NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was in full effect as Justin Ashley, Johan Lindberg, Ben Line, Brian Heath, and Brian Fischer reeled in victories Sunday evening during the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd Int’l Raceway.

In their first matchup in eliminations Ashley, Plainview, N.Y., squared off against Gord Gingles of Winnipeg, Man., in the Top Alcohol Dragster finale. Gingles emerged from the gate first, but his dragster succumbed to mechanical issues, and Ashley swung around the Canadian driver for his second career national event Wally trophy. Ashley clocked in at 5.237 seconds, 268.60 mph to Gingles’ 12.344 seconds, 54.22 mph.

Lindberg, Upplands Vasby, Sweden, brother of 2016 Top Alcohol Funny Car national champion Jonnie, took the starting-line against Kris Hool, out Evansville, Wyo., in the final round of Top Alcohol Funny Car. After the launch, Hool had issues maintaining his car in the center of the lane, and Lindberg was able to pass him for the win. Lindberg crossed the finish line at 5.489 seconds, 268.22 mph, while Hool came in at 5.575 seconds, 260.11 mph.

Line, a local Stock Eliminator runner from International Falls and brother of 2016 Mello Yello Pro Stock champion Jason, captured his first national event Wally, cutting a great .005 light to keep fellow local driver Bill Feist of Maple Grove at bay. Line recorded a victory pass of 10.533 seconds, 118.45 mph.

Similar to Line, Brian Heath, Annetta, Texas, made the most of his Top Sportsman presented by Racing RVs final round. The Texan cut a great light, .004, and scored his first national event victory, ousting Joseph Mohana, Bourg, La., in the process. Heath finished his run at 7.152 seconds, 185.41 mph. In the Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs final round, local racer Bob Fischer of Gibbon, came off the starting line hot and never let up, taking his first national event Wally. Fischer upended fellow Minnesota driver Michael Kritzky of Saint Paul Park, at 7.403 seconds, 176.33 mph.

The other drivers visiting the winner’s circle were Eric Bell in Super Stock; Trevor Larson in Super Comp; and Jim Davis of Super Gas. Pro Stock Snowmobile was also in action with Glenn Hall taking the win against Scott Hagen.

The following are final results from the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd Int’l Raceway:

Top Alcohol Dragster
Justin Ashley, 5.237, 268.60 def.
Gord Gingles, 12.344, 54.22

Top Alcohol Funny Car
Johan Lindberg, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.489, 268.22 def.
Kris Hool, Chevy Camaro, 5.575, 260.11

Super Stock
Eric Bell, Plymouth Barracuda, 9.301, 127.10 def.
Darrell Dietz, Ford Mustang, foul

Stock Eliminator
Ben Line, Ford Mustang, 10.533, 118.45 def.
Bill Feist, Mustang, 10.101, 131.28

Super Comp
Trevor Larson, dragster, 8.891, 172.63 def.
Jeremy Demers, dragster, 8.886, 177.23

Super Gas
Jim Davis, Chevy Camaro, 9.971, 157.83 def.
Ken Griffiths, Chevy Corvette, 9.995, 148.58

Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs
Bob Fischer, dragster, 7.403, 176.33 def.
Michael Kritzky, dragster, 6.411, 212.36

Top Sportsman presented by Racing RVs
Brian Heath, Pontiac GTO, 7.152, 185.41 def.
Joseph Mohana, Chevy Bel Air, 6.841, 202.58

Pro Stock Snowmobile
Glenn Hall, Arctic Cat, 8.186, 154.94 def.
Scott Hagen, Ski Doo, 8.319, 155.29