NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Stock winner Jimmy Hidalgo Jr.
Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., affectionately known to his friends as “Cooter,” has been a frequent visitor to the winner’s circle, and lately, he has carried a single-digit number on his car, which is symbolic of a top-10 finish the previous season. Hidalgo won the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, turned in a quarterfinal finish at the JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals in Bowling Green, Ky., and then returned to the winner’s circle in Bristol. In the final, he defeated John Leach, who fouled in his vintage Plymouth Road Runner. Hidalgo also scored wins against Adam Davis and newlywed Michael Brand II.