While the Russian Drag Racing Championship is just gaining momentum, the battle in the overseas NHRA series is in full swing with 10 rounds behind. Who is in the lead?
Tenth event in the top league of the American drag racing was held in Bristol, Tennessee. The season is close to its midway mark, while the midpoint of the main championship, which comprises 18 races, has already been passed. Based on its results, top ten drivers will be determined in each class — they will fight for the title during six final events of the championship.
Reigning champion Shawn Langdon has finally scored his first victory of the season in the most powerful Top Fuel class. On the way to his ninth career win, he defeated his teammate Khalid alBalooshi, Terry McMillen, and Bob Vandergriff Jr. He managed to accelerate his dragster up to 320.5 mph in the final round, covering the 305-m distance in 3.819 sec and defeating Doug Kalitta. However, due to demonstrating stable results in the current season, Kalitta is still in the lead in the overall standings. After claiming victory in Bristol, Langdon climbed into top three of the championship. The 2012 champion Antron Brown is standing between him and Kalitta.
Tommy Johnson Jr. has celebrated a long-awaited victory in the Funny Car category — it’s his first NHRA win since the one scored in 2007 in Indianapolis. He was able to leave many strong drivers behind, including Cruz Pedregon, points leader and the winner of four races this season Robert Hight, and also local favourite Matt Hagan. In the final round, Johnson defeated Tim Wilkerson with a performance of 4.156 sec at 302.14 mph. Tenth career win moved Tommy to third in the points standings. He is now just a few points behind the 2nd position holder John Force, who was eliminated after the first round of competitions in Bristol. Meanwhile, Hight is still occupying an incontestable leading position.
The rushing female driver Erica Enders-Stevens keeps on shining in the Pro Stock category. Thanks to her third victory this season and ninth career win, she was able to strengthen her series lead. In the final round, Erica defeated rookie Jonathan Gray. The winner covered the classic 402-m distance in 6.698 sec (at the speed of 207.15 mph). Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Allen Johnson make top three in this category.
This weekend NHRA drivers “crossed their swards” during the 11th round of the American drag racing championship at the New England Dragway in Epping.
