The AFCO Drag Radial category was short and sweet with Jason Lee sealing one of his most impressive seasons with five of seven event wins and obviously the championship. He squared off against the “Almond Assassin” 1982 Fairmont of Kurt Borton. Lee unleashed a 7.51 at 188 mph to Borton’s 7.92 at 175 mph.

The Blow By Racing Renegade ranks were stacked with nitrous and supercharged players capable of mid-8 second runs at most races and a little quicker in Bowling Green. Brian Mitchell marched to the finals by running a class record run of 8.26—backed up by an 8.28. He squared off against newcomer and feared nitrous racer Scott Grove. Mitchell streaked to the win with an 8.28 at 164 mph to Grove’s 8.39 at 161 mph.

Edelbrock Hot Street saw two longtime competitors line-up for a shot at the glory after Charlie Booze Jr. and Don Bowles were eliminated in earlier rounds. Tim Eichorn, under the crew chief Tyler Eichorn’s direction, made his way to the finals by way of consistent 8.40s. He met up against top qualifier Ricky Riccardi and his Downs Ford Motorsport 1981 Mercury Capri. Riccardi (shown) sat on top of the ladder thanks to an 8.40 at 157 mph—courtesy of a new 399ci engine. The final was over before it began as Eichorn went red with a -.008 and Riccardi cruised into his first winner’s circle in NMRA competition.