Last-Minute Decision Results in Demke's Second JEGS Allstars Title

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

JOLIET, Ill. (July 13, 2016) – Past JEGS Allstars Top Alcohol Dragster champion Chris Demke made the most of his last-minute trip to the Route 66 Nationals last weekend when he drove the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products dragster to another JEGS Allstars win and semifinal finish in the Route 66 Nationals. The Maddern Racing team performed flawlessly in the Allstars race, then worked through traction issues to claim a late-round finish on the national level.

While most of the eight JEGS Allstars competitors earned their spot in the prestigious race, Demke was actually invited as the sixth alternate for the West Region.

“One of the cool things about the Allstars is it’s the best of the best who earned their way there, even though we didn’t earn our way there,” Demke laughed. “With the last-minute invitation to go and our decision to accept that invitation, it was awesome to actually make something of it.”

Demke qualified fifth for the Allstars race with a 5.362 at 273.88 mph, pairing him up with Gord Gingles, who he defeated in the final round at the Tulsa regional event in June. The Peen Rite machine stepped up to a 5.236 at 276.01 to defeat “The Bull” A/Fueler and qualify number two for the Route 66 Nationals.

“We pretty much took our results from qualifying and Kevin (Watson, car chief) came up with a tune-up for first round. Once we ripped off that 23, we knew we had our hot rod back. Next round was against Randy Meyer. You can never take Randy lightly. I had a little tire shake but still ran a 5.326, which was enough to get past Randy.”

The Maddern Racing team lined up against their blown alcohol rival, Joey Severance, for the final round, where Demke ran 5.264 at 272.34 to Severance’s 5.277 at 274.01. The 2016 JEGS Allstars trophy now joins Demke’s 2012 Allstars award in the trophy case.

“Our teams either fail miserably against each other or we run one of the best rounds of racing. This time it was a great final round. Things finally went our team’s way for the first time in a while against those guys,” Demke said.

As the focus shifted to Route 66 Nationals eliminations on Sunday morning, the team struggled to continue the consistency that carried them to the Allstars win. Demke first survived a wild pedalfest against Ken Perry, winning a 6.689-to-6.929 race.

“I wasn’t 100% in agreement with the tune-up. I thought it would take a quick pedal job to get the car down the track. I figured we’ll just go with it and see what happens. As it turned out, it took more than a quick pedal job to get the car to the finish line. The monkey earned his banana on that one,” added Demke, a three-time Route 66 Nationals champion.

The Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products dragster returned to the 5.2s with a 5.258 victory over Gord Gingles’ tire-smoking effort in the second round, but the semifinals would require a bit more effort.

“Once again, we were paired up with good ol’ Joey (Severance) in the semifinals. Like I said, our teams either do something stupid or make it a great race when we line up against each other. This time we both pulled off something stupid. In our case, it was absolute driver error. I goofy-footed it on the starting line and launched at a thousand rpms too high and smoked the tires. I pedaled it a couple times to recover, but by then I could see Joey motoring on down the track, so I let off the throttle and gave up. That’s very unlike me. I have a million excuses, but I was just tired. Next thing I knew, I saw his pipes go wet, meaning he had an engine problem. I got back on the throttle and tried to run him down, but he won by three tenths of a second.”

While filled with regret over the loss, Demke still noted the positives for the weekend. He also realizes there are plenty of opportunities left to win on the NHRA national event level this season.

“We ran a team-best et and speed for this track, which we’ve done at every race since Phoenix this year. That really says something about the group of guys we have making the calls and working on the car.

“I saved the second round of the JEGS and the first round of the national event, but I’m still beating myself up over that semifinal. I know I can do a better job. It’s going to be soon when the car’s consistency and the driver’s consistency come together to get that national event Wally that’s eluded us in 2016.”

Fox Sports will air their coverage of the JEGS Allstars and Route 66 Nationals on FS2 at 7 PM ET on Thursday, July 14. Ten additional replay dates are scheduled throughout July on FS1 and FS2.

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.

Booher Prepared for Second JEGS Allstars Appearance at Route 66 Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Mike Sopko Jr.

JOLIET, Ill. (July 7, 2016) – For the second time in his Top Alcohol Dragster career, Brandon Booher will represent the NHRA North Central Region in the prestigious JEGS Allstars race this weekend. Held in conjunction with the NHRA K&N Filters Route 66 Nationals, July 7-10, the Allstars race will pit eight of the best TAD competitors from across the country against each other. But unlike most of the other competitors, Booher will spend most of his on-track time dialing in his combination for regional competition.

Booher, the 2013 NHRA North Central Region champion, is using his 2016 national event appearances as testing opportunities to prepare for regional events. The AB Construction team’s first national event of the year at Norwalk two weeks ago yielded promising results, but an untimely loose fitting prevented Booher from making a run in the first round of eliminations.

“The testing strategy worked at Norwalk,” Booher said. “The car ran really well in the heat. It would’ve ran better first round, but we can’t really think about that now. Moving on to Joliet, we have the same plan. I’ve got some converter stuff I’m going to test. I’ve got a different set of tires I’m going to test. Don’t get me wrong; if it goes out there on the first pass and runs really well, I’m probably not going to swing for the fences after that. I’ll dial it in. I’m going there and I’m going to put a car down the track that’s different than what went down the track Q3 and E1 at Norwalk, which already was a really competitive car; second or third-low for the session and quickest blower car by quite a bit. That’s sort of the plan.”

Booher certainly considers the prestige and prizes associated with winning the JEGS Allstars race and the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, but he’s intent on getting ready for the next NHRA North Central Regional event in Columbus, Ohio, July 22-24. He currently leads the region points.

