Lesenko KO’s NHRA World Champ!

Canada’s Todd Lesenko has been hands down a early season very pleasant surprise within NHRA’s Full Throttle Drag Racing so far in 2012.  The St. Albert, Alberta based racer added to that notion big time last Sunday when he rudely upset the defending NHRA Full Throttle World Champion Matt Hagan during round one of Funny Car at Phoenix.   Make no mistake the win wasn’t pretty as both drivers strugged with tire spin but Lesenko’s raw talent did shine through as he was able to out peddle Hagan’s very highly funded DSR Racing Dodge and cross the finish line first.  During qualifying Todd drove the Jim Dunn Racing “Tap It Brewing” car to a career best (so far) 4.195 secs at 289.51 mph.   Todd lost in the 2nd frame to another potential rookie of the year candidate – John Force’s daughter Courtney Force….BB

(Bruce Biegler Photo)