Tony Bogolo won in TAFC.  (John Bisci photo)

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series All American Hot Rod Showdown was completed this weekend at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL, with Robin Samsel, Tony Bogolo, and Troy Galbraith all taking wins and leading their teams to the winner’s circle.

Samsel, Marion, IN, mildly upset Christine Chambless of Scott City, KS, in the Top Alcohol Dragster final round. Chambers had mechanical issues from the get-go and lost power during the beginning of the run. Samsel cruised to victory at 5.378 seconds, 266.32 mph.

In the Top Alcohol Funny Car final round, Ray Drew, Hales Corners, WI, got off the line first but stumbled toward the latter part of the run, clocking in at 5.849 seconds, 255.92 mph. Bogolo, Hamilton, OH, made his quickest pass of the weekend, 5.594 seconds, 256.89 mph, to capture the divisional event Wally trophy.

In a battle of Comp Eliminator standouts, Galbraith, Indianapolis, edged out local former Lucas Oil National Champion and current NHRA reporter Bruno Massel of Elmhurst in a close final round. The Indy racer recorded a holeshot victory pass of 6.723 seconds at 187.60 mph to Massel’s 6.649, 183.79. The .004 to .025 Reaction time made all the difference.

In the Spitzer Race Cars Top Dragster final round local racer Matt Sackman of Channahon got off the starting line first and held off Danny Nelson, Batesville, AR, for the divisional Wally. Sackman ran 6.246 seconds, 214.93 mph. Mark McDonald, Boonville, IN, cut a perfect light and ran the number for a .006-second package to eliminate local Top Sportsman runner, Scott Haas of Stillman Valley for the Brodix/Steve Schmidt Top Sportsman Wally.

The other drivers visiting the winner’s circle were Tyler Caheely in Super Stock, Brett Speer in Stock Eliminator, Rock Haas in Super Comp, Jeff Webb in Super Gas, David Rae in Super Street, Joey Fuesting in Super Comp Shootout, Steve Hoyt in Super Gas Shootout, and Matt Ball in Super Street Shootout.  [10/24/17]

The Milan (Michigan) Dragway 2017 season only has two weekends left.

Saturday, Oct. 28, will be a Super Saturday with the Junior Dragsters and Sportsman, Truck/SUV/Van, Young Guns, Street Bike, Pit Vehicle, and Mini Bike classes. Sunday, Oct. 29, will be a Test & Tune.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the No ET Nationals will be contested for the final time. With Sunday, Nov. 12, being the final day of the season. [10/24/17]

After the recent decision by NHRA to run eight-car Pro Stock fields at nine of the national events next year, there was quite a protest by some of the Pro Stock owners.

One-third of those nine events are on the east coast, which had made them cost effective for regional teams. The lower buck teams will have a more difficult chance of making an eight-car field or will have to spend more money getting to the 16-car events.

Alan Prusiensky’s ARC Motorsports has just hired a marketing firm, CIRCUS Interactive LLC, to “develop overall brand positioning and a sponsorship strategy for the 2018 race season.”

Prusiensky, based in Rockaway, NJ, is one of the three Dodge competitors in a mostly Chevrolet class. Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson has already dropped out of the 2018 competition, leaving only Deric Kramer and Prusiensky among all the Bowties. (Ron Lewis photo)  [10/24/17]

AEM’s 400 lph (105 gph) metric high flow, high pressure Inline Fuel Pump has metric fittings that make it a direct replacement upgrade for 044 pump users. Designed for high output naturally aspirated and forced induction EFI vehicles. Rated for use with ethanol-blended fuels (E85/E90) and all types of gasoline, but pump life will be diminished if used with 100% ethanol fuels. For use only on vehicles used in sanctioned competition. Kit includes fuel pump, check valve fitting, terminal nuts & boots, and instructions.  [10/24/17]