Saturday Night Crowd, Photo by David Smith

TAD Final Perry & Thacker, Photo by David Smith

TAFC Final Foster & Anderika, Photo by David Smith

Former U.S. Nationals winner Ken Perry claimed Top Alcohol Dragster and two-time Division 3 champ Chris Foster took Top Alcohol Funny Car at the B'laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, Race 2 of the North Central regional series.

Perry came from behind in the final to nip veteran Marty Thacker, who had a .017 reaction time, 5.38 to 5.48. The Canadian driver was the class of the field throughout eliminations, running low e.t. of all three rounds, a 5.42 and back-to-back 5.38s.

"The car's been working really well all year and it's not hurting itself at all," said Perry, who was runner-up at the North Central regional opener three weeks ago in Indianapolis. "I changed just about everything in the engine, and it's happy right now. This should be our second win; we should have won Indy, too." Jared Dreher beat Perry in the Indy final but lost the rematch in the first round of this event, 5.42 to 5.56. 

Thacker, who left on everybody he raced by at least half a tenth, had the early lead in the final but fell short by 25-thousandths of a second – about half a car length. "We knew we had more car and should win, and I didn't want to get stupid and red-light because I've already had one this year," Perry said. "You shouldn't have to worry about another blown-alcohol car driving around you, but I drove it out the back door just to be sure." 

In qualifying, which was run in front of a turn-away crowd, five-time Top Alcohol Dragster world champ Bill Reichert was the quickest in each of the first two sessions and left with low e.t., 5.28. He smoked the tires in a first-round loss to Jerry Powell.

Foster was as consistent in Top Alcohol Funny Car as Perry was in Top Alcohol Dragster, establishing low e.t. of all three rounds of eliminations and the last two rounds of qualifying. Fred Hagen Jr., who dominated the Norwalk national event last year, ruled the early going with a 5.53, which was low e.t. by almost a full tenth.

Hagen broke on the burnout in the semifinals against John Anderika and Foster won a close one over Brian Harvanek in the other semifinal matchup, 5.72 to 5.76, to clinch his spot on the Jegs Allstars team. "Making the Allstars team is like winning another division championship," he said. "We always ran a few races in Division 4 and Division 5 and never enough in Division 3 to do it until now."

Foster's crew chief, Will Hanna, was carted off to the hospital before the first qualifying session when a Dzus button run over by an A/Fuel Dragster on a burnout became embedded in his leg. He was taken away in an ambulance but returned for what turned out to be Foster's seventh career Lucas Oil Series win, including three in both 2009 and 2011, the years they won Division 3 titles. 

In the final, in the best race of the day, Foster slipped past Anderika to win by less than a foot, 5.74 to 5.75. Anderika moved first by a hundredth of a second, and the cars were never separated by more than six-thousandths at any point on the track. It was Anderika's fifth runner-up – one a year every year since 2008: Cecil County in 2008, Richmond in 2009, Atco in 2010, and Cecil County again in 2011.

"I never saw him, but it must have been tight down there," said Foster, who scored at Norwalk for the second year in a row. "I was over against the wall just about the whole way down the track. It kind of walked out of the groove, and I was worried that if I yanked it back over, he'd get past me. It was just a great weekend overall. Saturday, they had to close the gates and start turning people away, and it was wall-to-wall people in the pits and in the stands. We need somebody like Baders running all of these events."

The rescheduled Super 64 from the 2011 season will be contested this coming Saturday, during the Mr. Gasket Super Series points program. 

The ‘Super 64’ format is very similar to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.  The top 16 in the 2011 points in each class, Mallory Super Pro, Mr. Gasket Pro, Wiseco/Cycle Tech Super Bike and Accel Sportsman, represents a bracket of 16 with the winner of each bracket advancing into the Final Four.

Once in the Final Four, competitors are guaranteed to win one of the four primary prizes:

• American Race Cars 2011 Patriotic Swing Arm Dragster 
• V’s House of Horsepower 582 C.I. Big Block Chevy 
• Vintage Trailer 28’ 2011 Crystal SS Trailer
• You pick ONE....a new 2011:  Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV, Sea Doo GTS Watercraft w/Trailer, Yamaha FZ8 Motorcycle, Ski Doo 600 GTZ Snowmobile or a Kawasaki Mule 610 Side-by-Side ATV.