“I sort of pigeon-holed myself trying to run the Allstars race (in 2014) and I’ve seen it happen to guys who run that race and they don’t qualify for the national. Not that the national points mean that much to me, but the money definitely matters to a team like ours. Seven grand to win the Allstars, five grand to win the national, plus contingencies on both. It could be a big, big weekend for us. That’s on my mind, but I’m there to test. I’m there to make something better than what I have and go to Columbus with a set-up that’s going to be hateful in the heat. That’s what we need. It’s going to be hot and greasy. My plan as far as the regional points is not let off the gas. I want to lock this deal up. I let it slip through my fingers last year and I’m going to do everything within my power to make sure that doesn’t happen again this year,” added Booher, who finished second in the region championship by 10 points last season.

The AB Construction/Torque MGMT team enters the weekend as the most recent Top Alcohol Dragster team to win at Route 66 Raceway. Booher was victorious at the Burndown at Sundown NHRA regional race at Route 66 in June, winning for the first time with his 11 month old daughter, Adelynn, in attendance.

“We know this track. We know what it’s like to tow back with winning timeslips. We’ve already won races here, there and everywhere, but to come back to our home track where we just won, there’s going to be a certain comfort level,” noted Booher, a Champaign, Illinois native.

Adding to Booher’s aggressive outlook on the weekend is the sting that remains from losing first round at Norwalk.

“I want to rebound from Norwalk. Perform how you want in qualifying, but when it came down to when it mattered, we failed. I’m hungry. I know the guys are. I wouldn’t want to line up against me. I’m going to take no prisoners. We’ll be ready for sure.”

Booher praised the technical and product support from Steve Graves at Quick Drive, Mike Strasburg at B&J Transmissions, MVM Motorsports Products, High Performance Lubricants (HPL), and Goodson Tools for contributing to the team’s performance.

ABOUT BOOHER RACING
Booher Racing is a father-son NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team led by owner/crew chief Aaron Booher and his son, driver/tuner Brandon Booher. The AB Construction team holds the title of quickest and fastest torque converter-equipped vehicle in the world. Crew members include Brian Booher, Pete Brady, Cam Brady, Nate Van Wagnen, and Kirk Wolf. The 2013 NHRA North Central TAD Regional championship-winning Booher Racing team receives support from MVM Motorsports Products, Spitzer Race Cars, B&J Transmission, High Performance Lubricants (HPL), Quick Drive, Goodson Tools, and Torque MGMT.

Follow Booher Racing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/booherracing), Twitter (www.twitter.com/booherracing), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/booherracing).

Demke Enters Chicago as Unexpected JEGS Allstars Contestant

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

JOLIET, Ill. (July 7, 2016) – As of a few weeks ago, back-to-back-to-back and defending event champion Chris Demke and the Maddern Racing team weren’t planning on racing at this weekend’s K&N Filters NHRA Route 66 Nationals. A last-minute invitation to represent the West Region in the prestigious JEGS Allstars shootout race was all it took to coax the team from their base in Southern California to the heat and humidity of the Chicagoland area.

Demke, the 2012 JEGS Allstars Top Alcohol Dragster champion, wasn’t one of the top two in West Region JEGS Allstars points before the invitation was passed down to him.

“I’m just really excited to be a part of the Allstars race. I wasn’t really the number two guy. I was number six on the list, so it was a real surprise for our team to be going to Chicago. Shawn Cowie pulled out and the division director started calling numbers three, four and five, but nobody wanted to go. It came down to us. Our team really enjoys the JEGS Allstars event. Based on our past performance at this race, we just couldn’t say no,” Demke said.

Demke finds himself refocused heading into the Chicago race weekend, moving on from a first-round loss at his last race, a regional event in Denver. His starting line routine was thrown off by the unconventional staging process utilized by a torque converter-equipped car in the other lane, resulting in a sizable holeshot loss. Demke was the number two qualifier.

“I’ve put it behind me,” Demke reassured. “I hate losing like that, but I have the mental fortitude and the experience to go out, put it behind me and focus on the next event.”

Demke knows his crew, led by team owner Jerry Maddern and car chief Kevin Watson, will provide him with a car capable of winning rounds in the Midwest heat. Crew member Greg Rice is also returning to the team for the first time since undergoing surgery last month.

“I have every confidence that Jerry and Kevin will have the car running as quick as ever. Those guys aren’t afraid of hot conditions. I’m sure we’ll be in contention for both events.

“Greg Rice will be at this event. We’re very happy to have our full team back in gear. It’s going to be necessary at Chicago. To win both events, it will require a total of nine rounds of qualifying and eliminations passes. We’ll need all hands on deck, and with Greg present I’m sure we have the crew to get the job done.”

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products Top Alcohol Dragster team will hit the track for two qualifying sessions on Friday, July 8. They’ll move on to first round of the JEGS Allstars race on Saturday morning, which will also count as their third and final qualifying session. JEGS Allstars eliminations continue on Saturday. Eliminations for the K&N Filters NHRA Route 66 Nationals will take place 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 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.

JEGS Allstars Qualifier Chris Demke Carrying Norwalk Win Momentum to Chicago

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

JOLIET, Ill. (July 9, 2015 ) – Chris Demke's trophy case contains just about every award a NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver can earn; national and regional event Wallys, a JEGS Allstars trophy, and even a Lucas Oil Series national championship Wally. However, he was missing the coveted billet ice cream scoop that comes with a win at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals. After a long, hot race day in rural Ohio, Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products team earned their ice cream scoop.

“It was awesome to see the size of the crowd and the general excitement of the fans at Norwalk, and what a great show the Bader family puts on. It was just so wonderful to be a part of that. I even told Mr. Bader when he presented me that ice cream scoop, 'Don't get me wrong; Wallys are great and I definitely need the points, but I came here for the ice cream scoop,' and that's what we left with. That was a very satisfying accomplishment,” said Demke, the defending Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster world champion.

