The Top Fuel final.  (Don Figler photo)

NHRA Pros at St. Louis

Overcoming adversity

Results compiled by Kay Burk
Photos by Jeff Burk and Don Figler

At a track that had been closed for a season, the winning racers at Gateway Motorsports Park helped prove that perseverance pays off. New track owner Curtis Francois and Senior Vice President Chris Blair have brought the track back to true national-event standards. An energized marketing plan coupled with great fall weather and exciting racing as teams jockeyed for championship points brought out the fans, and the AAA of Missouri NHRA Midwest Nationals on Sept. 27-29 was successful on all levels.

The fans turned out all three days at Gateway. (Jeff Burk photo)

John Force and Antron Brown returned to the winner’s circle after having hit slumps earlier in the season. Erica Enders-Stevens got the Pro Stock win in her second race for new sponsor Husky Liners, after having to sit out a few races because of money troubles. Matt Smith overcame food poisoning during this event to take his second win of the 2013 season.