WHITELEY, BARTONE LEAD LUCAS OIL WINNERS IN VEGAS

Words by Eric Lotz and Kay Burk
Photos by Tim Marshall and James Drew

Jim Whiteley and Tony Bartone led a list of big names visiting the winner’s circle  April 1st for the Summitracing.com NHRA Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., grabbed his second win in as many days knocking out Cody Perkins in the final round of Top Alcohol Dragster.  Whiteley went 269.35 mph in 5.306 seconds for the win over Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, who advanced from the 15th qualifying spot to the final round posting a 5.679, 247.25 mph lap. 

On Saturday, Whiteley defeated Chris Demke in the final of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event that was delayed from a week ago.  (James Drew photo)

Bartone bettered his final round appearance from last week, taking the win in Top Alcohol Funny Car this weekend over Claremont, Calif., racer Jay Payne.