DRO Nostalgia Nitro Challenge at Maple Grove

Bowen Beats Romine in Battle of Champions

Words and photos by Jeff Burk

The Hedman Husler Headers DragRacingOnline.com Nostalgia Nitro Challenge made its second appearance in the last three years at Pennsylvania's historic Maple Grove Raceway on July 18-19 as the featured attraction at the 43rd annual Maple Grove Super Chevy Show event.

In a classic final round defending and two-time DRO national champ, Shawn Bowen, and his Dodge Challenger lined up against another two-time DRO Funny Car champion, Paul Romine, and the "Man O' War" '79 Mustang.  Although Bowen left on Romine the "Man O' War" galloped to the lead early and was in the lead at the quarter-pole. Then the Mustang's tires started spinning and a hooked-up "Violator" charged by Romine at the 1,000-foot mark and went on to the win.

Bowen ran a 5.880/250.88 to Romine's 5.932/241.93. It was the first time in a final round for either team this year and Bowen's first win of the 2015 series.