This jewel-encrusted symbol of drag racing excellence has become something that doorslammer racers cross the country have grown to covet over the past four years.

Words and photos by Jake Amatisto and Greg Acosta

The July 18-19 weekend marked the fourth time the NMCA and NMRA racers met at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., to do battle for the Nitto Tire “Diamond Tree” Ring. The car counts in all classes improved over last year, drawing well over 500 cars between the two series. Despite previous years where heat and rain were dampening factors, the weather at Route 66 this weekend was almost perfect. 

NMCA

In what is considered by some to be a “Pro Mod class with mufflers,” Scorpion Performance Pro Street, Troy Coughlin was able to race his way through one tough field of racecars to get the Route 66 event win. He started his quest to the finals by advancing over a broken Hector Laracuente and ended up meeting Joe Dunne in the second round - a rematch from the Maple Grove race final last month. Dunne, unfortunately, redlit and handed the win over.