Veteran racer Tony Bartone of Long Island, NY, dominated in Hot Heads Nostalgia Top Fuel claiming the first-ever New England Hot Rod Reunion championship with a run of 5.686 seconds at 253.71 mph. He was the No. 1 qualifier going in the rain-delayed qualifying session.

In a dramatic final round, Bartone defeated California driver Brendan Murry, who swerved down track nearly missing the wall and saved it before reaching the top end.

Brendan Murry

Bartone beat Roger Lechtenberg and Jim Young to reach the final.

“Winning the inaugural New England Hot Rod Reunion is great,” Bartone said. “We had an amazing day of racing and couldn’t thank my crew enough. I enjoy coming out for the Hot Rod Reunions. These events pack some serious racing and they have a fun attitude to them. Glad they are in the East Coast now.”