Final Four competitors will have the option to choose the prize they want based upon their overall finish.  The ‘Super 64’ Champion will own the first overall pick; the ‘Super 64’ runner-up will own the second overall pick and so on.  Third and forth place will be determined by racing the two competitors not advancing into the ‘Super 64’ final.  

Additionally, the four competitors eliminated in the Elite 8 will also race each other to determine an overall winner and be awarded the following:

• Dart Machinery – One Set of Race Series Bare Heads
• Edelbrock – One “As-Is” Carburetor Manifold
• Frank Hawley Drag Racing School – One Super Class School
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber – One Set of Goodyear Eagle Rear Slicks
• Harlow Tire Racing – One Pair of Goodyear Eagle Front Runners
• Lincoln Electric – One Pro 140 Welder
• Moser Engineering – One Set of AxlesNote:  The three remaining competitors will each receive $500 in cash

Finally, those competitors eliminated in the first round of the ‘Super 64’ will each receive $100 in cash.  Competitors eliminated in the second round of the ‘Super 64’ will each receive $150 in cash.  Competitors eliminated in the Sweet 16 of the ‘Super 64’ will each receive $200 in cash.  

The Mr. Gasket Super Series Program will run as follows.  Bear Motorsports Junior Dragster presented by American Race Cars program will run as normally scheduled.  The adult program will run as follows.  For the first round of time trials, all racers will time trial in their respective classes.  During the second time trial, (aprox 2:45 pm) the 64 racers will be called to an assigned lane and this will become their lane until the Super 64 race is completed.  Each class will get their 2nd time trial and then the race will begin and will be conducted in a round robin format.  Once this race is completed, the Mr. Gasket Super Series race will start immediately following the conclusion of the Super 64 race. 

No alternates.  Ladder seeds not in attendance will constitute a competition single.  Racers must compete to be eligible for prizes. 

Super 64 Bracket

Luella Ginn always dreamed her husband, Glen Ginn, Galion, Ohio would win a Wally.

Troy Stone's Vintage dragster caught the attention of an NFL flag football team from Mentor and Geneva, Ohio.

A 1964 Fairlane Thunderbolt owned by Paul Adams, Barbersville, W. Va., makes a point.

NORWALK, Ohio – Luella Ginn gets goose bumps every time she remembers seeing the win light in her husband’s lane Sunday during finals at B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser.

Glen Ginn, Galion, Ohio won the battle of the double breakout against Stephanie Shelton, Independence, Ky. in the super comp class of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Summit Motorsports Park.

“Lucky when I needed to be lucky,” said Glen Ginn, who has raced since 1985 and specifically in the super comp class for 12 years.

“This is my first Wally,” Glen Ginn said. “I’ve never won anything like this. I thought I would never get one. I’m 58 years old. It makes it all worthwhile now. This is why we race, isn’t it?”

Ever trackside throughout Glen’s racing career, Luella believed in her husband when his hope took a hike.

“I’ve always just waited and dreamed he would get it,” Luella said. “I was so excited. I got goose bumps and was jumping up and down when his win light went on.

“I’ve waited and dreamed of this day.” Luella said. “I decorated his room in black with his trophies and awards. I just waited for him to get his Wally.”

Luella reached out to hold the trophy.

“Give me that little boy,” Luella Ginn said. “This is the first time I’ve seen one of them.”

“I never dreamed I’d be coming up here and bringing home a Wally,” said Ginn. “I’m so glad to get one before I…retire.”

In the NHRA Spitzer Race Cars Top Dragster Series, Andrew Johnson, Cynthiana, Ky. and his 2002 Undercover dragster beat out the fastest 32-car qualifying field assembled at an NHRA divisional event for the win.

During the finals Jim Prevo’s 2006 VRN broke down.

“This is my second time as runner-up,” said Prevo, Mundelein, Ill. “This is my second time of shaking the rods out. I blew up.

