team can't let our guard down. We have to stay aggressive and keep doing what we do best, and that's winning rounds and winning races.”

The Northwest Nationals bring back bittersweet memories for Demke and the Peen Rite team. They've reached the finals in three of their last five Seattle appearances, including a bizarre 2012 final against Jim Whiteley where both cars coasted to the finish line. The race that stands out most, though, is the 2010 final. Demke won the race when he took the green light. The other finalist and team friend, Mark Niver, passed away following a tragic semifinal accident.

“While we've had some crazy luck at this race in the past, it's also where we lost Mark Niver. I never go to Seattle without Mark on my mind. Whenever I pull to the starting line I'm thinking of Mark Niver,” Demke said emotionally. “That was my second national event win. While my first win was a joyous occasion, that second win taught me that winning isn't always a happy situation. I always like to think that Mark Niver was the real winner of the Seattle 2010 race because he was the last guy to turn on the win light.”

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products Top Alcohol Dragster will take to the track at 2:15 and 5 PM on Friday and 11:30 AM on Saturday for qualifying. Eliminations begin at 2:15 PM on Saturday and continue on Sunday morning.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, and LA X-Ray.

Germain Perseveres in the Face of Adverstiy

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association

If Dave Germain were most people, he would have quit a long time ago.

"We keep thinking we have it figured out, and we keep finding out we don't," says Germain, veteran driver of the Tigercat Top Alcohol Funny Car and a retired firefighter with the patience of Job. "You drive away from the race track Sunday and ask yourself, 'What the hell did we do wrong?' "

Germain has two DNQs and a first-round loss so far this year. Last year, it was four DNQs, a first-round loss, and a second-round loss. The year before that, it was two first-round losses and two DNQs, and the year before that, three first-round losses and a second-round loss. In 2010, he had two first-round losses and a DNQ, in '09 it was three first-round losses and two DNQs, and in '08 he DNQed in his only appearance. That's two round-wins in seven years. A lesser man would've given up.

"You get home from a race," Germain says, "and people will come up and ask you, 'Well, did you win?' The next race: 'Did you win this time?' Next race, same thing. Hell no I didn't win. It's kinda tough out there, you know?"

"I don't know how he's done it," says Eric Krume, Germain's partner on the car, who works about 18 hours a day at Krume Logging and in his "free time" serves as Germain's crew chief. "I don't know what keeps Dave going, but he's always smiling, always happy. I like to tune and want to drive, but I'm not going to bring out another car when we haven't been able to get this one running right."

"We hurt so many pistons, the crew's gotten to be like a NASCAR crew," Germain says. "Only instead of, 'OK, let's change the right-side rubber and gas it up,' it's, 'Let's get this thing torn apart and get some new pistons in it.' Every run it seems to get two or three pistons, and the car just eats parts like you wouldn't believe, but no matter what we do, we can't get it to run. We keep changing stuff and changing stuff and changing stuff, and it gets pretty frustrating. We've changed clutch programs, changed blowers, put a whole new ignition on it I don't know how many times. Last year, we got a whole new chassis. Same thing.

"I'm actually starting to think we're getting bum data from the computer," he says. "You have an idea of what's a lean air/fuel ratio and what's a rich one, but that's all dependent on the boost reading and the flow-meter reading being accurate. You look at the RacePak, and the car should be blubbering rich, but the spark plugs sure don't say that."

Eschewing the computer data and going off what the parts told them, Germain and Krume ran an easy 5.78 last weekend in Woodburn, Ore., that has them and their Tigercat teammates Lee Crosslin, Hal Westerlund, Matt "Ishmael" Fortin, Don Houser, Scott Armstrong, and Kim Germain feeling optimistic heading into to the biggest race of their season, this weekend's Northwest Nationals.

"We just went back to an old tune-up, and the car liked it," Germain says. But, as he knows better than anyone, 5.70s only get you so far when you compete in a part of the country that sometimes has regional events with bumps in the 5.60s.

 "There are a lot of Funny Cars out west, and a lot of big hitters from California that we're always up against," Germain says. "You scratch your head and your bottom lip is sticking out when you don't qualify or get beat first round, but there are 16 cars in the field at every national event, and 15 of them are going to be losers. There are hundreds and hundreds of cars at every race, and only eight or 10 of them are going to win. I've been around this deal for a long time, and that's just the way it is."

Krume, 46, is way into the nostalgia scene and has been involved with the sport since the old 64 Funny Car days at Seattle in the 1970s, when he helped out on Jim Green famous "Green Elephant" Vega. Germain, 56, has been hopelessly addicted to drag racing since he converted his '69 Roadrunner, a former SS/DA car, into a street machine when he was still in high school.

"I kept moving up a little, getting stuff a little nicer and a little nicer and eventually ended up building my own Super Comp car from the ground up," Germain says. "People would ask me why I ever moved up from Super Comp to Alcohol Funny Car, and I'd tell them, 'I had to. I was never any good at Super Comp.' In that class, if you're late, you can't make it up. If you don't have about a .017 light every time, there's not a snowball's chance in hell that you're going to win. You need to cut a light in Alcohol Funny Car, too, but if you don't, at least you still have a chance to drive around them."

