Jegs Allstars/Route 66 Nationals Drivers to Watch

Now entering its 29th year, the Jegs Allstars special race brings out the nation's top Sportsmans racers to compete at the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, just outside of Chicago. Past winners and competitors at the Allstars event have gone on to win championships, with several stepping up to the Pro ranks shortly after competing. We've put together a complete guide to the weekend's competitors and the history of the event.


JEGS Allstars Top Alcohol Dragster Qualifiers 

John Finke - Most recent East region winner (Lebanon Valley).
Dan Mercier - One 2013 final round appearance (Virginia regional)
Bill Reichert - Won back-to-back at Charlotte1 and Indy regional. Maple Grove regional runner-up.
Marty Thacker - Reached the finals at Indy and Norwalk regionals, winning the latter.
Gord Gingles - Runner-up at season-opening Houston regional.
Randy Meyer - Won the Richmond regional and Houston national event. 2012 Allstars runner-up.

David Smith photo

Ray Martin - Drove Hugh Ridley's blown car to wins at Firebird and Mission regionals.
Chris Demke - Defending Allstars champ. Runner-up at Pomona, Vegas, Topeka nationals, Chicago regional.

 Images LTD photo

JEGS Allstars Top Alcohol Dragster Qualifiers

Dan Pomponio - Streaked to consecutive wins at both Gainesville events, Richmond, and Charlotte.
Todd Veney - Coming off of Lebanon Valley win. Runner-up at Gatornationals and Maple Grove.

Chris Foster - Norwalk and Chicago regional winner. Ran two 5.476s at 4-Wide Nationals.
Andy Bohl - Defeated Frank Manzo to win the Indy regional early in the season.
Dale Brand - Runner-up at 4-Wide Nationals, Cordova regional win highlight Brand's return.
Kris Hool - Runner-up at Gainesville regional. Four consecutive first round losses entering event.
Annie Whiteley - Swept Vegas and Tulsa regionals with husband Jim in TAD.

Robert Grice photo

Steve Gasparrelli - Win at Mission regional is Gasparrelli's strongest 2013 finish.

Event Notes

After winning ten JEGS Allstars titles over the course of his storied TAFC career, Frank Manzo is not competing in this year's event. He will be tuning one of the Al-Anabi Pro Mods at the ADRL Martin race instead.

Because of Manzo's absence, Top Alcohol Funny Car will have a first-time Allstars champion.

Frank won the Allstars last year, beating Mickey Ferro in a 5.58 to 5.61 match.

Chris Demke won his first Allstars title last year, even though he banged the blower towards the finish. Randy Meyer red-lighted away a 5.30, giving Demke the win.


Route 66 Nationals Drivers to Watch

Top Alcohol Dragster

Jim Whiteley - Four regional wins and season-opening Winternationals win, among other highlights.
Chris Demke
Randy Meyer - Finalist at the 2012 Allstars and Route 66 Nationals.
Bill Reichert
Brandon Booher - First 2013 Nat. event after qualifying #1 at three regionals, winning two, including Chicago.

Top Alcohol Funny Car

Dan Pomponio
Dale Brand
Tony Bartone - Pts. leader after winning Vegas and Houston nationals, Denver regional.
Annie Whiteley
Cassie Simonton - Reached the finals at her last two Rt. 66 appearances - '12 national and '13 regional.