NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Although he set top speed of the event for the Top Alcohol Dragster class with a 281.13-mph run, Jeff Veale did not have an easy path to his first win. He defeated Rich McPhillips, Richard Bourke, and Robin Samsel before taking on defending Reading champ Jackie Fricke in the final. Veale had previously run as quick as 5.26 in eliminations but slowed to a 5.402 in the final. That, coupled with a .030 reaction time, was enough to stop Fricke’s quicker 5.384. The win was a dramatic turnaround for Veale, who did not qualify for three of his first four events this season.