The Pro Nitrous title for ADRL’s Memphis race went to Maryland racer Jim Halsey, who was paired off against the relatively unknown Tim Savell in the finals. Halsey used a .068 RT against Savell’s .083 and then stormed down track to a 3.917 ET at 191.18. Savell trailed with a 4.052/ 187.04.

Savell might not have taken home the Memphis honors, but the consolation prize may have made up for it. Although he wasn’t qualified for the Martin race when he lined up against Halsey, his 4.052 run put him in the field. Halsey was away first with a .015 holeshot and put down a nice, straight pass in the left lane to claim the belated Memphis victory.

Ashley Owens, riding a 2005 Suzuki owned by fellow rider T.T. Jones, not only won the coveted ADRL “Minuteman” from the Memphis event, but reset the ADRL National ET record with a 4.24 lap in the final that was backed up by a 4.20 effort earlier in his semi-final win over Jack Young. In the final round, Owens officially backed up the record within the required one percent with a 4.24-seconds pass at 174.13 mph that also put him over Eric McKinney.

“Eric and I and his dad, Scott, we’re all such good friends that I really didn’t feel any pressure going into the final,” Owens said. “I would’ve been happy no matter who won, but I’m glad to give this win to T.T. (Jones); it’s a real pleasure for me to ride his bike.”

Unfortunately, while the Memphis race was finally able to receive its long overdue conclusion, the bad weather that had caused the delay proved to be an ill omen, as another round of bad weather put paid to any hope finishing the Martin event.

While racers were able to complete all the first round eliminations, and even put one pair down the track for Pro Stock quarter finals, continuing rain coupled with forecasts for the weather to persist though the rest of the weekend forced track officials to call the event on Saturday evening. The missed rounds will be run at the ADRL’s Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Topeka, Kansas on July 4th.