NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Ralph Van Paepeghem, who finally reached the winner’s circle in Comp after five runner-up finishes, Van Paepeghem won his first Lucas Oil Series divisional event in Bremerton, Wash., in 1973 but didn’t make it to his first national event final until the fall Las Vegas event in 2013. He lost that final and his next four but finally found the winner’s circle at a national event after Tony Mandella was a no-show in the Sonoma final. Driving his A/EA ’32 Bantam, Van Paepeghem tallied wins against Chuck Moore, John Edwards, and Doug Lambeck to reach the Comp final. His best run came against Moore with a .008 light and a (-.574) 7.81.