(Chris Schneider photo)

IHRA Summer Nationals at Cordova, Ill.

IHRA and DRO AA/FC Clash... and more

Words by Jeff Burk and Larry Crum
Photos by Mike Garland, Chris Schneider and Jeff Burk

Any question as to why the IHRA Summer Nationals at Cordova Dragway Park was the most anticipated IHRA national event of the season was answered by 11:30 p.m. Saturday night, July 19, during the run-up to and the actual final rounds of the return of IHRA national event racing to CDP.

With a massive crowd looking on and thousands around the world watching live via IHRA's streaming webcast, AA/FC racer Shawn Bowen and Mountain-motored Pro Stock racer Dean Goforth survived a grueling Friday night qualifying process and record numbers of entries in the two classes to get career IHRA victories.

For Bowen the win was his first with the IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series, while Dean Gofort, who had just been released by his doctors to drive again, won for his first time since 2009!

Winners in the other pro classes included Mark Cox (Nitro Harley), Troy Martin (Nitro Altered) and Kat Moller (Jet Dragster). Sportsman winners included Curt Fredrich (Top Sportsman), Anthony Layne (Top Dragster), Dean Mesenbring (Super Stock), Aaron Allison (Stock), Mike Eggleston (Quick Rod), Brian Folk (Super Rod) and Marc Erickson (Hot Rod).