NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Sportsman champions take center stage at NHRA New England Nationals

In addition to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action at the NHRA New England Nationals, seven drivers also scored victories in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at New England Dragway.
03 Jun 2024
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Don Pires Jr.

In addition to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action at the NHRA New England Nationals, seven drivers also scored victories in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at New England Dragway.

The Super Stock final was decided by just a .001-second as Joe Santangelo left too soon, fouling away the win against Joe Lisa, who would have been tough to beat regardless with a 9.874 on his 9.89 dial. [video]

Don Pires claimed his fourth national event win in Stock, and his second in Epping, after a final round battle against Ralph Porpora. Pires grabbed a lead at the start and ran 11.341 on his 11.28 prediction for the win. [video]

Michael Handras collected his second NHRA Super Comp Wally, clinching the win with a strong final-round 8.912 that forced local favorite Stephen Logan, into an 8.882 breakout loss. [video]

Hank Smith scored his first NHRA national event victory, eking out a narrow final-round victory in Super Gas over five-time tour winner Jason Kenny. Smith’s better reaction time and 9.926 held off Kenny’s better-but-later 9.914 by just .004-second. [video]

When it comes to Super Street racing, Brian Sawyer practically owns New England Dragway. The Massachusetts driver claimed his fourth New England Nationals Wally in the last eight years with a 10.93 to 10.96 final-round decision over Ray Butler. [video]

Matt Harper put his sharp ’55 Chevy in the winner’s circle after claiming the Right Trailers Top Sportsman title. Harper defeated Richard Lachapelle in a close final with a 7.646 on his 7.60 dial. [video]

Scott Douglas used a string of great reaction times to get to the final in Right Trailers Top Dragster, where he held off Paul Neal with a nearly perfect 6.808 on his 6.80 dial. [video]