It’s been a while since the Trickster set the ‘line’ for a drag racing event, but he’s worked out the math for the upcoming Seattle Summer Nitro Challenge at Spokane County Raceway on June 21-22, the third leg of the Good Vibrations United Nitro Funny Car Championship.

9-5 Hodgson Racing “Pacemaker” Camaro driven by Ryan Hodgson won the UNFC season opener in Tucson. 2017 NHRA Heritage series champion. Were it not for the “Northwest Hitter” and “Mr. Explosive” entries, this runner would rate a Prohibitive Favorite tag. Hard to pick against anyway. (Darr Hawthorne photo)

2-1 Austin & O Brien  Bobby Cottrell driving for Bucky Austin. This one is the top pick pretty much even in every way, but “Pacemaker” Camaro going a bit better right now.

5-2  Mark Sanders  “Mr. Explosive” bunch from Apple Valley, WA, looked to be the coming power in this class not that long ago. Wouldn't need much of a break to come out on top.

3-1 Tim Boychuck  Tim Boychuk in his “Happy Hour” Camaro won last year’s UNFC race at Edmonton. If you’re looking for a square price on a contender, look no further. “Happy Hour” team would definitely live up to its theme with a win versus this stellar field. (Kim Fuller photo)

7-2 Steven Densham  Steven Densham in his family’s “Teachers Pet” Camaro was 2017 NHRA Heritage Series nitro funny car championship winner. Blew the body off at the Good Vibrations March Meet so will be in primer. Great bloodlines, and Steve has proven himself capable in his own right. Team must overcome recent adversity to contend here.

9-2 Billy Morris    2018 Rookie of the Year Billy “the Kid” Morris driving Top Fuel Hydro racer Eddie Knox’s “Problem Child” Camaro. In most FC fields, the “Problem Child” would be the money choice. Here, making the semis would be pretty darn good.  (Kim Fuller photo)

5-1  Kris Krabill   Seattle’s Kris Krabill driving Rick Akers’ Cascade Automotive Camaro from Hayward, Calif., will be sporting a ’70 Camaro body after shredding the body in the semi’s at the Boise Ignitor. The Trickster is probably disrespecting KK a bit, but only in light of whom else is on hand. As stout as any; would be a great value bet for trackside bettors.

6-1 Jim Maroney  Jim Maroney in the “Speed Sport” Dodge Omni - newly rebodied after exploding the Candies and Hughes Cajun Cuda at the Good Vibrations March Meet. Now the Speed Sport entry, Maroney has the goods to beat anybody, anywhere. Lurks just outside the top four.  (Kim Fuller photo)

7-1   Bill Windham   Sacramento’s Bill Windham in his “Shakedown” Camaro has found the bugs of the 2018 season and is ready for Spokane. One of several entries seeking to elevate their reps, albeit in tough company. Needs career best to contend.

10-1 Mike Peck    Mike Peck debuting his family’s “Instigator” Camaro from Seattle, tested last week at Woodburn. The second-generation nitro racer is the son of Michael Peck who drove the “California Hustler” in 2017. Former McAttack funny car of Mike McIntire Jr. Not the worst looking long shot to come down the pike. Easy to overlook, given the other entries on hand, but ignore this one at your own risk.

12-1  Geoff Monise  Keith Clark’s “Quarter Pounder” Monza is a great period correct looking car, and can get the job done, at long odds.