Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals at Grand Bend  

First-time winners celebrate in Canada

Words by Bruce Mehlenbacher
Photos by Brennan Shortall ~ www.DragRaceCanada.com

There were some new faces in the winner’s circle over the weekend after the running of the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts drag races held at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

The race was the latest round for the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series presented by Wiseco Performance Products.

Sam Andreacchi picked up his first win of the season in the PMRA, while Top Dragster driver Melanie Simmons won her first in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and Josie Brooks also won her first event riding in the PBSS.

Sam Andreacchi

Andreacchi, of Toronto, Ontario, who qualified number seven, drove the Wolf Racing and Andreacchi Motorsports 1969 Camaro Pro Modified to his first win of the 2012 PMRA season. The team returned to PMRA racing after a year’s absence with a new car and ready to do battle.

Andreacchi eliminated number-eight qualifier Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ont., in the final. Semi-finalists were Jeff Roth of New Dundee, Ont., and Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ont. Number-one qualifier Eric Latino of Whitby, Ont., who posted a 5.973 at 241.87 for the meet’s Low ET and Top Speed, was eliminated in first-round action.

There was celebration in the Toyrific Racing team pits as Melanie Simmons won her first victory in Quick 32 Sportsman Series racing. The Top Dragster driver from Orillia, Ont., qualified ninth in the 16-car field, and faced Jim Rubino of Buffalo, NY, in the final round, winning with a 7.025 pass at 168.89.

On the Top Sportsman side, Dan Flanigan of Buffalo, NY, drove his best race of the series, taking out Dan Aitken Jr. of Belle River, Ont., to meet up with Simmons for the event title. Flanigan qualified his NOCO Motorsports 2002 Firebird ninth, and posted a 7.220 at 193.79 for the Top Sportsman win.