Words by Josh Hachat
Photos by Roger Richards

Jason Hamstra had a win, three finals appearances, and the points lead in Pro Extreme during an already brilliant 2011 American Drag Racing League (ADRL) season. Now, he can add a victory at his home track in front of a mass of family and friends to an already extensive accomplishment list.

Showing tremendous consistency throughout at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, Hamstra wrapped up his magical day by going 3.715 at 207.05 miles per hour to beat Todd Tutterow in the finals of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII.

“All of our friends and family drove here, and it feels good to get this win in front of them,” Hamstra said. “If you’re going to pick one race to win, this would be it. You can’t ask for a whole lot more.” Hamstra added a second victory to his 2011 season, extending his points lead in front of a packed crowd at U.S. 131.

Joining the Demotte, Ind. native in the MAVTV Winner’s Circle at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII was Mahana Al-Naemi (Pro Nitrous), Frankie Taylor (Extreme 10.5), Ashley Owens (Pro Extreme Motorcycle), Cary Goforth (Extreme Pro Stock) and Glenn Butcher (Top Sportsman).
Hamstra led an animated family-heavy celebration after qualifying second and running in the 3.70s all day.

Displaying a new patriotic-themed wrap, Hamstra’s efficient Duster beat Von Smith, Mick Snyder, who made his fifth straight semifinal appearance, and Tutterow (3.73 in the finals) in an excellent side-by-side finals matchup.

“We didn’t go too crazy with the car. We just tried to pick at it and it turned out for the best,” Hamstra said. “This is a good car. It does what we tell it to do.”

Mahana Al-Naemi sported a beaming smile after picking up his first ADRL win in the loaded Pro Nitrous class.

After becoming the No. 1 qualifier for the fourth straight race, the Al-Anabi Racing driver capped it off by going 3.882 at 194.54 mph in the finals against class standout Burton Auxier.

“I’m very, very happy. I tried many, many times to do this and to get a win is just great,” Al-Naemi said. “I think I’m getting better with each run, but when I saw the win light, I couldn’t believe it.”

Al-Naemi persevered through scorching temperatures Saturday, and his RJ Race Cars Camaro was solid. He beat teammate Mike Castellana in the semis – extracting revenge after Castellana beat Al-Naemi in the finals last month in Topeka – with a 3.88 before posting a nearly identical run a round later.