The weekend was off to a promising start on Friday when Demke shot to the top of the qualifying order with a 5.355/269 mph lap in the first session. A consistent 5.376 et followed in the second session, but the Peen Rite machine went up in smoke early in the third qualifying session, which also counted as the final round from the rained-out Chicago regional race. A/Fuel star Mia Tedesco ran a 5.317 to take the race win and No. 1 qualifying position.

“We feel our car has not been running to its full potential lately, and we're struggling to figure out what was wrong. We only had two qualifying runs to try to figure it out. We knew the Dave Hirata-tuned A/Fueler of Mia Tedesco would run quick and we weren't going to beat them with a mid-to-high five-thirty run. We hopped it up a little but didn't expect it to smoke the tires. My hat's off to them. They ran hard when they needed to and she deserves that win.”

The Jerry Maddern-owned blown alcohol dragster was back to its consistent mid-five-thirty performance when eliminations rolled around. Demke ran a 5.374 to take out class veteran Mike Kosky in the first round, then a weekend-best 5.344 et to shut down Randy Meyer's 5.391. A 5.360 was enough to beat Brandon Booher's 5.433 in the semifinals, lining up a final round pairing with Corey Michalek, one of the rising stars of Top Alcohol Dragster. Demke and Michalek were ready for each other on the tree with .022 and .019 lights, respectively, but the Dreher Motorsports A/Fueler of Michalek slowed while Demke powered through for a 5.357-to-5.478 victory.

“It was a challenging weekend. Our car wasn't performing as well as expected but we were still quicker than a majority of the cars so we gave up on going faster and backed up into survival mode. After smoking the tires on Q3 we just wanted to get the car to the finish line consistently. Consistency is what won that race.

“The Dreher family is an awesome bunch of people and they had their car running consistently quick. I was watching Corey's reaction times all weekend and they're stellar. He certainly knows how to drive a drag car, and he got my attention. I honestly went into that final round knowing I had as good a chance to lose as I did to win. Knowing the reaction times that kid was pulling, I knew I had to dig deep to stay competitive. I knew there was a good chance I could lose that race on a holeshot,” Demke admitted.

Demke and the Maddern Racing team will have another shot at a big win this weekend when the NHRA Mello Yello Series rolls into Joliet, Ill. for the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, July 9-12. Because of his performance at LODRS regional events in the past year, Demke earned a spot in the eight-car JEGS Allstars race, where he'll face some of the other top competitors from around the country.

“We're going to be competing against the best of the best,” Demke said. “Our team takes this race very seriously. If you look at the sides of our trailer, the only stickers on it are our JEGS Allstars qualifiers stickers because we're so proud every time we're able to qualify and represent our division or region. On top of the Allstars, you still have the Route 66 Nationals. We won that race the last two years, so combined with last weekend's win we have a lot of momentum coming into this weekend.”

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.

Demke Enters Summit Nationals with Momentum from Route 66 Nationals Win

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

NORWALK, Ohio (July 1) – West coast Top Alcohol Dragster hitter Chris Demke won the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals for the second year in a row, winning his second race in as many weeks. Racing at Route 66 Raceway near Joliet, Ill. last weekend, Demke also competed in his seventh JEGS Allstars event. Now Chris and his Maddern Racing teammates carry momentum as they head to the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 3-6, for the first time.

Demke qualified No. 1 for the JEGS Allstars shootout race with a 5.39 pass. While typically an advantage, qualifying No. 1 lined up Chris against West Region teammate Joey Severance in the opening eliminations round. Chris improved slightly with a 5.377/268 MPH pass, but Severance improved greatly with a near-perfect .001 reaction time and 5.344 elapsed time.

“The team felt like we were punched in the gut,” Demke said of the first round loss. “We cherish the opportunity to race at the Allstars event. We have done well at the race recently, winning in 2012 and taking runner-up last year. We felt very confident in our chances.

“Going out early was tough to handle, but it gave us all day to take a look at what went wrong. We were able to come up with a solution before we went into national event competition on Sunday.”

Demke and the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products team would get another chance to take down Severance, this time in the regular Route 66 Nationals eliminations. Chris first shut down Brandon Booher and Robin Samsel with 5.316 and 5.361 passes, respectively. The semifinal race between Demke and Severance would be epic, with both drivers cutting .038 lights and Chris finishing just one thousandth of a second ahead of Joey – 5.322 to 5.323.

“I figured, 'Okay, this is going to be my last run of the day but I'm going it give it my best.' With Joey's performance lately, not only his car's performance but his performance as a driver, I truly didn't think I had much of a chance. My lights were sub-standard, and I knew I had to dig deep to get to the final. When you feel like the serious underdog and you actually pull off a round win against somebody of his caliber, it's extremely exciting,” stated Chris, who is now tied for first in NHRA national points.

The California team faced another tough opponent in the final round. Both car and driver played equal roles in winning the round, but it was Demke's reaction time that sealed the deal. Finalist Mike Manners ran a 5.305, but Chris' slower but winning 5.313 was enough to win – on a holeshot.

“I was feeling like we had already won the race after our semifinal race against Joey, so it was hard to get up for the final round. Mike Manners ran a 5.26 in his semifinal round, so again I went in feeling like the underdog. We just kept our performance consistent and didn't try anything stupid. The fact that I won it on a holeshot is icing on the cake,” added Demke, the back-to-back Route 66 Nationals champ.

Now Chris and the Jerry Maddern-owned Peen Rite team head to Norwalk, Ohio's Summit Motorsports Park for the 8th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 3-6.

“Every year our team tries to go to a new track that we've never visited. For the last few years, all of the eastern teams have told us that we need to go to Norwalk. After hearing everyone's reviews, I'm really looking forward to experiencing all of the positive aspects of the track for myself – especially the pound of ice cream for a dollar,” Chris laughed.