Calling on the stick-to-itiveness that carried him through decades of risking his life fighting fires for the Tacoma Fire Department, Germain remains as undeterred as ever. "I'm a lousy quitter," he says. "I'm just not good at it. I was a firefighter/paramedic for the city of Tacoma for 30 years, 27 on the rescue/medic unit. You don't quit – someone could die. Most firefighters are adrenaline junkies. No one would ever wish anything bad on anyone, but we were always ready for something to catch on fire, something to happen.

"Drag racing is like that. It's a hell of a challenge. You keep waiting, waiting, waiting for that one exciting run. You'd be amazed at how many people want to give me advice. It's not like we haven't paid tuners. We've paid plenty. People have even told me, 'Hey, you know this guy might be a better driver than you. He's lighter. He's got more experience.' Well, as long as I'm writing the checks, I'm driving the car. Someday, I'll get this deal figured out and think, ''Why didn't I see that a long time ago?' It'll probably be some stupid little thing. But one way or another, it is going to happen."

Ferre Set to Make Top Alcohol Dragster Debut

Courtesy of Cameron Ferre Motorsports

Cameron Ferre is looking forward to reaching another landmark in his racing career. At this weekend’s O’Reilly NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, the 29-year-old California State University Fullerton graduate will be competing in the Top Alcohol Dragster category for the first time.

Ferre has had success throughout his ascension up the world’s fastest-accelerating motorsport from the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, where he was the 2002 Western Conference Finals champion, through the NHRA Lucas Oil categories in which he captured a victory at the 2012 Auto Club NHRA Finals in Super Comp. Ferre, who finished in the quarterfinals of Super Comp at last weekend’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals, hopes to carry that forward in his debut behind the wheel of Larry Miersch’s nitro-burning A/Fuel dragster.

Ferre made three runs in the dragster at Auto Club Famoso Raceway to upgrade his competition license. His last attempt was a 5.60-second, 262-mph pass.

“I’m pretty stoked,” said Ferre. “I can’t wait. That thing is a kick in the pants. It picks up and trucks on the back-half.”

The Huntington Beach, Calif., resident began talks with Miersch about driving long ago and received the chance to learn the mechanical side of the car prior to buckling into the cockpit. Miersch gained additional confidence in Ferre’s ability to wheel his 5.2-second, 270-mph dragster last season when he watched him drive nitro veteran Twig Zeigler’s 5.7-second Nostalgia Funny Car.

“I’ve been talking to Larry about it for a long time and learning the ropes by working with him,” said Ferre. “After seeing me driving the Nostalgia Funny Car last year, he decided it was time. I was able to put the sponsorship together to get my license and do a couple races, so here we are.”

The effort is supported by Nitrohead.com, JBS Ltd., Club Ted, and Popeye Energy Drink.

“We’re set for Seattle and potentially beyond,” said Ferre. “I hope to continue to try to put something together for Las Vegas and Pomona at the end of this year and work on the 2015 season. I also have a new Top Dragster coming out this year. The ultimate goal is to drive in Top Fuel one day. I’m slowly progressing, working hard, paying my dues, and seeing what can happen.”

Ahten Cards Top Times & Final Round Appearance at Seattle Regional

Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Photo courtesy of Mike Cornelius

Kent, WA. – Johnny Ahten and the Island Renovations/Combust Filters Team recorded the top elapsed time and speed of last weekend’s Regional event at Pacific Raceways in route to their final round appearance. The one thing that prevented Ahten from winning is a bit of a mystery. Usually it is known how or why something happened. This time in the final round against CleanBoost Oil teammate Chris Demke, the one thing became the deciding element. That one thing you ask? The culprit was cylinder number one. For some unknown reason it decided to take the final round off. Johnny recorded a runner-up 5.562/259.11 on seven pistons firing to Chris Demke’s 5.320/268.54. 

A weary but upbeat Ahten was happy about the team’s performance but still looking for a reason. “Right after the final round defeat we went to the pits and looked at everything. We could not find a reason why cylinder one went out at the hit. We have never lost that particular cylinder before. We searched high and low for evidence to explain it. We found nothing. I guess you just have to chalk it up to it being a characteristic of an A-Fuel car,” said Ahten. 

The journey to the finals was filled with some spectacular speed and excitement. The Ahten Racing team of Crew Chief Al Ahten, crew members Howard Katano, Kevin Colvell, and Chuck Costabile picked up right where they left off at the National event two weeks ago. A strong number three qualifying spot and 5.333 was a good start. In the first round against Aaron Olivarez, both cars had issues, but Johnny got the win with a 5.584/263.87. Waiting in the next round was the red-hot Shawn Cowie. The Ahten Racing gang knew they just had to carry on and go fast. Cowie got the advantage off the line but by half track Johnny caught him and dispatched the two-in-a-row race winner with a 5.313/268.76 to a losing 5.428/265.01.

