“Big Show” Debut for Lesenko!

One of the most anticipated Canadian drag racing news stories of this season got its start during last weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals held south of Phoenix…..

Todd Lesenko, from St. Albert, Alberta made his Professional racing debut within the NHRA Fuel Funny Car class,  in conjunction with Worsham Racing and car co-owner Steve Plueger. 

Lesenko, who is a very accomplished racer in Nostalgia Funny Car circuits , ran well too.  He did in fact qualify in his debut race which is a rather remarkable accomplishment within the brutally tough and unforgiving NHRA Funny Car category. 

Lesenko qualified the Jolly Rodger Dodge Charger #11 with a best run of 4.342 secs at 282.48 mph which out placed a number of star circuit drivers —  including John Force and Robert Hight (who qualified 12^th and 13^th).

In some very big news for Canadian drag racing -- Todd Lesenko made his NHRA FC debut

Todd was matched against 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Championship contender Matt Hagan in round one and did have a better starting line RT (.047 to .093) before the car spun it’s tires.  Hagan ultimately won at 4.258 secs to Lesenko’s 5.151 secs.

The exciting new Canadian team did earn some special accolades for the event too – NHRA presented them with the event’s overall “Best Appearing Crew” award.

The very professional looking Jolly Roger Racing Team received the event's Best Appearing Crew award

Lesenko will now round out his 2011 season with scheduled appearances at both NHRA Las Vegas and the Pomona World Finals.

DragRaceCanada will feature a more in-depth story on Todd and his team — in the near future. 

For more background information visit the team website:   www.jollyrogersdragracing.com

 (Photos courtesy of Rich Carlson)