Alberta’s premier annual drag racing event attraction unfolds for new track ownership….
The 2024 edition of the Rocky Mountain Nationals (at RAD Torque Raceway July 12-14) was a historic one, as it was the first major event under new track owner, Glen Stenabaugh.
Stenabaugh, owner of one of Canada’s largest car museums, purchased the track from previous owners Rob and Kim Reeves, who had been involved in the owner group of the facility since 1998.
New track owner Glen Stenabaugh centres RAD Torque Systems President Dan Provost (left) and RAD Torque Raceway Operations Manager Chevy Reeves during opening ceremonies.
Highlighted by nostalgia nitro funny cars, West Coast Pro Modifieds, fuel altered, nostalgia alcohol funny cars and pro fuel bikes, the capacity crowd on both Friday and Saturday night enjoyed another spectacular show.
The youngest nitro funny car participant of the weekend was 23-year old Dylan Bussey, son of nitro funny car driver Jason Bussey. Jason’s two sons, Donavin and Dylan, are both in the process of completing their nitro funny car license, with Donavin making laps in the family owned car earlier this year in Spokane, and Dylan making his first licensing attempts at the Rocky Mountain Nationals. Dylan made five laps throughout the weekend, while Jason ran in a second nitro funny car within the “Chicago-style” shootout event features.
Newcomer Dylan Bussey made his first licensing attempts for Nitro Nostalgia FC during the Rocky Mountain Nats weekend.
Most known for his bright orange GTO alcohol funny car, longtime Alberta racer Cal Tebb was a surprise competitor behind the wheel of Nathan Sitko’s Mustang nitro funny car, the Arctic Traveller. Cal recently sold the GTO and has been building a blown alcohol 33 Willys but the car was not completed prior to the event. With Nathan Sitko wheeling the famed Bubble Up Firebird, Cal got the call about a week before the event to jump behind the wheel of the Mustang. Both Cal and Nathan were very pleased with how the weekend went with Cal making numerous clean laps and minimal wear and tear on the car.
Longtime Alberta drag racer Cal Tebb made his Canadian driving debut for the Nostalgia Funny Car class. Cal wheeled the Sitko Family’s “Arctic Traveller” Mustang at Edmonton.
One of the most iconic pro mods in recent memory has a new owner for 2024, as central-Alberta resident Sander Spelt purchased the Bunker Junker 1957 Chevy from Dean Bettenson. This weekend was Sander’s first attempt in pro modified competition, qualifying third in the field of nine West Coast Pro Modifieds with a stout 3.948, and progressed to the second round before losing to eventual race winner Ryan Griffin.
Sander Spelt raced his recently purchased Bunker Junker ’57 Chevy in the WCPM circuit feature but it was WA-based driver Ryan Griffin (below) taking the event title.
Numerous West Coast Outlaw X275 racers were in attendance, with some of them making the switch from 275 radial tires to slicks ahead of next weekend’s No Prep Kings Street Outlaws event at Rad Torque Raceway. Having gained incredible popularity on The Discovery Channel, the Street Outlaws will making their first appearance in western Canada, and a handful of big and small tire competitors used the Rocky Mountain Nationals to gain valuable data ahead of taking on the TV stars.
The husband and wife team of Chris & Ashley Gould (Spruce Grove AB) campaigned thier super cool X275 classed Mustang.
Outside of the feature classes, a full bracket doubleheader took place over the course of the weekend.
Saturday’s winners summary featured Tim Boychuk (Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car), Al Weich (6.90 Alcohol Funny Car), Daylen Miller (Top Dragster), Clint Dallavechia (Top Sportsman), Dean Peterson (Super Gas), Chuck Porter (Stock/Super Stock Combo), James Elliot (Super Street), Grant Durie (Super Comp), Serenity Bourdin (Jr. Thunder), Daniel O’Connor (Jr. Lightning), Mackenna Bold (Super Pro), Kalim Menzel (Pro).
Hometown racer Tim Boychuk was a popular winner on Saturday for the event’s “Chicago Style” format Funny Car event.
Al Weich scored in the event’s 6.90 index class racing this cool Dodge Charger
Sunday’s winner’s listing included Ryan Griffin (West Coast Pro Modifieds), Mike Krozser (Top Dragster), Pat McNally (Top Sportsman) Darrel Smith (Super Gas), Norm Lapointe (Stock/Super Stock Combo), Dean Peterson (Super Street) Pat Dowhaniuk (Super Comp), Sarah Duchene (Jr. Thunder), Tristin Duchene (Jr. Lightning), Jason Duchene (Super Pro), and Doug Klassen (Pro).
Dean Peterson (above) won in the NHRA Super Street index class and Darrel Smith (below) scored a win in S/G.
Post and photos by Louren Sansregret
