NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Sometimes the outcome of a drag race has nothing to do with reaction times or dial-ins, or speed. Sometimes they’re just meant to be.

When Tony Mandella saddled up in Don Kennedy’s GT/DA Sunfire at the Division 3 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway's “Battle of the Beech,” he only wanted a chance to honor his friend and longtime Super Stock standout who passed away Aug. 16.

“Don Kennedy, One Last Ride” was emblazoned on the back of the car, and that’s the part of the car that seven competitors saw the most in Bowling Green, Ky., as Mandella drove the car to an emotional victory.

After a first-round bye, Mandella took down Stephen Belanger, Troy Galbraith, Chris Ray, and Logan Belanger to earn a bye into the final, where he faced off with Todd Frantz, who was driving the car formerly campaigned by another Division 3 great, Irvin Johns, who passed away last November.

With the Kennedy family in attendance, Mandella ran a near-perfect 9.005 to seal the win against Frantz, who broke out by the same margin with a 9.035.

“I'm not going to be able to put this into words well enough to entirely grasp the depth of this weekend’s race,” Mandella wrote on Facebook. “I've been fortunate to grow up at the racetrack and be around some pretty amazing people of whom I consider to be a part of my extended family; it would be too long of a list.

“Our ‘family’ continues to grow by us moving and meeting new people, and unfortunately, our 'family’ shrinks as well. We've lost so many great friends and racers this past year, and while we know they're in Heaven now, it is still painful that we won't share any more earthly memories. However, there are special moments like this weekend that God writes Himself that allow us all to build more memories, share past ones, and look forward to more upcoming.

“I know Don Kennedy and our other racing family members in Heaven were smiling down today for sure. Alan Reinhart put it best: It had nothing to do with points, money, or a trophy, and it's even more than a tribute. It’s just about family and kindness.

"To be in the driver's seat for all of this and watch it unfold, I'm speechless, other than it’s just the show of God's many ways to give us joy and hope even during hard times. We shared lots of memories this weekend and lots of tears today, too. The new memories that were created this weekend will last a lifetime!

“I'm so thankful for this opportunity to share this with our family, the Kennedys, and all of our racing family. God was the true artist here, and just glad to be a small part.

“Now onto the BIG Go at Indy one last time for Mr. Don Kennedy!”