“How many people were here (Saturday)?” Prevo asked. “That was the most awesome divisional race I have ever been to.”

Alan Bush, Erie, Ill. Collected his third Wally award in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Super Gas class in his 1977 Chevrolet Nova.

“I’m very happy,” Bush said. “Especially since the car almost didn’t start before the finals. It was almost out of battery. I had to turn off everything in the car. It barely started.”

The B’laster Cavalcade of Stars performance was in a car that’s traveled the distance with Bush.

“My car has a lot of memories to it. A lot,” Bush said. “I drove this car in high school. I got married in this car. Went on my honeymoon in this car. My wife was my high school sweetheart. We dated in this car.”

To the uninformed it seems like a contradiction of terms, but this happened Sunday at Summit Motorsports Park: Pro stock snowmobile races and 90-degree temperatures in May in Ohio.

But even more admirable is what happened on the way to the Wally for Edwin Wirbel, 28, Hope, Mi.

Driving a 2003 Mach Z snowmobile in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Edwin Wirbel beat his father, Louie Wirbel, Marion, Mi., driving a 2004 Ski Doo, in the first round.

Louie Wirbel responded by rolling up his sleeves to crew for Edwin for the rest of the event.

Peny Boone, 10, and his dad, George Boone, 37, Detroit, moved in a drag race groove.

Ethan Hayes, 5, and his cousin Frank Sloan, 11, quenched big thirsts.

Michael Horner, far right, and his grandfather Dana Horner find a niche at the Summit fence.

NORWALK, Ohio – Fans in a record-setting crowd savored the flavors and fun at the 2012 B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

“Together” is a way drag racing was meant to be experienced.

From Detroit, George Boone, 37, and his son Peny Boone, 10, thrive on different styles of drag racing.

Peny prefers funny cars, he said. While George remains an annual fan of the NHRA Full Throttle series, which roars to Norwalk July 5-8 at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

Even though George Boone doesn’t race now, he smiled and said, “Eventually I will.”

Wellington, Ohio friends Hannah Staffeld and Meredith Meyers, both 13, collected autographs in the pits from the Geezer Gassers, a group of classic car enthusiasts who provided entertainment in the main show.

Cousins Ethan Hayes, 5, and Frank Sloan, 11, sipped tall cups of cool lemonade on Saturday, Frank’s first visit to a drag race, said Ethan’s dad, Jeffrey Hayes, Ashtabula.

A search for hard core drag racing fans caught first-time visitor Michael Horner, 19, and his grandfather Dana Horner, Elyria, at the fence with their attention riveted to track action.

“I just like all of it,” Dana Horner said.

Evelyn Murray, at 2 ½ years old, may be tiny enough to need help from her father, Joe Murray, to see over the wall and fence to the drag strip. But, Joe says, Evelyn is learning the lingo.

“She knows what ‘race car’ means,” said Murray, Vermilion.

Greg McClung, 45, Akron, likes the speed and power of dragsters.

“I come for the big boys,” McClung said.

On her first visit to Summit Motorsports Park, Mickey Davis, 40, Fremont, told Ernie Bogue his Beast from the East created a strong emotional response.

“I’m so jealous,” Davis said. “I’m in love with your jet.”

Mike Depner, Chardon, enjoyed his first visit to Summit Motorsports Park.

Also a first time visitor, Ted Weber, Chardon, appreciated Fisher hospitality.

Shawn and Sherri Shriver noticed the dragster in action on the track.

NORWALK, Ohio – Kathy Fisher’s dragster debut party treated fans to food and prizes on Saturday at the B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Motorsports Park.

Fans gathered around the flaming red, orange and black dragster of the Performance by Fisher Racing Team, sponsored by K&N Engineering.

Kathy Fisher and her husband, Kevin Fisher, are the stars of “Married With Dragsters.”

The reality web show and the dragster’s debut brought Tracey Harrington of Mansfield, Ohio, back to Summit Motorsports Park. Harrington’s last visit to the track was fifteen years ago.

Harrington enjoys the “excitement” of the web series, “Married With Dragsters.”

Brian Bazell of Lancaster, Ohio, said the show is “down to earth.”

