Cary Goforth (far lane) got the Extreme Pro Stock win over John DeFlorian. DeFlorian ran 4.102 at 176.26 mph.

Goforth, Castellana, McKinney win championships and final race

Words by Josh Hachat and Kay Burk
Photos by Joe McHugh

Extreme Pro Stock driver Cary Goforth, Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider Eric McKinney and Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified driver Mike Castellana were already able to celebrate American Drag Racing League world championships on Saturday, Oct. 20, but the talented trio also earned an extra chance to celebrate as they each won the ADRL World Finals VIII presented by CarSafe at the Texas Motorplex.

In winning his second straight world championship in XPS, Goforth and his Jerry Haas Race Cars GXP went 4.096 at 175 mph to beat John DeFlorian and cap off his tremendous back-to-back championship run.

“It feels good to come here, get the win and get the championship,” said Goforth, who also thanked Sonny’s Racing Engines in winning for the third time in 2012 and ninth time in his ADRL career. “This is just a great feeling.

“That makes this very sweet. It was a great team effort from a great group of individuals. We are extremely happy.”

Three other drivers – Tommy D’Aprile (Pro Extreme), Pat Stoken (Pro Nitrous) and William Brown III (Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman) - won for the first time in the ADRL at the World Finals VIII presented by CarSafe, while Billy Glidden added to his record win total as the ADRL closed out its 2012 season in fine fashion.

It also officially awarded world championships to Mick Snyder (Pro Extreme), Bob Rahaim (Pro Nitrous), Alan Pittman (Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5), McKinney, Goforth, Castellana and Marco Abruzzi (Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman).

All of those world champions – and special award winners – were honored on Sunday at the ADRL’s Racer Appreciation and Awards Gala.

Goforth, Castellana and McKinney all closed out championship seasons with a win, as Castellana claimed a world championship for the second season, this time in Aeromotive Pro Modified.