Nitro fans get their kicks at U.S. 131; Need a little more nitro in your life?
Then check out the IHRA Northern Nationals July 31-August 2 at U.S. 131
Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.
Already one of the biggest races on the IHRA schedule, the Northern
Nationals Nitro Jam event will truly live up to its name this year with
one of the largest collection of nitro powered vehicles seen all season.
Nearly a dozen Top Fuel dragsters will be on hand looking to make an
eight-car field, joining a pair of out of control Fuel Altereds from the
highly popular "Nitro Bad Boyz" racing stable and a Top Fuel Bike to
create a very unique weekend for fans of nitro-fueled racing.
"Clearly it wouldn't be a Nitro Jam event if it weren't for the nitro
-- and we are going to have plenty of it in Martin," said IHRA Director
of Media Larry Crum. "While the IHRA is known for its great door car
racing, it is always a thrill to be able to tie that in with some of
the loudest, fastest and meanest vehicles in racing. From our Top Fuel
dragsters and bikes to the Fuel Altereds, this year's Northern Nationals
is going to have plenty to see and do for everyone."
Headlining the nitro-powered Northern Nationals are the only
quarter-mile Top Fuel dragsters in the country led by points leader
Bruce Litton and rookie sensation Del Cox.
Litton has been to a remarkable five final rounds in six races this
season, winning twice. That consistency has allowed the Indianapolis
native to rocket to the top of the charts where he currently sits some
68 points ahead of Cox.
Litton has amassed an impressive 582 points through six events this
season.
"This has been a phenomenal year for our team. All the guys on my crew
work really hard and know how to get the job done," Litton said. "Five
finals in six races is pretty incredible. I couldn't ask for a better
team or a better sponsor."
Cox, in his first full season of Top Fuel racing, has been to two final
rounds, winning both. He has also consistently been one of the quickest
and fastest cars this year, qualifying No. 1 three times while also
holding down the quickest and fastest pass of the year.
"There are a few more races and we are going to win them too," Cox said
following his win in Grand Bend. "Little by little, a couple more No.
1 qualifiers, a couple more wins and we should be able to catch him
(Litton) in no time."
The two drivers have been 1-2 all season long with Litton winning the
season opener in Baton Rouge and in Edmonton and Cox claiming wins at
Rockingham and Grand Bend. Tim Boychuk and Scott Weis claimed victories
at Tulsa and Dallas respectively.
Behind the duo is Cox's owner Mitch King who is 196 points back of
Litton. Rounding out the top five in points are Bobby Lagana Jr. (364)
and Boychuk (314).
Also scheduled to be on hand in Michigan are Terry McMillen, Fred
Farndon, Tim Cullinan, Pat Dakin, Chris Karamesines, Luigi Novelli and
Smax Smith.
On top of the incredible Top Fuel racing there will also be two of the
wildest Fuel Altereds in the country on hand in Martin.
Running nothing less than 85 percent nitromethane while producing wild
burnouts, giant header flames and out of control side-by-side races, the
"Bullet Bob" and "Chicago Fire" Fuel Altereds of the "Nitro Bad Boyz"
racing organization promises to give race fans an extra dose of over the
top nitro racing.
These supercharged 2,000 horsepower cars demand the utmost respect as
they hop and wiggle their way down the quarter-mile.
"We are delighted to be part of the IHRA event at U.S. 131 Dragway and
look forward to laying down some great numbers for the fans," said Rick
Krafft, driver of the Chicago Fire. "These are some of the fastest and
wildest machines to ever hit the quarter-mile and we can't wait to hit
the track next weekend."
Krafft drives the '23 T Chicago Fire owned by Mike and Nancy Faser
of Naperville, Illinois. He will be going head-to-head against the
Bob Floch owned Bullet Bob '32 Bantam driven by former IHRA Funny Car
standout Jeff Diehl.
Capping off the wild weekend will be an incredible 230 mile per hour Top
Fuel Bike.
And all of this will be in addition to the regular IHRA racing that
includes Elite Motorsports Pro Stock, Pro Modifieds, sportsman racing
and the always popular "X-Treme Machine" 20,000 horsepower jet Kenworth.
-credit: ihra