Another fan of “Married With Dragsters” is also a fan of Summit Motorsports Park. Bill Cramer of Mansfield, Ohio, has been to the track in Norwalk at least six times.

“I love the smell of the cars,” said Cramer.

Racing fans who have not yet seen the web show still admire the new dragster.

Friends Mike Depner and Ted Weber of Chardon, Ohio, both think the dragster looks nice.

“I love the car,” said Weber. “It’s unique.”

Shawn and Sherri Shriver from Beverly, Ohio, were at Summit Motorsports Park for the third year. Shawn and Sherri saw the dragster make a run down the drag strip.

To watch “Married With Dragsters,” visit http://www.marriedwithdragsters.com/. Also, find out more about the Performance by Fisher Racing team at http://www.performancebyfisher.com/.

Kathy Fisher enjoys "Lil' Vixen," her new dragster.

Kevin Fisher goes for the gleam as he pit polishes his wife's dragster.

"Lil' Vixen" waits in the staging lanes before her second run.

NORWALK, Ohio – “Married With Dragsters” stars Kathy and Kevin Fisher share the excitement of Kathy’s first new dragster with fans today at B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Motorsports Park.

“This thing is like a Cadillac with a lot of horsepower,” said Kathy Fisher, while sitting in the dragster in the Summit staging lanes before her second pass. “It’s a very well-built machine.”

The name of the dragster, “Lil’ Vixen,” came to Kathy as she looked at the sparkling orange, red and black paint job, she said. They splashed the name in front of the driver’s seat.

“My old car was ‘Baby Beasty,’” Kathy Fisher said. “She never had her name on her, though.”

A new car debut party including free food, prizes and give-away items is from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. today, May 19, 2012 in the “Married With Dragsters,” Mickey Thompson and K&N Engineering pit area near the bleachers closest to the finish line on the Budweiser side of the track.

The party is sponsored by Mickey Thompson and Performance by Fisher Racing.

“I’ve never done anything at the track like this before, ever,” Kathy Fisher said. “This is extra special. It may be a once in a lifetime thing.

“You only get your very first brand new car once,” Kathy Fisher said. “I’ve raced for years. I’ve never had a brand new car.”

As Kevin Fisher polished the dragster with a big, soft white cloth before the first run of the day, he said sleep deprivation might kick in soon, because he had eight days to put the dragster together.

The dragster has a 2012 American Racecars Chassis, among other amenities. The first run intentionally was not a full pass, Kathy said.

“It went down the track once,” Kathy Fisher said. “We hadn’t even fired the motor until yesterday morning. We didn’t drive it out of the pits until we had our run.

“With a brand new car there are a lot of things you can’t test until you get out on the track,” Kathy Fisher said. The crew found minor adjustments were needed, and fixed them all, she said.

“Little things,” Kathy Fisher said. “None of it was anybody’s fault. This car was built with the best of everything.

“It is nerve wracking to bring a new car to an event of this caliber to make shakedown passes,” Kathy Fisher said. “But there is no other event we would want to do it in. We were here when the gates were closed (because of full capacity) two years ago.”

“I just hope everything goes well with the party today,” Kathy Fisher said. Drawings will be at 7 p.m. “We have tons of prizes and things to give away. But unfortunately, when the food runs out, it runs out.”

The “Married With Dragsters” online reality show can be viewed at any time at http://www.marriedwithdragsters.com/ , and it is free, Kathy Fisher said.

“Viewer response has been very positive just because it is a little different,” said Kathy Fisher.

Bring your sunscreen

Enjoy dollar-a-pound Velvet ice cream

Here is Saturday's exit plan after fireworks

The B'laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser continues with a full day of racing action and a full sky of glorious sunshine.

We thought this weekend looked big and now we know one of the reasons why: Jay Hullinger, NHRA Division 3 Director, announced we set a record with 576 entries this weekend, with some racers coming from over 800 miles away. That doesn't count our six Geezer Gassers and our jet car pilots.

Today's can't-miss activities include:

1:30-2:30: Autograph Session: meet the stars of NHRA Division 3 drag racing, Jill "Queen of Diamonds" Canuso, Ernie "Beast from the East" Bogue and world's fastest semi truck driver, Bob Motz!

