A seriously major Canada development happened at NHRA’s Arizona Nationals!  For the first time in history a Canadian-based father & son were both entered in competition for the NHRA Pro Stock class category – Eric & Matt Latino.   For Matt Latino (top photo) it was also his first ever NHRA national event race.  He did gather in some great experience & exposure —  but missed the 16-car program running a best time of 6.681 secs.  Eric Latino (below) – who qualified #7 (6.551 secs) defeated 6X NHRA World Champion Erica Enders in round one – but lost out to his KB/Titan Racing teammate and eventual event winner Greg Anderson in round two.

Defending NHRA Congruity Pro Mod World Champion Jordan Lazic had a strong Arizona Nationals event. Lazic (from Rutland BC) qualified #5 for the swift field with a 5.746 secs and won his first two rounds over Derek Menholt and Khalid al Balooshi. “JR” lost a very close decision to event winner Mike Stavrinos in the semi final round – 5.737 secs to 5.744 secs.

Mission BC’s Justin Bond was also in the mix for Pro Mod – as he was entered in both PM events held at Phoenix.  For the rain-delayed Gatornatonals (on Saturday) he went to round two.  In the Arizona Nationals race he was knocked out in round one racing JR Gray.

Darryl Stobbe again brought in his truly immaculate ’64 Malibu from Abbotsford BC.  Running in SS/JA trim – Darrell qualified 15th – before losing out on a red-light in round two.

Top Dragster class racing did include some rather prominent Canadian drivers — including on that list risers Donna Patterson (from Manitoba) and Aaron Steinkey (Alberta) entered in the category.  Steinkey qualified #2 at a swift 6.127 secs.  Both racers advanced to the 3rd round before losing out.

Stratford Ontario’s Spencer Hyde gave fuel FC class racing a second go as driver for the Jim Head Racing Mustang.  Spencer’s first ever Arizona Nationals appearance did just miss the program however — when his best time of 4.935 secs was #17 for the 20 cars entered.

Drag racing fans got their first look at the all new Happy Hour Dodge Challenger Funny Car being fielded by iconic racer Tim Boychuk (from Edmonton AB).  Tim had his new ride within the Legends Nitro Funny Car (presented by Extreme Steel) 8-car field for Nostalgia bodied cars.  Tim ran a 4.840 secs to qualify #6 for that but lost out in round number one to eventual winner Dan Horan.