ET Dragracing
NHRA Sportsmen at Indianapolis
Hart, Lombardo and Helms Earn First Indy Wins
Words by Keith Yazdanseta
Photos by Chris Haverly
Josh Hart (near lane) got the TAD win over Megan Meyer.
The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was in full effect during the 63rd annual NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals as Josh Hart, John Lombardo Jr., and Kevin Helms raced to victory at Lucas Oil Raceway on Labor Day.
Hart, Ocala Fla., and Megan Meyer, Olathe, KS, lined up against each other in the final round of Top Alcohol Dragster. Meyer was 1-0 against Hart in prior final round appearances heading into this final round. Hart took the starting line advantage and powered his way down the track at 5.307 seconds, 274.33 mph to take the win. Meyer followed up at 5.364 seconds, 275.79 mph. This was both drivers’ first final round appearances at the U.S. Nationals.
California rivals Lombardo Jr., Brea, CA, and Doug Gordon (far lane) of Paso Robles, CA, made their final round debuts at the U.S. Nationals. Lombardo took off first; Gordon stayed with him but had mechanical issues. Lombardo was able to pull away for the Top Alcohol Funny Car national event Wally trophy, running 5.485 seconds, 269.08 mph. Gordon registered a runner up pass of 5.715 seconds, 262.64 mph.
Helms, Plant City, FL, earned his first win at Indy as he left the gate first and kept Marion Stephenson, Williamsport, IN, behind him in the Super Stock final round. Helms clocked a 9.122 at 137.86 mph to Stephenson’s 9.737/129.98.
Brad Plourd, Holly Pond, Ala., cruised down the strip in his Ford Roadster for the easy win in the Comp Eliminator final round when Mike Farrell, Louisville, KY, triggered red at the starting line.
Stock Eliminator: Larry Gilley (near lane), Dodge Dart, 10.622, 123.07 def. Darrell Steiger, Dodge Challenger, 10.619, 123.54.
Super Comp: Ray Connolly, Dragster, 8.931, 171.79 def. Edmond Richardson, Dragster, 8.937, 168.72.
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