MOHNTON, PA (May 7, 2011) – There were world records set in two American Drag Racing League (ADRL) classes in the league's first trip to Maple Grove Raceway.
But due to a four-hour rain delay and the track curfew, the Penske Truck Leasing Inaugural Northeast Drags did not crown winners in its five professional classes (Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme 10.5, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and Extreme Pro Stock).
Per the policy in the official ADRL rulebook, the event is considered complete and competitors will be awarded purse and points up to the finished point in the race.
Extreme Pro Stock, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and Extreme 10.5 concluded its semifinal matchups, while Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous completed their quarterfinal rounds before the event was called due to the track curfew.
Steady rains also delayed racing more than four hours during the afternoon.
When racing was able to resume, the ADRL and Maple Grove Raceway worked diligently to get as much of the event completed as possible.
"We were working at a record pace trying to get these last rounds in," ADRL Director of Competition Tom Grooms said. "The competitors did a great job getting ready to race quickly and the track and prep team did a great job getting the track ready.
"We still had a lot of great times and had an incredible show. It was also very impressive the amount of fans that stuck it out."
Even in its shortened state, the Penske Truck Leasing Inaugural Northeast Drags included numerous memorable moments as several competitors shined in the ADRL's first visit to Maple Grove Raceway.
Frankie Taylor again had the final say in Pro Extreme, at least when it came to records.
During Saturday's final qualifying session, Joey Martin backed up his 3.584 from Friday with a 3.596, giving him the ADRL PX record of 3.584.
Martin had the record for a mere six hours, as Taylor ended back on top, going 3.60 in the first round of eliminations, good enough to back up his incredible 3.581 from Friday. That makes Taylor the record-holder, something he is always shooting for.
"We had a good time," said Taylor, who was sponsored by Nitro Fish for this weekend's race. "It's a great facility."
Martin suffered more rough luck when his car wouldn't start before the first round of eliminations.
Taylor fell in the quarterfinals to Todd Tutterow. Other Pro Extreme semifinalists included J.R. Todd, Alex Hossler and Mick Snyder, who has advanced to the semifinals in all three ADRL races in 2011.
In Pro Nitrous, Khalid Al-Balooshi is once again the class' quickest and fastest driver in the ADRL.
Al-Balooshi kicked off the first round of eliminations in fine fashion, driving his Speedtech Camaro to a blistering 3.786 at 200.53 miles per hour on a solo run.
The incredible speed is backed up by Friday's 200.38 mph - the first 200 mph PN run in history - and the 3.786 became the world E.T. record after Mahana Al-Naemi couldn't back up his 3.776, giving him both ends of the record.
"He's comfortable in the race car and confident in the team," crew chief Brandon Switzer said.
Other Pro Nitrous semifinalists included Bob Rahaim, who made his first semifinal appearance in the ADRL, Fredy Scriba and Steve Vick.
In Extreme 10.5, Chuck Ulsch and Dan Millen were the two finalists. Ulsch was the No. 1 qualifier and had the quickest and fastest run of the event in the class, going 3.89 at 204.94 mph.
Millen advanced to the finals with a 3.90.
Ashley Owens and Eric McKinney both advanced to the finals in Pro Extreme Motorcycle. Owens was his usual dominant self, running an incredible 4.02 in the semifinals. McKinney had his best run of the day come in the semifinals when he went 4.12.
In Extreme Pro Stock, Cary Goforth and Brian Gahm were the final two drivers. Cary Goforth went a weekend-best 4.05 to beat his father, Dean, in the semifinals, while Gahm used to holeshots to move to the finals.
Pro Junior Dragster was the lone class to be completed. In the final, Eric Bardekoff beat Morgan Benfield, running an 8.00.
"Maple Grove was a great experience for us," ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said. "The crowd really enjoyed the show the ADRL drivers put on all weekend."
The fourth stop on the 2011 ADRL Tour comes on June 17-18 at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Ks. for the Independence Drags V.