Summit Racing Equipment Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying begins on Friday with runs at 12:30 and 3:30 PM. A final session is set for noon on Saturday, followed by first round of eliminations at 3 PM. Eliminations continue 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.

Meyer Wins First JEGS Allstars Race at Joliet

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

June 30rd 2014 – Straight off a win and runner-up finish with their Top Alcohol Dragsters, the Randy Meyer Racing Team earn their 4th win of the season this past weekend at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. Team-owner Randy Meyer piloted his A/Fuel Dragster to compete in the NHRA National event as well as the 30th annual Jegs Allstars race.

Competing in the Jegs Allstars race for the fifth time, Randy was representing the Central Region of the United States, along side James Stevens of Top Alcohol Dragster, and Dale Brand and John Lombardo Jr. in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Although Randy sits in the lower-half on the ranks in points, his car is first in points with four wins this year alone with Randy and Shayne Lawson sharing the drivers seat, and each earning two wins for the season.

Randy had to battle against the best-of-the-best from each region to earn this year’s Allstars championship on Saturday afternoon. Qualifying in the second spot with a 5.45 E.T. at 267 mph, Randy defeated the seventh qualifier, Dan Page, in the opening round of eliminations, and went on to beat Bill Reichert during second round with a 5.35 E.T. at 268 mph. For the third and final round, Randy was up against Joey Severance, but he was ahead from start to finish, and won the race with a 5.36 E.T. at 267 mph for his first Allstars win. His win also helped the Central Region and Division 5 earn the overall team championship.

On Sunday after a celebratory night, the Randy Meyer Racing Team sat in the 10th qualifying position, facing Marty Thacker, the seventh qualifier, for first round of the NHRA Mello Yello O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals. Randy beat Thacker with a 5.41 E.T. at 258 mph, but lost during second round running his quickest pass of the weekend, a 5.36 E.T. at 269 mph to Joey Severance’s 5.29 E.T.

“It’s an exciting time for the team to be winning races,” says Randy. “It felt good to finally win the Allstars after coming close in the past. After getting off to a slow start on the weekend, we got the car performing better. Unfortunately we didn’t put ourselves in a good qualifying position, but we are regrouping and headed to Norwalk.”

This race will air on ESPN2 on July 5th, at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET/10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT

The next race for the Randy Meyer Racing Team will be this upcoming weekend at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment Nationals. Randy finished in the quarterfinals at this race last year, and is looking to claim his third win this year.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Defending event champs Reichert, Brand highlight 2014 JEGS Allstars qualifiers

Written by Nate Van Wagnen

Defending event champions Bill Reichert (Top Alcohol Dragster) and Dale Brand (Top Alcohol Funny Car) highlight the list of qualifiers for the 30th Annual JEGS Allstars competition. The special race within a race, held on Saturday during the O'Reilly Route 66 Nationals, will pit the best of the best against one another for a chance at the unique Allstars trophy and a $7,000 check. In addition to individual TAD and TAFC winning honors, each region's drivers will earn points towards the Region Team championship, which equally divides a $5,000 prize among the winning region's four teams.

Defending Event Champions

Top Alcohol Dragster - Bill Reichert
Reichert won from the No. 5 spot, knocking down two-time Allstars champ Marty Thacker and John Finke before beating eventual Route 66 Nationals winner Chris Demke in a 5.319 to 5.327 final round.

Bill Reichert - TAN photo

Top Alcohol Funny Car - Dale Brand
Brand qualified No. 4 and beat Andy Bohl and Annie Whiteley with a string of 5.65s. The Goalsetter-sponsored driver stepped it up in the final with a 5.59 to defeat 2011 Allstars runner-up Todd Veney's 5.62.

Region Team - West Region
The west coast teams ran away with the Region Team championship when TAD representative Chris Demke runnered-up and TAFC drivers Annie Whiteley and Steve Gasparrelli each reached the semifinals.

2014 JEGS Allstars Qualifiers

Top Alcohol Dragster
John Finke - Finke Equipment A/Fuel Dragster - East Region
Finke's Allstars points scorecard includes 2013 wins at the Lebanon Valley and Epping regionals. Most recently has struggled to make it past first round at 2014 events.

Dan Page - Arthur Gallant Racing A/Fuel Dragster - East Region
Page, who built the car that he races for Arthur Gallant, leads the East Region Allstars line-up with 2013 highlights including two runner-up finishes and a win. Like Finke, Page has yet to reach the second round in 2014.

Brandon Booher - AB Construction Top Alcohol Dragster - North Central Region
The current North Central Region champion racked up a total of four wins on his score card, the most recent being the Norwalk regional. This is Booher's first Allstars appearance.

Brandon Booher - TAN photo

Bill Reichert - Bars Leaks/Rislone A/Fuel Dragster - North Central Region
Three-time Allstars winner Bill Reichert is chasing his second title under the new regional format in his 12th event appearance. The five-time national champion is currently fourth in national points with wins at Indy and Joliet regionals.

James Stevens - Performance Truck Top Alcohol Dragster - Central Region
Stevens' runner-up finish at the Noble regional helped him secure his first Allstars appearance.

Randy Meyer - Randy Meyer Racing A/Fuel Dragster - Central Region
The experienced driver/tuner/owner has posted strong results under the new 2014 A/Fuel rules, winning the Springnationals in the driver's seat and the Kansas Nationals and Tulsa regional with Shayne Lawson driving.

Randy Meyer - RMR photo

Chris Demke - Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Perf. Products Top Alcohol Dragster - West Region
2012 Allstars TAD champion Chris Demke's scorecard includes a win at Seattle and runner-up finishes at both Woodburn events. The Peen Rite driver enters the Allstars fresh off of his win at last weekend's Billings regional.

