Victory NSS at the World Series of Drag Racing

First time is the charm for Krueger

Words by Chris Schneider
Photos by Dennis Mothershed

Jason Krueger (far lane) got the win over veteran Jerry Kuenster.

The World Series of Drag Racing is the most anticipated race for Midwest racers and fans. The 62nd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing did not let anyone down. The Cordova International Raceway pits were packed with 500 racecars and the stands were filled to capacity with cheering fans on the weekend before the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

The Victory Nostalgia Super Stock pit area held 45 classic muscle cars representing eight states. The stage was set for another exciting battle for the Victory NSS Crown. Friday brought all too familiar rain showers. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the attendees as they socialized and looked at the awesome cars and displays on the grounds. Saturday gave the break in the weather that all were waiting for. The talented CIR crew had the track in top form and the action was hot and heavy all through the day. By mid afternoon, the crowd was rolling in and Eliminations began for the Victory Super Stocks.

Forty-two vintage race cars made the call for round one to the delight of the Fans. Highlights of round one included a dead-on his index run by Series veteran Clay Kossuth and a perfect .000 light by Dick Monaco in his 1964 Ford. Round two had more incredible reaction times. Jerry Kuenster had a great .028 light in his 409 Chevy only to be out done by his father, Charlie, with a .017 reaction. Mike Volkart and his bright yellow Chevelle had a nice .031 light and fellow Missouri Racers Jim Hagenhoff and Mike Kurz both had .04 reactions to move on. Local favorite Dan Beale topped them all with a .003 in his hard launching Pontiac.