Randal Andras

All-Harley Nitro Nationals at Rockingham, NC

Andras Upsets Grimes in Top Fuel Harley Final

Results courtesy Rockingham Dragway
Photos by Gary Rowe/ Raceworks

AMRA points leader Randal Andras used a starting line advantage to upset defending champion, No. 1 qualifier and track record holder Tommy Grimes Sunday, June 1, and win the featured Top Fuel title at the All-Harley Nitro Nationals at Steve Earwood’s Rockingham Dragway.

It was a spectacular final with both riders crossing the finish line in 6.313 seconds. Unfortunately for Grimes, a 227.27-mph finish line speed from the Ray Price Harley wasn’t good enough to overcome the .015 to .067 starting line advantage forged by Andras.

Dale Nilles

Starting line skill also played a key role in crowning the Pro Fuel champion. Wilkesboro veteran Dale Nilles struggled in eliminations after setting a torrid pace in qualifying but he still managed to get to the winners’ circle, thanks to a .017-.092 reaction time advantage in his semifinal race with Canada’s Cole Varty.

Varty had a big performance edge, 7.294 to 7.359, but not big enough to counter Nilles’ starting line advantage.

Other pro winners included Top Fuel veteran Jake Stordeur of Lakeland, Ohio, who moved over in class to win the Nitro Funny Bike title in impressive fashion; Mike Pearce of Avondale, Ga., in who in Pro Gas; and Morry Strauble of Wyoming, Mich., who turned back MiRock Superbike Series veteran Joey Thomson of Hopewell, N.J. to win in Pro Modified.

Among the most interesting pairings was an international first round in Pro Fuel in which Gary McGuinness of Perth, Australia, beat Dan Rampage of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Unfortunately for McGuinness, he ran afoul of Nilles in round two.