Joey Severance - Severance Racing Top Alcohol Dragster - West Region
The Woodburn Dragstrip co-owner is racing with power and support from YNot Racing this season. With 2014 wins at the Firebird regional and both spring Vegas races, he's the current national points leader.

Top Alcohol Funny Car
Dan Pomponio - Pomponio Racing/Boninfante Friction Monte Carlo - East Region
After a breakout 2013 season, Pomponio repeated his early season wins at Gainesville and Charlotte this year. He looks to improve upon a first round exit at the Allstars last year, which was his first event appearance.

Todd Veney - Permatex/Follow A Dream Camaro - East Region
Last year's Allstars runner-up is seeking his first Allstars win behind the wheel of the first new Camaro funny car. The Jay Blake-owned team recently won the Lebanon Valley regional.

Todd Veney - Follow A Dream photo

Chris Foster - Foster Racing Mustang - North Central Region
Racing in his third consecutive Allstars appearance, the multi-time divisional/regional champ is carrying momentum from 2014 success at Norwalk (winner) and Joliet (runner-up).

Andy Bohl -  Competition Products Mustang - North Central Region
Bohl, the reigning region champion, posted 2013 wins at Columbus and Bowling Green, as well as a 2014 Norwalk runner-up, to secure his third Allstars position.

Dale Brand - Goalsetter/Co-Line Monte Carlo - Central Region
The defending JEGS Allstars champion has possibly the best shot at this year's title. Brand opened the season with a runner-up at the Gatornationals. He won his first national event at last month's Kansas Nationals, followed by consecutive regional wins at Joliet and Tulsa.

John Lombardo Jr. - NAPA Auto Parts/Lucas Oil Mustang - Central Region
The 2013 Central Region champ has struggled in 2014 after joining forces with successful team owner Rick Jackson to form Jackson Lombardo Racing. The Californian driver is piloting the JLR NAPA/Lucas Oil Mustang in his third Allstars appearance.

Clint Thompson - Thompson Racing Monte Carlo - West Region
Thompson is on an uptick after a win and runner-up at Denver and Billings, respectively. He reached the semifinals at half of the six races on his Allstars points scorecard.

Steve Gasparrelli - PDC/Gasparrelli Racing Monte Carlo - West Region
Second-generation TAFC driver Steve Gasparrelli is racing in the Allstars on the strength of 2013 regional wins at Mission, Seattle, and Woodburn2. His team is the most experienced flip-top team in the field with six prior Allstars appearances.

Lombardo Races to Route 66 Nationals for Third JEGS Allstars Appearance

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Auto Imagery

CHICAGO (June 25) – NAPA Auto Parts/Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Funny Car driver John Lombardo Jr. is making the annual trip from his Brea, Calif. home base to Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. to compete at the Route 66 Nationals this weekend, June 27-29. While racing at the national event, he will also take part in the JEGS Allstars specialty race, featuring eight of the best alcohol-burning Funny Cars in the country.

Lombardo is one of twenty-two Top Alcohol Funny Car drivers entered to compete at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, which is considered to be one of the best national events for Sportsman racing. Though the JEGS Allstars field is limited to eight cars – two from each of the NHRA's four regions – the competition will be just as grueling, as John explains.

“The Jegs Allstars eight-car shootout format, where each team needs to earn their place during the prior year's regional points, gathers the toughest in the country. And if we're fortunate enough to go rounds in the Jegs eight-car show on Saturday and the Lucas Oil Series national event on Sunday, we may see the Christmas tree nine times in one weekend – you won't hear any complaints coming from the cockpit!”

The unique Jegs Allstars format allows each region or division to compete as a team, with each driver accumulating points for his or her region. Lombardo previously raced for the Division 7 team. This year, he'll race under the Central Region banner.

“Everyone touches on the team competition, and rightfully so. I've been fortune to represent my region and compete twice in the past, enjoying a Division 7 victory and trophy touring rights,” noted Lombardo, who is the reigning Central Region TAFC champion.

In addition to the prestige of racing in the Allstars event, John Lombardo Jr. and his Rick Jackson-led team are honored to participate thanks to the support of event sponsor JEGS Performance and series title sponsor Lucas Oil. The opportunity to race in front of Chicago-area fans is also a yearly highlight for the West Coast group.

“Jegs and Lucas Oil are the official corporate partners of NHRA's sportsman drag racing program; they are the cornerstone of all that we build on, in both regional and national event competition. Their commitment is significant and consistent.

“Route 66 Raceway is one of the best facilities and Chicago is one of the best markets on tour, so I always look forward to this race. We will be ready to slug it out with the nation's best and put on a stellar show in Chi-town!” John exclaimed.

Racing at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, June 27-29, kicks off on Friday with qualifying sessions at 11:30 AM and 3 PM. JEGS Allstars activities begin with driver introductions at noon on Saturday, followed by first round at 1 PM. National event eliminations start at 9 AM on Sunday.


Jackson Lombardo Racing is a NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team owned by California businessman Rick Jackson and 2013 Central Region champion John Lombardo Jr. The team's NAPA Auto Parts/Lucas Oil Mustang is driven by Lombardo and tuned by Jackson. Jackson Lombardo Racing receives support from NAPA Auto Parts, Lucas Oil, Centre Pointe Collision Centers, NAPA Batteries, NAPAFilters.com, NAPA Power Supreme, Arvada Excavating, NGK Spark Plugs, NAPA Belts and Hose, CP-Carrillo, MAHLE, Midtronics, Mechanix Wear, NYNY Hotel and Casino, Gatorwraps, Raymond's Trophy, and Twin Palms.

For more information on John Lombardo Jr. and the Jackson Lombardo Racing team, please visit www.jackson-lombardo.com. Keep up with John and the team on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lombar...50?ref=profile) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/lombardoracing).

