Rob Atchison, London, Ont., tightened up the championship points race with a victory over defending world champion Mark Thomas in the final round. Atchison, who had the quickest
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“This is getting fun,” Atchison said. “I still think the car has more to give, but we’ve figured out how to consistently get down the track and that’s half the battle. This class is getting really exciting. Terry Munroe is running well early and you know Mark and I are going to be there all year. Any time you can beat Mark in a round, whether it’s the final round or whatever, it’s a big deal.”
Pat Stoken, Eureka, Mont., won his first career national event when he defeated defending world champion Quain Stott in the Pro Modified final.
Stoken was the first nitrous-powered Pro Modified to claim an IHRA national event victory since Mike Castellana captured the Ironman at the President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek during the 2005 season.
 Kevin Jones talks with SPEED Television reporter Julie Atchison after his first career Top Fuel national event win at Tulsa Raceway Park. |
“This is great, it really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Stoken said. “I don’t know if there was ever a time during the race where I thought “you know, I could win this thing’ but the car was incredibly consistent and I was able to go rounds. I guess a nitrous car can win.”
Defending Pro Stock world champion Pete Berner took an early step towards a successful title defense when he knocked off Brian Gahm in the final round. Berner posted a 6.419 at 216.27 mph with a .070 reaction time to top Gahm’s 6.414/216.03 with a .077 reaction time. Berner’s margin of victory was a scant .002 of a second.
“I knew I would have to be on my game because Brian is a two-time world champion,” Berner said. “That was the best drag race I have ever participated in. I actually had no idea who had won it and, truthfully, if Brian would have pulled it out I would have been thrilled for him.”