4:00: Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying.

4:30: Pro Stock Snowmobile, Geezer Gassers, Jet Dragsters, Bob Motz in the Jet-power Kenworth semi truck.

6:00: Pre-race ceremonies to start the evening sessions (we recommend that you plan on being in your seat at 5:30!). And, appropriate for Armed Forces Weekend, the world's largest American Flag.

8:00: Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying.

9:00: Pro Stock Snowmobile, Jet Dragsters, Bob Motz in the Jet-power Kenworth semi truck.

9:45 pm: Bader family signature fireworks display

Please note the map for exiting instructions after fireworks. We have a new exiting plan to get you off the grounds and headed home quickly and safely!

#1 TAD qualifier Reichert gets the wheels in the air on Friday, photo courtesy Mike Davis

What a beautiful day! There's not a cloud to be seen anywhere. Oh, wait a minute, we may have spotted one...nope, sorry, that's a wisp of smoke from a burnout in Top Dragster. That makes it official folks, the sky is as blue as a robin's egg from horizon to horizon.

Racing continues throughout the day today, with pre-race ceremonies kicking off at 6:00 pm, featuring the world's largest American flag (appropriate for Armed Forces Weekend), followed by racing, more racing, jets and fireworks!

Here are yesterday's results:

JET DRAGSTER
1). Jill Canuso, 5.222 seconds, 299.60 mph
2). Ernie Bogue, 5.248 seconds, 299.00 mph

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.284 seconds, 264.23 mph
2) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 5.436, 260.86
3) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.479, 246.84
4) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.498, 259.46
5) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.519, 260.91
6) Jerry Powell, Kokomo, Ind., 5.537, 262.44
7) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.549, 251.20
8) Ken Perry, Markham, Ont., 5.574, 261.37
>>>Not Qualified<<<
9) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.619, 256.21
10) Brian Mans, Godfrey, Ill., 5.717, 251.67
11) Denny Hummel, Clinton Twnshp, Mich., 5.762, 244.43
12) Dave Hill, Valparaiso, Ind., 5.863, 246.57
13) Karen Stalba, Hammonton, N.J., 6.314, 198.61
14) Ray Hack, Valparaiso, Ind., 6.488, 230.49

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Fred Hagen, Godfrey, Ill., '10 Mustang, 5.537 seconds, 258.47 mph
2) Ray Drew, Hales Corner, Wis., '04 Firebird, 5.665, 259.81
3) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '11 Mustang, 5.742, 254.33
4) John Anderika, Wyoming, Pa., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.760, 253.47
5) Andy Bohl, Racine, Wis., '08 Mustang, 5.813, 249.58
6) John Hart, Hicksville, Ohio, '09 Charger, 6.321, 238.26
7) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '01 Avenger, 7.739, 123.31
8) Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '09 Monte Carlo, 9.325, 110.64
>>>Not Qualified<<<
9) Paul Noakes, London, Ont., '02 Mustang, (no time)

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Chuck Haubiel, Gahanna, Ohio, '10 Cobalt, C/SM, 8.141 seconds, -0.619 (under index)
2) Jason Coan, Kokomo, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.145, -0.565
3) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.049, -0.551
4) Frank Affronti, Ontario, N.Y., '05 Cavalier, B/EA, 7.768, -0.542
5) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '09 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.099, -0.541
6) David Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., '93 Cutlass, L/AA, 8.809, -0.531
7) Rick Brown, Lebanon, Ohio, '00 S-10, B/TA, 8.253, -0.527
8) Dan Fletcher, Churchville, N.Y., '09 Cobalt, B/EA, 7.793, -0.517
9) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 roadster, J/AA, 7.875, -0.515
10) Robert Bailey, Wabash, Ind., dragster, A/ED, 6.647, -0.513

