Florida Clouds Clear for Monday Winners

Words by Eric Lotz and Kay Burk
Photos by Ron Lewis and Steve Gruenwald

Chris Demke won Top Alcohol Dragster.  (Ron Lewis photo)

Final rounds were delayed by rain until Monday, March 12, at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.

Chris Demke picked up his second win of the year in Top Alcohol Dragster while Mickey Ferro grabbed his first in Top Alcohol Funny Car. 

Demke celebrates his ‘Wally.’ (Ron Lewis photo)

Demke, Sunland, Calif., qualified No. 5, then worked his way through the field to face off with No. 2 qualifier and former National Champion Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., in the final. Demke left first and never relinquished the lead, crossing the finish line in 5.306 seconds at 271.19 mph to Reichert’s 5.318, 265.22.