JEGS Allstars: A battle of NHRA Sportsman ranks' brightest stars

Courtesy of Scott "Woody" Woodruff

2013 JEGS Allstars TAD & TAFC team champions

 

CHICAGO (June 24) -- An incredible field of the best NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series drivers from across North America will converge at Route 66 Raceway this weekend for the 30th annual JEGS Allstars competition.

This year's field includes 79 drivers representing 33 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The group will compete for individual and team honors and a share of more than $120,000 at stake during the event, which will once again be held in conjunction with the Route 66 NHRA Nationals. Of special note, each qualifier and the 10 champions will be rewarded a newly designed trophy handcrafted by master sculptor Dan Dreisbach of Naked Sculpture.

The JEGS Allstars competition is a unique event that crowns individual champions in 10 separate eliminators, in addition to an overall team champion. Racers qualify for the prestigious event by earning points in their home divisions during yearlong battles in the following NHRA Lucas Oil categories: Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and the exciting Top Dragster and Top Sportsman classes.

In 2013, the host team from the NHRA North Central Division pummeled the competition for a record-breaking seventh overall team title. Led by Top Dragster racer James Monroe and Top Sportsman racer John Scali, the North Central team accumulated 1,300 points, finishing well ahead of the Southeast Division team, which scored 1,000 points.

As defending champions, Monroe and Scali will have the opportunity to return and defend their titles. They will be joined by fellow returning champions Bill Reichert (Top Alcohol Dragster), Dale Brand (Top Alcohol Funny Car), Mike DePalma (Comp), Mike Crutchfield (Super Stock), Sherman Adcock Jr. (Super Comp), Kevin Moore (Super Gas), and Casey Grubb (Super Street).

The 2013 JEGS Allstars Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car team champions.
When NHRA announced two years ago that Top Alcohol competition would be divided among four regions rather than the traditional seven divisions, JEGS immediately devised a plan to keep the popular cars in the Allstars competition. As a result, Top Alcohol teams will compete for a special "regional" trophy, also designed by Dreisbach.

The Alcohol Dragster field is stacked with former world champions Reichert and Randy Meyer leading the way along with former Allstars winner Chris Demke and rising star Brandon Booher.

With 10-time Allstars winner Frank Manzo enjoying a well-deserved retirement, the Top Alcohol Funny Car title is once again wide open with current defending champ Brand facing a lineup that includes Clint Thompson, Dan Pomponio, and Todd Veney, three drivers currently ranked in the top 10.

The Northeast Division team is tied with the North Central team with seven overall wins and will be looking to break that tie against a team anchored by world champions Frank Aragona Jr. (Comp), Byron Worner (Super Stock), and Ray Sawyer (Super Gas).

Perennial Allstar Adcock will be the cornerstone of a very competitive Southeast Division team that also includes three-time world champion David Rampy (Comp) along with second-generation racers Robbie Shaw (Stock) and Ray Miller III (Top Dragster). The Southeast Division team has a long history of success in the JEGS Allstars competition, having won six overall titles in addition to their runner-up finish last season.

The defending champions from the North Central Division boast a stacked lineup that includes world champion Ray Connolly, Top Dragster specialist Marco Abruzzi, and Super Stock ace Jeff Dona.

A solid South Central Division team includes Slate Cummings, who is racing in two classes (Super Stock and Stock) for the third straight year, and Super Comp rep Austin Williams, who is perhaps the hottest Sportsman driver in the country this season. Past world champion Jimmy Lewis also gives the South Central Division team a hope of collecting another overall championship.

Amazingly, the West Central Division team has never won the JEGS Allstars overall title but has the manpower to do so this year as their impressive lineup includes world champs Bruno Massel Jr. (Comp), Gary Stinnett (Super Comp), and Phil Unruh, who is making his second straight appearance in the Top Dragster class.

The team from the Northwest Division has a lot to prove after scoring just 300 points in last year's competition. A repeat would be almost unthinkable because the 2014 team includes veteran Comp driver Ralph Van Paepeghem, Joe Sorensen (Super Stock), and Casey Plazier (Stock). Historically, the Northwest Division has won two overall JEGS Allstars team titles (1988 and 2005).

The squad from the Pacific Division, who claimed the 2012 overall title, will be looking to regain the top spot, and there is no reason to think it can't with a team that features reigning NHRA world champions Alan Ellis (Comp), Justin Lamb (Stock), and Rick Beckstrom (Super Gas).

The JEGS Allstars program has been a breeding ground for some of today's best-known Mello Yello Series Pros. Reigning Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. has been an Allstars representative for the North Central division six times, winning the Super Gas class twice. Other past Allstars participants include Top Fuel drivers Morgan Lucas (Top Alcohol Dragster, 2003 and 2004; won in 2003), current Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon (Super Comp, 2005-07; won in 2005 and 2006), and Spencer Massey (Top Alcohol Dragster, 2007 and 2008; won in 2007) as well as Funny Car drivers Tim Wilkerson (Top Alcohol Funny Car, 1995) and Jack Beckman (Super Comp 2004 and 2005; runner-up in 2004).

While the JEGS Allstars is a highlight competitive event, camaraderie between racers and their crews is evident, especially during Friday evening's racer appreciation barbecue, which is open to all of the JEGS Allstars competitors, their families, and crews.

 

2013 JEGS Allstars Division 3



Lawson wins RMR Matchup in Final Round at Tulsa

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

June 24th 2014 – Randy Meyer Racing’s Top Alcohol Dragster drivers, Shayne Lawson and Chase Copeland, dominated the field at this weekend’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event held at Tulsa Raceway Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 20-22.