SUPER STOCK
1) James Evanuik, N. Versailles, Pa., '98 Escort, GT/A, 8.906 seconds, -1.094 (under index)
2) Bo Kenney, Manassas, Va., '12 Mustang, SSA/A, 8.637, -1.063
3) Ray Skillman, Greenwood, Ind., '10 Mustang, SS/AAA, 8.378, -1.022
4) Garrett Ghezzi, Dolton, Ill., '69 AMX, SS/MA, 10.848, -1.002
5) Rock Haas, White Lake, Mich., '08 Mustang, SS/CA, 9.073, -0.977
6) Drew Skillman, Greenwood, Ind., '12 Mustang, SS/CA, 9.081, -0.969
7) Thomas Randall, Montgomery, Ill., '02 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.440, -0.960
8) Jerry Silveus, Van Buren, Ohio, '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.467, -0.933
9) Jeff Dona, Gordonville, Mo., '98 Firebird, SS/HA, 9.680, -0.920
10) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '08 Cobalt, GT/FA, 9.890, -0.910

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '12 Mustang, AA/SA, 8.948 seconds, -1.052 (under index)
2) Keith Lynch, Xenia, Ohio, '10 Challenger, A/SA, 9.968, -1.032
3) Chris Holbrook, Livonia, Mich., '12 Mustang, AA/SA, 9.027, -0.973
4) Charles Downing, Britton, Mich., '10 Cobra Jet, H/S, 11.036, -0.964
5) Robert Dean, Evans City, Pa., '94 Camaro, C/SA, 10.447, -0.953
6) Randi Lyn Shipp, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '67 Firebird, D/SA, 10.598, -0.952
7) Drew Skillman, Greenwood, Ind., '12 Mustang, AA/SA, 9.054, -0.946
8) Dave Edwards, Washington C.H., Ohio, '94 Camaro, C/SA, 10.469, -0.931
9) John Keihn, Muncie, Ind., '72 Gran Sport, K/SA, 11.725, -0.925
10) Larry Smith, Davenport, Fla., '10 Challenger, A/SA, 10.083, -0.917

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Mark Malcuit, Strasburg, Ohio, '68 Camaro, 6.443 seconds, 213.27 mph
2) Randy Primozic, Willoughby Hills, Ohio, '01 Cavalier, 6.603, 209.92
3) David Roemer, Avon, Ohio, '06 GTO, 6.662, 208.30
4) Chris Ray, Louisville, Ky., '05 Cavalier, 6.669, 213.50
5) Mike Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '06 Cobalt, 6.808, 205.19
6) Marco Abruzzi, Warren, Ohio, '68 Camaro, 6.830, 202.70
7) Glenn Butcher, Doylestown, Ohio, '68 Camaro, 6.836, 200.35
8) Curt Fredrich, Burlington, Wis., '68 Camaro, 6.849, 198.17
9) Tony Fagnilli, Corapolis, Pa., '01 Firebird, 6.874, 200.29
10) Chris Nyerges, Burton, Ohio, '00 Firebird, 6.886, 197.02

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Troy Stone, Elkhart, Ind., dragster, 6.193 seconds, 230.06 mph
2) Michael Smith, Owosso, Mich., dragster, 6.381, 213.77
3) Ed Dudley, Fishers, Ind., dragster, 6.471, 209.75
4) Tom Elliott, Brooks, Ky., dragster, 6.485, 217.91
5) James Monroe, Bloomington, Ind., dragster, 6.485, 208.94
6) Andy Johnson, Cynthiana, Ky., dragster, 6.573, 206.99
7) Bryan Keller, Brecksville, Ohio, dragster, 6.591, 208.33
8) Troy Galbraith, Indianapolis, Ind., dragster, 6.605, 203.65
9) Alan O'Brien, Roncerverte, W.V., dragster, 6.613, 218.97
10) Marco Abruzzi, Warren, Ohio, dragster, 6.618, 204.70

PRO STOCK SNOWMOBILE
1) Edwin Wirbel, Hope, Mich., '03 Mach Z, 8.368 seconds, 152.80 mph
2) Ron Bray, Anoka, Minn., '11 Ski Doo, 8.376, 152.37
3) Tiina Duncanson, Acton, Ont., '11 Ski Doo, 8.390, 151.00
4) Scott Hagen, Orion, Mich., '03 Ski Doo, 8.463, 152.88
5) Zack Davis, Brighton, Mich., '11 Ski-Doo, 8.568, 149.61
6) Charlie Fleck, Green Bay, Wis., '13 Ski Doo, 8.644, 147.33
7) Louie Wirbel, Marion, Mich., '04 Ski Doo, 8.667, 150.33
8) Rich Stumpf, Almont, Mich., '03 Ski Doo, 8.747, 147.92
9) Rich Daly, Union Spgs, N.Y., '02 Ski Doo, 8.845, 149.95

