There were many great highlights last weekend at the IHRA New Zealand Nationals held at Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere.
127 competitors fronted to attempt to take home an elusive Nationals trophy
Chris Johnston wins Top Alcohol at the NZ Nationals
Wayne Yearbury wins Top Doorslammer at the NZ Nationals
There was great celebration in Ian Wilkins camp when he redlighted away his chance of victory in round 2 of Competition Bike. Ian had recorded his best ET of 7.656 at 168.91. His previous best was a 7.836 set last month. He came out later in a grudge race and went even quicker, with a 7.475.
The Nationals poster girl, Karen Hay, had a great weekend. She top qualified in Competition with a .374 under 6.656 at 206.83. She then went on to win the title, recording a best of 6.645 in the semi final and running a 6.693 at 208.07 in the final to defeat Johnny Alsop. The win also earned Karen the NZ Track Series Competition title.
Robbie Ward's 6.990 at 192.74 made him the first RB powered car into the sixes in the World.
Johnny Alsop made the long trip from Christchurch with the blown Willys. The poular team handed out lots of posters and came runner up in Competition.
Willy White came out to play in his nitro funny car, but the throttle stop came off in the burnout and caused an over rev. Some engine damage prevented him from returning before the rain came.
Raymond Gubb won Top Street when his opponent, Graham Carter was shut down. Raymond has a way to go to catch his father, Kevin, who has won the Nationals three times.
Lee Sherwin won another Nationals Super Sedan trophy. He's won the last two NZDRA Nationals and the IHRA Nationals.
Brent Curran won the Nationals and the NZ Track Series Sport Compact Championship.
Ross Donaldson won the Nationals and the NZ Track Series Modified Bike Championship.
Brock Hodgson won Junior Dragster. He only competed in two NZ Track Series meetings and won them both. He came second in the NZ Track Series Junior Dragster Championship. Brock is set to compete in Australia later in the year.