Reflections on the return of RAD Torque Raceway’s 2022 mid-summer independent event success story ….

For two years the tradition of a one night, mid summer, Wednesday was suspended due to Covid.  For 2022 though, things were different.  Very Different!  

Every year for twenty five years, there has been one night that has been within the racing vocabulary for the Edmonton Alberta area — aka: Hot August Night.  

Last August 10th, that tradition returned as area fans flocked to see Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Cars, Wheel Standers, Top Dragsters and Top Sportsman as well Pro Mods that put on a show.  It has always been a fun and crazy night.

This year was a sign that people are really wanting to get back to a normal life.  How about a record crowd!  Over 13,000 people made it out to the track for the evening show with a two hour line up on the highway to get into the facility.  The show ran until almost midnight and most of the crowd stayed for the fireworks and final Jet car pass. 

Amazing to say the least!

Nathan Sitko, Dave Brandt, Cory Kincaid were the Nitro Funny cars, with Chuck Haynes making the trip up from Montana to put on a great single car jet show.  

Cory Kincaid and David Brandt ran their Nitro Nostalgia Mustang Funny Cars.

Track owner Rob Reeves had a very difficult time finding cars to come up to Edmonton this year.  Covid restrictions and vaccination requirements at the border caused many to not be able to make the trip and the local jet cars decided that they would sit it out.  

The track’s 1/8th mile series, Heavy Metal Mayhem, also put on a race with 30 cars attending.  Outlaw 275, Street Sportsman and Pro were also part of the show.  Chris Krozser took the Heavy Metal Mayhem race and Mike Swanson prevailed in Pro.  John Cuglietta won Outlaw 275 and Street Sportsman would finish on another weekend.

Chris Krozser took the Heavy Metal Mayhem eliminator.

The event’s Outlaw 275 title went to John Cuglietta

All 13000 plus fans had a great time and were entertained by the limited car count and then a great fireworks show to finish out the evening.  The tradition continues after the two year pause and hopefully in 2023 more jet cars or trucks can make it up across the border.

Montana’s Chuck Haynes entertained the capacity crowd with his “Volcano” Jet Dragster

Rob and Chevy Reeves coordinated an efficient and entertaining evening event.

Posted by Rome Awde

Photos courtesy of Fuelled Up Photography