ADRL at Norwalk, Ohio

Rahaim repeats as McKinney clinches bike championship

Words by Josh Hachat
Photos courtesy ADRL

With another tremendous performance on Saturday, Sept. 29, Bob Rahaim moved closer to his first American Drag Racing League championship.
The Pro Nitrous standout had a brilliant day during the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags VI presented by Mickey Thompson at Summit Motorsports Park, going 3.883 at 195.28 mph to beat Stan Allen in the finals and win his second straight race.

It also puts Rahaim on the cusp of clinching his first ADRL world championship in Pro Nitrous, which could come Oct. 19-20 at the ADRL World Finals VIII presented by CarSafe at Texas Motorplex.

“I just feel lucky and thankful to have things come together like this,” Rahaim said. “It’s a monumental undertaking to put this together and this is a really special moment. It truly is amazing and I just feel very fortunate.”

Other winners included Alex Hossler (Pro Extreme), Eric McKinney (Pro Extreme Motorcycle), Billy Glidden (Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5), Elijah Morton (Extreme Pro Stock), Dave Roemer (Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified), Ronnie Davis (Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman) and Chris Holbrook (SuperCar Showdown).

Rahaim went as quick as 3.83 in eliminations, but his main focus in picking up his third win in five finals appearances in 2012 was staying consistent in his ’69 Jerry Bickel Race Cars Camaro powered by Reher-Morrison and Switzer Dynamics.

Staying in the left lane throughout eliminations also proved to be beneficial.

“In 1991, I won a race here in the left lane and I just stayed there. I guess it’s just my lucky lane at this track,” Rahaim said. “I tried to be consistent and just get down the track. The team has really jelled and they’re just doing a fabulous job.”

Mick Snyder added one more notch to his terrific 2012 American Drag Racing League season in Pro Extreme on Friday. With fantastic conditions leading to remarkable times across the board in every ADRL class, Snyder had one of the best performances of the day, running a career-best 3.598 at 209.95 mph to take the No. 1 qualifying spot after three session. 
Snyder, the PX points leader, became just the fourth ADRL driver to run in the 3.50s, setting a track record in the process.

“It’s pretty cool. The 3.50s club is a neat group and to be one of four is an awesome deal,” Snyder said. “We knew the conditions would be good enough, but to actually make the pass is very cool. The air was so good, we got the right tune-up and it all worked out really well.”