With 14 dragsters in the field, Shayne Lawson piloted Randy Meyer’s Smart Chicken injected nitro machine all the way to the top with a 5.28 E.T. at 269 MPH for the first qualifying session, and clenched his number one position with a quicker and faster 5.24 E.T. at over 270 MPH during the second qualifying session, also setting a new career-best time for Shayne.

The RMR Team’s other A/Fuel driver, Chase Copeland, was able to tune and drive the Rezner Race Trailers and Belzona Industrial Solutions Dragster to claim the 7th position with a 5.51 E.T. at 254 MPH and 5.41 E.T. at 264 MPH during qualifying.

Paired up against the 8th qualifier, Shayne defeated Gord Gingles for the first round of eliminations with a 5.30 E.T. at 269 MPH, and went onto beat Mark Taliaferro with a 5.31 E.T. at 271 MPH in second round. Chase won his first round matchup against the #2 qualifier, James Thompson, with a 5.45 E.T. at 266 MPH and defeated David Brounkowski in the semi-final round with a 5.47 E.T. at 265 MPH, pairing him up against Shayne for the third and final round of eliminations.

With both RMR A/Fuel Dragsters against each other in the final round for the first time, the teams did their best to make it a fair race. Shayne secured the team’s third win of the year and his second victory with the Randy Meyer Racing Team with a 5.28 E.T. at 272 MPH to Chase’s quickest pass of the event, a 5.39 E.T. at 265 MPH.

“It was an astonishing experience to have both cars race against each other in the final round, it’s a dream come true,” said Randy. “All the hard work that everyone involved with the Randy Meyer Racing Team has put in to the cars is paying off and we look forward to enjoying more success. It was a very rewarding weekend for the teams, and it was a dream to someday have both cars run each other in the final, I didn’t expect it to come this soon.”

“It was also exciting to see Chase improve with the performance of our other car, after getting off to a less than expected start. Chase and Clay have put many hours working outside of the race track with the car, and they are learning every step of the way.“

Shayne adds “It was pretty awesome winning two races in a row and on top of that, knowing that I have the opportunity to drive one of the best A/Fuel cars in the country. I would like to give a special thanks to Randy for the opportunity he has given me and his great crew guys, as well as Smart Chicken and Reasor’s for the great support.”

The next race for the Randy Meyer Racing Team will be this upcoming weekend at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois for the NHRA Mello Yello event. This race is also home of the Jegs AllStars race, which Randy will be racing his Top Alcohol Dragster to represent the Central Region.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Reasor’s, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Billings Regional Victory has Demke Primed for Route 66 Nationals Weekend

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

BILLINGS, Mont. (June 24) – Chris Demke is leaving Yellowstone Dragstrip with another Wally, as he claimed the NHRA West Region event title over Joey Severance on Sunday night. The win was Demke's second Billings victory and the third for his Maddern Racing team. Securing their second win of the season was a helpful morale boost as the California team heads east for the Route 66 Nationals and Jegs Allstars race in Chicago.

Demke and the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster swept the Billings event, qualifying No. 1 with a 5.48 and winning the final round with a quicker 5.45 over Ynot Racing driver Joey Severance. While the win on-track was certainly important, Demke is also happy about the small victories in the mechanical department.

“With Topeka and Billings, that's two weekends in a row where we haven't hurt parts. We aren't out of the woods yet, but that's a good sign that we have a handle on the parts attrition issue that was affecting the team earlier in the season,” Chris said, giving credit to his team owner. “I have to hand it to Jerry Maddern; he's the glue that holds this team together. Without him we wouldn't be out here having all of this fun. We had some tough times earlier in the season, but Jerry's patience and perseverance have put us back on what appears to be the right track.”

Chris Demke and the Peen Rite/Operation Solutions/Boost Performance Products Top Alcohol Dragster team will next race at the O'Reilly Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway near Chicago, June 27-29. In addition to national event competition, Chris will compete in the prestigious Jegs Allstars race, a specialty race containing eight of the best drivers and teams in Top Alcohol Dragster.

“I really get excited about the Jegs Allstars event. I'm very appreciative that Jegs sponsors this event. Ever since our team started drag racing back in 1993, the Allstars race has always seemed like a big, prestigious thing to me. I never imagined that I would qualify for the Allstars, much less win it like we did in 2012. Then we won the national event last year, and came within thousandths of a second of doubling up,” Demke recalled.

The addition of the Jegs Allstars competition adds two rounds of racing onto a typical seven-run weekend. In order to reach the finals in both the Allstars and Route 66 Nationals eliminations, Chris and the Maddern Racing team would need to make two qualifying runs, three rounds of Allstars eliminations, and four national event eliminations runs.

“That's one thing about the Jegs Allstars weekend; it's two races in one. It really tests the limits of your crew and your equipment. You've gotta have a good, stable tune-up. If you're constantly swapping parts you'll wear out your crew. So you want to run your car as hard and fast as you can, but you have to consider parts attrition and the human aspect, as well. For the driver, it's just that much more fun,” joked Demke, who is making his seventh Jegs Allstars appearance.

The Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products team will receive qualifying sessions at noon and 3:30 PM on Friday to set their position for Saturday's Jegs Allstars race, which begins at 1 PM after driver introductions at noon. Route 66 Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster eliminations begin at 9 AM 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.

Reichert, Brand Top Jegs Allstars Fields

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association
Photos courtesy of Mike Sopko

 

At the Jegs Allstars race at Route 66 Raceway, Bill Reichert edged defending event champ Chris Demke in a classic Top Alcohol Dragster final, 5.31 to 5.32, and Dale Brand, hot off a regional win over Frank Manzo, got the job done in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.59, low e.t. of eliminations.

Reichert's victory was the third of his career at the Allstars race but the first without him also qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals, which is run in conjunction with the prestigious event. "It's been a long time since I didn't qualify," said the five-time world champ. "I couldn't even tell you when the last time was – probably right after we started running A/Fuel [in 2000.]"

