First Final = First Win! — Brandon Manitoba’s Jeff Crooks has become the latest Canadian driver to add his name to the winners list ledger for NHRA national events.  Jeff accomplished that when he took full advantage of his first career final round during Super Gas class racing at NHRA’s Lucas Oil Nationals held at Brainerd MN.  Jeff wheeled his ’68 Firebird to victory during six rounds of that 9.90 index competition defeating a red-lighting Tom Carlson in the final.

Going Low Again – Manitoba-based car owner Clif Bakx and his driver Todd Bruce (from North Dakota) did have another impressive event racing “the Bull” injected nitro car at NHRA’s Lucas Oil Nationals.  The team which has a real propensity to run very well at Brainerd International Raceway, paced the TAD field with a 5.246 secs ET – which was low for the event.  Bakx’s team, which has won at BIR before, did fall short of victory lane this time however – when they lost out to eventual winner Jackie Fricke in round #2 (5.254 secs to 5.357 secs)

From Red Hot to Silver Sizzle? — Canada has another new emerging Pro Mod class player. Belleville Ontario-based Steve Boardman, who has been running the “Red Hot” Chevy Nova in S/G was spotting making licensing and shakedown runs in his recently acquired ’63 Corvette. This car was formally raced by Derek Hawker, and Hawker himself along with engine builder Kirk Silbermann (Ajax Engines) are assisting Steve with his class transition.

“Top Five Focus” — Buford Ontario’s KHR Racing team has been knocking on the door within the PDRA’s 1/8th mile circuit this season.  Racing the Charles Jones Industrial presented ’32 Bantum, Kyle Harris and his crew have been top contenders and very fast runners within the PDRA’s Top Dragster class this season while attending four of their races.  Plans are that the supercharged machine which has run a best of 3.80 secs at 193+ mph in 1/8th mile competition so far, will attend the 3 remaining PDRA events this season. Kyle currently sits 6th in points but has a “top five” finish on his radar.