A Canadian drag racing highlight package which includes another significant and major win for a Western racer….
Calgary’s Ken Mostowich made the very best of opportunity during last weekend’s Jegs Sportsman All Stars event – which is arguably drag racing’s single most prestigious season event title for Lucas Oil level drag racers.
Mostowich, who in fact won this race a year prior driving his familiar and consistent Super Gas Chevy Corvette was able to successfully defend that title with another convincing victory.
Ken and his valued “right hand man” Charlie Marsh were entered in the event initially as “blockers” (automatic for defending champions) but had that status change before round one of S/G competition opened.
Ken Mostowich and his crewman Charlie Marsh prevailed to win the highly prestigious Jegs All Stars event – for the 2nd year in a row!
“Unfortunately for my first round scheduled competitor (Randy Bowers) he broke his motor,” Ken explained. “So then I was reinstated as a competitor not just a blocker for the All Stars event. I was representing NHRA division seven – and we just happened to make the best of it.”
After that first round single, Mostowich went on to defeat Tom Goldman (from PA) and then Louisiana’s Jackson Collier for the event title. In the final round Ken recorded a winning 9.903 secs compared to Collier’s 9.879 secs break out run.
“It always feels good to win,” Ken added. “We were a pretty confident team going in — but this one was special for me because my wife Laurie was able to make the trip (from Calgary) and also my brother Phil and his wife (from Toronto) were here. Thanks to my crew chief Charlie and that’s again to Jegs!”
More Canadian Photo Highlights from Chicago!
Mike Lucas (from Fort St. John BC) represented NHRA Divison 6 in Top Sportsman for the Jegs All Stars event. Mike won his first round – but lost out to eventual winner Lester Johnson in round #2.
Ontario’s Tyler Scott had a nice event driving for team owner Larry Dobbs. Tyler drove the Harmon HVS-sponsored Chevy Camaro to a major upset first round win over low qualifier Chris Marshall before losing out to Ray Drew in round #2 – 5.535 secs to 5.675 secs.
Calgary’s Jirka Kaplan tried his hand racing at Route 66 Raceway for the first time in his career. Jirka’s Bearpaw Petroleum Chevy Camaro qualified 11th (5.592 secs) before having a .002 foul in round one versus Andy Bohl
Kevin Dyck (from St. Paul MB) was a busy racer at the Joliet driving two cars – in S/G and S/C. He was also entered for the Jegs All Stars – racing his S/G Corvette. He lost in round #1 for the Jegs event but did have a nice 3rd round finish in the Route 66 event.
Brian Browell (who is originally from Ontario but now resides in Indiana) proudly qualified for the Jegs All Stars event with his tech marvel V6 powered D/D.
Canadian tuning guru Les Davenport was behind the knobs for John Lombardo’s potent Napa-sponsored Camaro TAFC. Les’s team lost out however to eventual winner Shane Westerfield in round #2 this time out.
Edmonton-native Rob Flynn also continued to make his mark with the DHL/Kalitta Racing Top Fuel team. Rob’s driver (Richie Crampton from Australia) qualified 11th with a 3.817 secs to his credit.
Hey Jirka — thanks again!
All photos by Bruce Biegler