He wasn't the only one. Of the four Allstars semifinalists – Reichert, Demke, John Finke, and Randy Meyer – Demke was the only one who made the cut for the Route 66 Nationals. In the first round, which doubled as last-shot qualifying for the national event, Finke ran a 5.68 over Gord Gingles, who shook the parachutes out, and Meyer ran the same e.t. on a single when Ray Martin was unable to appear.

Reichert ran a 5.50 in that round opposite Marty Thacker, and his previous best of 5.48 was a hundredth of a second too slow for the brutal Top Alcohol Dragster field. In the semifinals, which didn't count for qualifying for the national event because it was a run that non-Allstars didn't get, he picked up a tenth and a half to sideline Finke in another great race, 5.35 to 5.37.

"We figured it out one run too late," Reichert said. "We came up with something a few weeks ago at the regional here that looked like it was going to work, but it took us three runs this weekend to figure out that that it really didn't."

Demke, who beat Dan Mercier in the first round with a 5.32, singled to a 5.31 in the semifinals when Meyer was shut off after the burnout, and a consistent 5.32 in the final left him just short of Reichert's 5.31. "I've never thought I had a race won more than that one," he said. "We'd just run a .31, and we basically left it alone, so when it made it through low gear without shaking, I thought we had him. I had him by half a tenth at the 330, but he's crafty. There's a reason he's a five-time world champ."

"I left first – barely – but by 60 feet he was already out in front of me," Reichert said. "I could see his nose out there for a while and thought, 'I don't know about this,' but he started going away bit by bit and I just did get him."

Reichert won by .012-second, the same winning margin that Brand had over Todd Veney in the Top Alcohol Funny Car final. It was like that every round for Brand – one great race after another. He nipped Andy Bohl in the first round of eliminations, 5.65 to 5.66, and Annie Whiteley in the semi's, 5.65 to 5.64.

After three 5.65s in a row, Brand ran only the .50 of the day in the final, a 5.59, to beat Veney's 5.62. "It was an honor just to be in a race like this," said Brand, who also won last week in Cordova. "This is definitely one of the highlights of my racing career. The whole field qualified in the 5.60s, so it seemed like anybody could have won."

Veney defeated Chris Foster, who won the Chicago regional earlier this month, in round one, 5.66 to 5.84, and Steve Gasparrelli in the semifinals, 5.64 to 5.66.

Demke Wins Route 66 Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photos courtesy of Mike Sopko and Maddern Racing

JOLIET, Ill. (July 2, 2013) After five final round appearances, Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Chris Demke and his Jerry Maddern-owned team were able to break through to earn their first race win of the 2013 season. In addition to winning the Route 66 Nationals, Demke reached the prestigious Jegs Allstars final round for the second year in a row.

Demke qualified No. 2 for the Allstars event, lining him up with East Region representative Dan Mercier first round. Chris ran 5.322 to move around Mercier. The first round run also counted as the Allstars competitors’ final qualifying session, so Demke’s 5.32 put him in the No. 4 spot going into national event eliminations. Semifinal opponent Randy Meyer was shut off just before launch, giving the Maddern Racing team a free run into the finals. Chris’ 5.31 gave him lane choice over Bill Reichert. Reichert pulled out his quickest run of the weekend (5.319), defeating Demke’s close 5.327.

“I was very nervous going into first round of the Jegs Allstars race. Though we qualified No. 2, we didn’t run as well as we would’ve liked. We stepped up through eliminations but my competition stepped up as well. We stayed aggressive but we didn’t want to beat ourselves. Going into the final, the air got better, the track got better, and the car just drove through the clutch which slowed the car down. We still ran 5.32, but you can’t give anything up when you’re racing Reichert. He showed why he’s a multi-time world champion,” said Demke.

Demke’s Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/801 Racing dragster continued to click off low 5.3 runs in the first and second rounds of eliminations for the Route 66 Nationals, defeating Aaron Olivarez and Marty Thacker. The car slowed to a 5.37 in the semifinals, but opponent Alan Bradshaw was unable to beat it. Tuner Adam Rhoades stepped up the performance for the finals, sending Chris on a 5.317/271 MPH pass to beat rookie Rishi Kanick, 5.44.

“As eliminations progressed, we were most concerned about Alan Bradshaw. Jim Whiteley lost in the first round and there were multiple top cars who didn’t qualify. Alan was running five-twenties consistently so we felt he was our biggest threat. We both struggled in the same spot but I was able to recover. Rishi hadn’t been running as well that day so we thought that we had a good chance at winning the race as long as we didn’t make any mistakes. We made some changes to make sure it didn’t shake and it worked. I saw my win light came on and I felt a range of emotions that I haven’t felt in a long time,” Chris said after winning his tenth national event.

After multiple odd parts problems left him winless through the first half of the season, Demke now feels that his team’s luck has turned around.

“We’ve been paying a lot to the luck bank, and I think some of it is finally coming back around to us. Alan beat me in the finals at Topeka when the blower snout broke. Rishi beat me in the semifinals at the Four-Wide Nationals when the car mysteriously dropped a cylinder at the hit, which doesn’t happen often in alcohol cars. You don’t want to expect to win, but I know we have the crew, car and parts that we need to win but we’ve struggled figuring out this new car. We learned a lot this weekend, and I think we’ll have a much better second half of the season.”

Chris and the Maddern Racing team will take the next weekend off to return to the west coast, where they’ll defend their win at the Woodburn regional, July 12-14 at Oregon’s Woodburn Dragstrip.

Maddern Racing, celebrating 20 years of competition in 2013, is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/OSI/801 Racing dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, and Ron Mann. For more information on Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., 801 Racing, A1 Technologies, Boninfante Friction Inc., and Hoosier Racing Tire.