 The Ahten Racing pits were a bit more crowed after that run with fans and racers alike congratulating them on the victory over Cowie. “So many people came by to say hi and congratulate us on the round win,” said Ahten. “We took down a heavy hitter with that 5.31 and it felt great. It also meant we had lane choice in the finals against Demke. The testing and dyno work we did earlier in the year really paid off,” added Ahten.

Going into the final round against the strong running Demke, Johnny had the confidence of his previous performance and the advantage of lane choice. He had the faster of the two cars, but the ominous failure of cylinder one was looming.  After a normal burnout, Johnny backed up and awaited the flash of the tree. When the lights came down it was Demke getting the advantage and the win with a 5.320/268.54 over Ahten’s cylindrically challenged 5.562/259.11. The semi-final victory and final round glory faded all because cylinder one failed to stay lit. The mystery of why may remain, but the performance of the Stump Puller and Johnny Ahten is no longer unknown.   

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Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers’ needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows and doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service and products to give your home added value with the satisfaction and peace of mind from a company that puts their customers first. Visit us at www.islandrenovations.net

The Combust Filters Oil By-Pass Filtration System provides 3 Micron filtration, 100% Water Removal, Soot Removal, Extended Engine Life, Pollution Prevention, and Reduced Oil Consumption. By keeping the oil free of moisture contamination and particulates larger than 3 microns, your engine oil will have reduced Oxidation, Nitration, while maintaining required oil viscosity and TBN for proper lubrication. Our system incorporates only the best technology and quality construction for ease of use and installation. Features include an easy to read pressure gauge, 2 sizes of spin-on filters (7” and 12”), a push button oil sample valve, and a custom flow fitting to ensure a continuous proper flow. No internal moving parts to wear out!  Visit us at: www.combustfilters.com

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Demke Pads TAD Lead, Gasparrelli Wins TAFC

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association

At the West Regional at Pacific Raceways, Chris Demke picked up his second win of the season to strengthen his tenuous lead in the most wide-open Top Alcohol Dragster points race in years, and in Alcohol Funny Car, Steve Gasparrelli conquered a deep and talented field for his latest win at Seattle, where he does better than at any other track.

In the most consistent performance of his career, Demke qualified No. 1 with a 5.32 at 267 mph and ran three straight 5.32s at 268 in eliminations for his second win in eight 2013 finals. "Over the years we've been pretty consistent, but not that consistent," he said. "No way have I ever run the same e.t. in every single round of a race until this weekend."

Demke's 5.321 covered Megan McKernan's 5.55 in the first round, and a 5.325 in the semifinals eliminated Ray Martin, who red-lighted by just one-thousandth of a second en route to a 5.39. Johnny Ahten came up with low e.t. of the meet, 5.313, in the other semifinal to take out Shawn Cowie, who had won the Northwest Nationals at this track two weeks earlier. Ahten ended a streak of 12 consecutive round-wins for Cowie, who won the 2011 SummitRacing.com Nationals in his last start before the horrific motorcycle accident that sidelined him for two years, then the Woodburn regional last month, and then the Northwest Nationals.

"Ahten ran right ahead of me, and I was plenty concerned about him after that 5.31," Demke said. "Those guys have really stepped up their program this year, and more people than I even want to think about have gotten their first win over me, so I was plenty nervous going into the final. I figured I might have to leave on him to win." He did, with a .049, and leaped ahead in the mid-range when Ahten's A/Fueler rattled the tires for a 5.320 to 5.56 win that opened his lead on reigning national champ Jim Whiteley in the national standings.

"We should have been able to run a high 5.20-something here – we just did at the national event – but we never veered to far from our original tune-up," Demke said. "It was consistent and pretty fast the way it was, and it worked – we won. We'll have the points lead going into Indy, but the championship is still a long shot if you ask me. We've left too many points on the table with runner-ups, and I still consider Whiteley the favorite."

Gasparrelli was nearly as consistent in Top Alcohol Funny Car as Demke was in Top Alcohol Dragster. The many-time Division 7 champ, who has been in five national event finals and four divisional finals at Seattle, won this one going away when Shane Westerfield struck the tires right off the starting line after cutting the best light of the entire event, .022. Gasparrelli won with a third straight .070 light and 5.6 pass, a 5.64 at 258 mph.

Westerfield, who got his first win earlier this season in Houston, paced the field in qualifying and reached the final with wins over the last two Seattle national event champs, John Evanchuk (2012) and Clint Thompson (2013). A 5.76 erased Evanchuk's close 5.79 in the first round, and only a 9.77 was necessary in the semi's when Thompson red-lighted.

Gasparrelli duplicated his 5.61 qualifying time in a first-round win over 2008 Division 7 champ Terry Ruckman, who slowed to a 6.11. In the semifinals, Gasparrelli's 5.66 was more than enough when friend Doug Gordon, who'd nipped Sean Bellemeur in the opening round, smoked the tires off the starting line.