(Jeff Burk photo)

DragRacingOnline.com AA/FC Challenge 2014 National Finals Tulsa

Words by Jeff Burk
Photos by Jeff Burk and Joe McHugh

The 2014 finals for the Hedman Husler Hedders DragRacingOnline.com AA/FC Challenge presented by Comp Cam were held Sept. 19-20 at Tulsa Raceway Park as part of the historic track’s annual Nitro Nationals.

The final round matched up 2013-14 DRO AA/FC Challenge National Champion Shawn Bowen from Michigan and 2011-12 DRO National Champion John Hale from Texas in a classic fuel coupe finale at night with plenty of header flames and drama.

The Bowen family’s “Violator” AA/FC team has absolutely dominated the DRO series for the last two years and this season the team has been in five of the six final rounds of the season. They clinched the 2014 championship at the previous race at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. Their domination continued at Tulsa by defeating old foe, John Hale, in the finals and winning their fourth DRO race in 2014.

On the other hand the Violator’s opponent in the final John Hale has concentrated this season on occasional rides an NHRA Funny Car and competing full time on the IHRA Nitro Jam circuit. Hale’s final round appearance at Tulsa was his first final round of the 2014 season and the second time he competed with the DRO series.