Last weekend’s Canadian Nitro Nationals had a slew of memorable moments…..

Kudos to everyone involved for making that 10th annual edition Canadian Nitro Nationals at Cayuga Dragway/TMP a very impressive and successful weekend.   The discriminating judges have re-convened — and here is their selection for “top 10” event highlights.

Paton Racing unleashed both their Top Fuel cars at the Canadian Nitro Nationals — but it was understudy Jeff Chatterson who shined. Following his first full pull on Saturday afternoon ( 4.97 secs at 250.51 mph – 1/4 mile) Jeff has officially become Canada’s newest fully licensed TF racer.  (Congrats Jeff).  The Brantford Ontario based racer also tested his A/Fuel car at the race.

Western New York’s Gary Kraus – who has been a fan favourite within this regions Nitro Nostalgia FC scene – debuted his “big show” FC at Cayuga. This former John Force Racing Mustang looked great as Gary got his feet wet in the class.  He also did have a pretty memorable “early moment” in the car  when it got crossed up and crossed lanes while racing Jeff Diehl — providing Saturday evening’s most harrowing moment!

The word “awesome” probably falls well short of accurately describing Chris Darnell’s “Shockwave” Jet Truck which was at Cayuga for the 4th straight season. The triple-engined monster once again lit up the night and had the capacity crowd on it’s feet — every time it ran.

One of Southern Ontario’s most innovative and determined racers – Kyle Harris (from Burford ON) was at the top of his game in Top Dragster racing. Kyle raced his fan favorite Charles Jones Industrial sponsored ’32 Bantum to victory. He qualified #1 and beat Scott McCann (far lane) in this championship final round.

Invading Michigan state-based driver Jason Kelso came away the winner in the PSDS Pennzoil presented Pro Mod eliminator. Jason’s great looking ’70 Cuda topped 12 other entries.  He got the final round win light when opponent Mike Yedgarian (from Toronto) had a centre line violation driving his uber quick  turbocharged Firebird.

PSDS Top Sportsman class racing went to a seasoned local veteran – Joe McCormick (from Toronto) — who scored in the class racing what was an ex Konigshofer Brothers Pro Stock Mustang.  Joe, who has raced this car faithfully since 2012, beat a tough 16-car field when he outlasted Wes Goddard’s Nash in the championship round.

For the first time ever at the Canadian Nitro Nationals — a field of nostalgia “Gassers” were part of the program. AA/GS and A/G machines (from both the USA and Canada)  made 1/8th mile exhibition runs throughout the weekend. It was for sure a cool addition to the event.

Our event’s “true grit” award goes hands down to Coburg Ontario’s Al Martorino who had a very high/low weekend racing his potential ridden supercharged Pro Mod Boss Mustang. Al ripped the rear end out of his car testing on Friday — but rebounded from that setback to qualify #1 – 5.891 secs.  Unfortunately Al’s Mustang then made hard contact with the guardwall on Sunday in the semi final round = $$$ (PS:  Congrats to Al and his new bride Shaye — who were just married the week before!)

Very cool that Lucas Oil owned production company Mav TV was on hand at the race filming all the event action for an upcoming feature. We are hearing this will air sometime in  August – DragRaceCanada will provide more details on exactly when later.

And we would strongly argue the biggest overall event story from the 2019 edition Canadian Nitro Nationals — was the over the top fan support it received. Judging by the packed house both Friday and Saturday – we believe this was the best attended event in it’s ten year history.  For all those who attended – a pat on the back — for those who did not — why the heck not?

Posted by Bruce Biegler

Photos by LMLCMedia team – Bruce Biegler – Brennan Shortall – Darwin Kent – John Marechal 

To link to our Canadian Nitro Nationals event photo gallery – visit our “LoudMusicLoudCars” presentation : HERE