CHICAGO (May 31) -- Sophomore Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon has collected a roomful of trophies and three world championships in his 15 years in drag racing, but in his estimation nothing compares to the two JEGS Allstars titles he collected at Route 66 Raceway, the site of the upcoming 13th annual United Association NHRA Nationals.
Representing his home division in the invitation-only event, Langdon outran the top drivers in the country on consecutive years (2005 and 2006) in the nip-and-tuck Super Comp category.
"It's probably the toughest race in the world," Langdon said of the JEGS Allstars event, which will take place once again this Saturday. "They take the best drivers from each of the seven NHRA divisions, throw in a couple of former winners as alternates, and then set up a ladder. It's like an impossible deal because you look at the drivers in there and think, 'there's no way.'
"I was lucky enough to survive and win that deal in 2005 and then I came back the next year and won it again. I'm pretty proud of that. I don't think I've ever had harder days of racing than those two, but the feeling you get when you win it all makes it worthwhile."
Langdon is excited about taking in this year's Allstar action, although the majority of his attention will be on his Lucas Oil/Speedco Top Fuel dragster.
"We're making a lot of progress with the dragster and I really expect us to have a good showing in Chicago," he said. "Maybe there's some good karma left at that track for me.
"It's a completely different deal now, of course. Super Comp you're pretty much out there on your own, where Top Fuel you have a huge team involved. But I'd match my guys up against anyone as far as how hard they work. We haven't had much to show for it yet, at least as far as wins go, but they're coming, no doubt about it."
Professional qualifying begins at 4 and 7 p.m. CDT Friday.
