Howard Haight’s “Nitro Diction” dragster. (Jeff Burk photo)

After runner-up finishes in the two previous Goodguys events this year, the New York-based “Nitro Diction” Top Fuel team broke through at Bowling Green and finally got one of the coveted Goodguys “Hemi” trophies that goes to the event champ.

Driving the “Nitro Diction” entry tuned by veteran Pete Jensen, Haight, who lives and works in Indianapolis, got his 7th career Goodguys Top Fuel win in eight career finals. The win made Haight the wins leader among all active Goodguys T/F drivers according to the Goodguys’ John Drummond.
“I want this one bad,” said Haight while prepping the dragster for the final round.

He started the day by dispatching Kevin Brewer’s “Midwest Threat” with a 6.392, and then took down “Diamond Dave” Miller’s “Telstar” entry with a 6.303 in the semi’s before defeating the car of Odie Coker in the final 6.426 at 234.70 to Coker’s red-lighting 7.037. The “Nitro Diction” entry was the only top fuel car to run a sub-seven second run in each round of eliminations.

Odie Coker.  (Bob Johnson photo)