Words by Josh Hachat and Kay Burk
Photos by Richard Muir

Mick Snyder could do no wrong on Saturday, May 5, at Maple Grove Raceway and he left the Northeast Drags II presented by Penske with his second American Drag Racing League win.

Snyder, a Pro Extreme standout, claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot during the final session with a 3.64 and then finished off a terrific day at the historic track, running 3.648 at 207.46 miles per hour to beat Tommy D’Aprile under the lights.

“To qualify No. 1 and then win at an event like this and at a place like this, it’s just great. My dad (Larry) had this car tuned up like a bracket car today and it was just outstanding,” Snyder said. “There’s not a bad car out here in Pro Extreme and this has just been awesome.”

Joining Snyder in the winner’s circle was Robert Patrick Jr. (Pro Nitrous), Billy Glidden (Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5), Eric McKinney (Pro Extreme Motorcycle), Dean Goforth (Extreme Pro Stock), Mike Castellana (Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified), Chip Forman (Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman) and Chris Holbrook (SuperCar Showdown).

Snyder and his Powersource Transportation car went as quick as 3.636 – the quickest run in Pro Extreme in 2012 – during eliminations en route to the win against D’Aprile, who made his second straight finals appearance.

“This car is just something else. It truly is an amazing car. I’m just so happy that Jason (Scruggs) let me drive it,” Snyder said.

Switching back to a supercharger set-up after not qualifying the first two races with a turbocharger combination, Frankie Taylor delivered a classic run in his Jeffers Pro Cars Corvette, running an outstanding 3.653 at 207.85 mph to leap to the top of Pro Extreme qualifying on Friday.

“It’s coming back around. That’s not too bad for our first lap in a blower in (6 months),” Taylor said. “To finally get in the field felt really good. It was great to get that one under our belt.”

A steady rain wiped out Friday’s third qualifying session.