Austin and Veney take last NED alcohol wins of 2010; Schurman moves closer to Division title

Words and photos by Phil Hutchison

Division 6 racer Mike Austin from Medford, Oregon, driving the blown “Impatience” dragster of Steve and Patty Federlin, did what he came to do when they towed out to the east coast. He beat some of the best Alcohol racers in the country and in doing so cemented his lead in his home division.

The Alcohol Dragster field looked like a mini NHRA national event with some of the hottest cars in the country qualifying for the tight eight-car show at Atco, NJ.

Leading the charge was the blown dragster of Mike Kosky from Cuddy, PA, with a personal best 5.286 at 264.70 mph. Just a tick behind with a 5.302 was Austin. The bump spot went to the A/FD of Richard Bourke who ran a 5.533 to hold down the quick field. Between Bourke and Kosky were 2009 Lucas champ Bill Reichart, 2009 Division 1 champ John Fink and soon to be 2010 NED champ, Darren Nicholson. To say the least, it was a stellar show.

The event was originally scheduled for Oct 1-3 but the cold and rain forced a postponement to the week after the Toyo Nationals at Maple Grove. Not making the return trip was Reichert, whose spot was filled by the A/FD of Karen Stalba.

As expected the finals were a wild affair with Austin first off the line with a 0.026 light to Kosky’s 0.045. Kosky was making up the difference but got squirrely near the finish line and Austin took the win with a 5.331 to Kosky’s quicker 5.317. The win at Atco gave Austin the Division 6 TAD championship.