Despite some less then idea weather conditions — Eastern Canada’s drag racers showed up in “groves for the Grove” last weekend for NHRA’s Dodge Nationals in Pennsylvania….

kenny02

The Kingston-based father and son team of Al and Jason Kenny entered their potent machines for Super Comp. While the senior Kenny bowed out early - Jason Kenny (top) had another superb NHRA national event finish - going to the semi final round.

The Kingston-based father and son team of Al and Jason Kenny entered their potent machines for Super Comp. While the senior Kenny bowed out early – Jason Kenny (top) had another superb NHRA national event finish – going to the semi final round.

Tyler Scott (from Exeter ON) tried his hand in the TAFC program which had it's field set on points. He lost in round #1.

Tyler Scott (from Exeter ON) tried his hand in the TAFC program which had it’s field set on points. He lost in round #1.

maplegrove-c-reed

All the rain at Maple Grove made the surface very tricky - evidenced by the strange tire distortion for both Shawn Reed (driving the Paton Racing TF dragster) and for Quebec's Daniel Mercer in TAD. Reed lost in round one and Daniel was a DNQ after his only qualifying attempt.

All the rain at Maple Grove made the surface very tricky – evidenced by the strange tire distortion for both Shawn Reed (driving the Paton Racing dragster) and for Quebec’s Daniel Mercer in TAD. Reed lost in TF round one and Daniel was a DNQ after his only qualifying attempt.

Richard Grenier - from Quebec - entered his unique Mopar powered Willys roadster in the Super Comp 8.90 class.

Richard Grenier – from Quebec – entered his unique Mopar powered Willys roadster in the Super Comp 8.90 class.

armstrong-ss

Maritimes-based Canadian drag racing legends John and Allyn Armstrong attended the event. John qualified his SS/BA Corvette #11. Allyn took his familiar L/A Opel to round #2 in Comp.

Maritimes-based Canadian drag racing legends John and Allyn Armstrong attended the event. John qualified his SS/AA Corvette #11. Allyn took his familiar L/A Opel to round #2 in Comp.

Popular Canadian based racer Smax Smith (Ayr On) entered the event racing Bob Leverich's Michigan-based Top Fuel car.

Popular Canadian based racer Smax Smith (Ayr On) entered the event racing Bob Leverich’s Michigan-based Top Fuel car.

maplegrove-c-stroud2

Richard Stroud (from Douglas ON) had two cars in competition at Maple Grove racing in both Super Comp and Super Gas.

Richard Stroud (from Douglas ON) had two cars in competition at Maple Grove racing in both Super Comp and Super Gas.

maplegrove-c-cummings maplegrove-c-boardman

Super Gas 9.90 class racing included some great Chevy cars based out of Canada including Dwight Cummings' Corvette (Bloomfield NB) Steve Boardman (Belleview ON) and Charlie Kenotic (Renfrew ON)

Super Gas 9.90 class racing included some great Chevy cars based out of Canada including Dwight Cummings’ Corvette (Bloomfield NB) Steve Boardman’s Chevy II (Belleview ON) and former event champ Charlie Kenopic (Renfrew ON).

Ike and Karen Maier (from Tottenham ON) continued forward with their determined and independent Top Fuel effort from Canada.

Ike and Debora Maier (from Tottenham ON) continued forward with their determined and independent Top Fuel effort from Canada.

Trevor Irvin makes a qualifying lap in Stock eliminator driving his B/SA '70 Nova from Nova Scotia.

Trevor Ervin makes a qualifying lap in Stock eliminator driving his B/SA ’70 Nova from Nova Scotia.

That's Canadian iron "The Captain" Barry Paton at the ready in the staging lanes with his Top Fuel dragster

That’s Canadian icon “The Captain” Barry Paton at the ready in the staging lanes with his potent Top Fuel dragster!

maplegrove-c-riley

Nova Scotia-based racers Bruce Riley and Fred Thibeault were both entered in Super Stock. Riley had a superb #2 qualifier with his SS/DA '71 Chevelle - running .936 under his index.

Nova Scotia-based racers Bruce Riley and Fred Thibeault were both entered in Super Stock with their respective high-flying Chevrolets.  Riley had a superb #2 qualifier with his SS/DA ’71 Chevelle – running .936 under his index.

Photos by Bruce Biegler and Steve Embling