Three of Canada’s hardest running and potential rich NHRA injected nitro cars rumble out of season gate at “Baby Gators”…..
NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series level kicked off its calendar year for 2022 last weekend – with that schedule including a preview to next week’s NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals – the “Baby Gators” — also hosted by Gainesville Raceway in Florida.
16 cars were entered for the NHRA Southeast Regional event in the TAD class & three Canadian cars assumed positions in the 8-car field when qualifying was completed.
The Ontario-based family team of Jeff, Gary and Sue Veale were the quickest and fastest for Canadians – running 5.281 secs at 279.32 mph for #5. Jeff Veale did however lose out to Scandinavia born Julie Nataas in round one (5.203 – 5.338 secs)
Daniel Mercier (form Saint Michel PQ) debuted his all new Dan Page built injected nitro car in competition. Mercier, now armed with primary backing from Amalie Motor Oil, carded a 5.308 secs to place (#7) before the car went up in tire smoke on the hit in round one versus Mike Coughlin.
Credit Chatterson Racing (from Brantford ON) with the first win light of the season for Canada’s TAD class contingent. Driver Jeff Chatterson did upset low qualifier Karen Stalba in round one with solid 5.312 secs victory. He too however fell victim to Julie Nataas — losing by 5.266 secs to 5.346 secs in the semi final count.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Phil Hutchison
