All but two champs crowned in HRH Series at Famoso

Cecil Molina Jr. (near lane) gets the win over Jim Van Gordon in NE II.  (Paul Schmitz photos)

Kin Bates, Cecil Molina Jr. and Brian Rogers all doubled up this past weekend (Oct. 5-7), taking home the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Championship along with Nostalgia Fall Heritage Championship event wins at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. See our Race Coverage for all the results.

The final two NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Championships in Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car will be decided October 19 – 21 at the 21st California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso. Adam Sorokin in the Champion Speed Shop dragster leads the Nostalgia Top Fuel chase by 61 points over Rick Williamson and Jim Young who are another 22 in back of him. Nostalgia Funny Car finds 2011 Champion Jason Rupert on top with 444 points followed by two-time DRO Aa/FC Challenge champ John Hale with 377 and Kris Krabill at 321 in what could be a hard fought battle for the championship.   [10/11/2012]

Rule changes coming for NHRA nitro classes

Agent 1320 heard from a very reliable and well placed source that due (at least in part) to the recent spate of 330-plus mph Top Fuel speeds that some rules changes will be forthcoming in 2013 from the NHRA tech department. Input from the newly formed nitro advisory group (tuners, owners, etc.) will help keep speeds for the nitro cars under 330. Look for the rules to not to be too drastic and to be released after the World Finals. [10/11/2012]

Dutch Classic and Hemi Challenge return to Maple Grove Raceway

Gary Wolkwitz is the defending HEMI Challenge at The Dutch champion.

Fans of NHRA Sportsman drag racing will get one more chance to catch action on the track in 2012 as the NHRA Pennsylvania Dutch Classic comes to Maple Grove Raceway Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 11-14.

Over 600 drivers from nine different classes, including Competition Eliminator, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Snowmobiles, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street, will be competing for a purse totaling over $87,000 in the NHRA Northeast Division’s season-ending event.

Also being contested is the HEMI Challenge at The Dutch that features the best Super Stock/AA HEMI-powered cars from around the country. There is a $10,000 purse, plus contingencies, thanks to Penske Truck Leasing. Jesel is an associate sponsor. That race will be held Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Returning this season is the P.C. Richard & Son American Muscle Stock Eliminator Class, which features late model Mustangs and Challengers. That race will be contested on Friday.

For more information contact Maple Grove Raceway at 610-856-9200 or visit www.maplegroveraceway.com [10/11/2012]