2024 Lucas Oil National Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Sportsman Classes Dominated by Local Racers.
The 2024 LODRS classes at 2024 Lucas Oil Nationals was a great weekend for several of our hometown BIR racers as they defended their territory and kept the Wally’s close to home.
The Top Dragster final round was number 4 in the world last year Dylan Hough against number 4 in division 5 Kendra Larson. Kendra left first with a .004 reaction time and would see her win light come on when Hough went red by .-012. Kendra ran it out to a 7.029 on her 7.02 dial to put up a 13 pack on her winning run earning her second National Event win and keeping the TD Wally in MN.
Super Stock saw long time BIR competitor Jason Deforrest despite giving Larry Hodge a considerable starting line advantage turn on his win light DeForrest ran a dead on with a zero 9.000 on his 9.00 dial to Larry’s breakout run of 9.966 on his 9.97 dial taking the win, earning him his 5th National event win and keeping the SS Wally here.
Stock Eliminator was also won by a regular BIR competitor. Brian Anderson in his A/SA Camaro used a sizable reaction time advantage to defeat Johnny Diekema in his AA/S Corvette. This was Brian’s first National Event win in his first final round appearance.
Super Comp was also won by a first time finalist and BIR competitor when number 7 in the world last year Kris Whitfield went red when he left -.003 early to give Michael Chaney his first National Event win at his home track.
The Super Gas Wally had no choice but to stay at home in Minnesota as the final round was between two BIR racers as Trevor Larson carrying the #1 on his car who earlier in the day was presented his 2023 season World Championship Ring & Jacket took on last year's number 6 in D5 Tom Carlson. In a race decided by 64 ten-thousands (.0064) – 17 inches, Carlson came out on top to earn his second National Event Wally.
2024 was the first time the Junior Drag Racing League (JDRL) Shootout was contested at The Lucas Oil Nationals. BIR was able to secure 3 of the 8 spots in the shootout. The final round pairing was Brenna Shannon who with her family traveled from Elizabeth Colorado and one of BIR’s toughest Jr. competitors Bodie Carlson. Carlson used a decisive starting line advantage to take the win over Brenna who had a dead on 7 pass. Bodie’s win put him in the winners circle with his grandfather Tom (SG) for the first Grandfather/Grandson National Event double up win. It was so fun to see that winner circle celebration with a family that is so involved with BIR racing.
The other winners of the LODRS classes.
Top Alcohol Dragster: Hunter Green defeated Madison Payne 5.251 to 5.264 with a margin of victory of .0061.
Alcohol Funny Car: Bob McCosh Jr. defeated Sean Bellemeur 5.515 to a 5.827 for his second National event win.
Competition Eliminator: Number 1 in the world last season Bruno Massel defeated Travis Gusso to score back-to-back Lucas Oil Nationals victories at BIR.
Top Sportsman: Darren Bulter got his first National Event win when Kasey Kroeker turned on the red light giving Butler the easy win.
Super Street: Wayde Samuel took the win when BIR regular Steve Stockton turned on the red light when he left the line -.007 early.
Best Appearing Award Scott Berghammer
Best Engineered Award Bob Fischer
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for being part of a great weekend of racing at BIR.