Words by Phil Hutchinson
Photos by Todd Dziadosz

Darren Nicholson of Mission Viejo, Calif., driving the JC Auto Glass/Cantrell Brothers entry, took his first ever Division One Top Alcohol Dragster win during the 4th of July weekend at Lebanon Valley Dragway. The Lucas Oil event sponsored by Diamond RV and NBT Bank at Lebanon Valley Dragway was the fourth stop on a several-event series in the Northeast. 

Nicholson defeated the A/FD of long time Northeast Division racer Rich McPhillips from Phoenixville, PA, in the finals, running a 5.600 in his blown entry to put away the slowing 5.696 of McPhillips.

Low qualifier and defending event champion John Finke from nearby Selkirk, NY, went out in the semifinal round losing to Nicholson’s 5.553 to a cylinder dropping 5.549. Finke continues to lead the NED Top Alcohol Dragster points race over second place Mike Kosky with Nicholson in third place.

Frank Manzo (near lane) and Paul Gill.