Friday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Division 3, B'laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser:

SUPER COMP SHOOTOUT
Jim Gerakaris, Batavia, Ill., dragster, 8.878, 175.30  def. Steve Hoyt, Ft. Wayne, Ind., dragster, 8.875, 183.29.

SUPER GAS SHOOTOUT
Paul Richardson, Woodburn, Ind., '87 Firenza, 9.898, 162.18  def. John Cira, Rochester, N.Y., '68 Nova, foul.

SUPER STREET SHOOTOUT
Roger Weaver, Indianapolis, Ind., '67 Mustang, 10.918, 137.15  def. Nikki Looney, Danville, Ohio, '85 Thunderbird, 10.884, 128.62.

Chloe Pleban, 4, watches dragsters with the help of her dad, Richard Pleban Jr.

Jason Roe, 5, and Alex Valvo, 9, loved the jets!

Jason Roe, 5, reacts to Bob Motz's jet Kenworth.

NORWALK, Ohio -- The Friday evening thrills of the B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser filled Summit Motorsports Park with fan raves and sparks of interest in racing for first-time visitors.

“This is so cool,” said Melissa Greller, 29, whose husband, Pete, 35, brought her to the track for the first time Friday night. Melissa is a stay-at-home mom of four children ages 12 years to eight months. “I told my husband if I had a bucket list, this would be on it. I love it! (A bucket list is) things to do before I die. I would love to do this! This is so cool!”

Pete Greller’s favorites are the Mustangs. “All the old Chevys are fun. The old gassers, they are fun to watch.”

Brothers from Mansfield, Chance Gough, 17, and Chase Gough, 15, gave the top alcohol dragsters and funny cars the highest raves at the track on their first visit.

Dalton Henderson, 16, also from Mansfield, had been at the track about seven times before.

“It’s pretty cool,” Henderson said. “I met Jill Canuso. She’s pretty cool.”

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” said Marcus Hill, 39, North Ridgeville, who brought Griffith Gray, 6, for his first drag racing experience. “I used to run here when I was in high school. Now we’re turning it over to a new generation.”

Hailey Allridge, 18, a senior at Western Reserve High School, had visited Summit Motorsports Park before.

“It’s awesome. I really like the stock cars,” Hailey said. “It’s enjoyable. It’s a lot of fun.”

Jacob Barker, 19, Norwalk, attended a previous show with a jacked up police car, he said. But during B’laster Cavalcade of Stars, Barker enjoyed the Mustangs, and the stock and funny cars, he said.

Brandon Phillips, 16, Monroeville, paid his first visit to the drag strip.

“I love everything about this,” Phillips said.

“I just come for the fun of it,” said Andrew Gray, 17, Monroeville, adding he likes best the Mustangs, the jet cars, and the jet semi. “It’s just a wonderful night tonight.”

Renee and Jason Roe, Collins, on Friday night brought their two boys, Jason Roe, 5, and Alex Valvo, 9, for their first visit to Summit Motorsports Park.

While music played, the lights clicked off in the grandstands, and Bob Motz eased his jet Kenworth into position, both boys clung to Renee and hid their faces, peeking out once in awhile.

After Motz’s run, both boys smiled and said they weren’t scared.

“The smoke was flying everywhere,” said little Jason. “That was the coolest part.”

Along the staging lanes, 4-year-old Chloe Pleban peered over the fence from the shoulders of her father, Richard Pleban Jr.

"It's a nice day for it," said Angela Pleban, Chloe's mother, Cleveland. "She's four and she loves races. She should have been born a boy. But I guess I love races, too."

Tom Elliott and Suzanne Thompson make fast friends.

Staging the Artisan.

NORWALK, Ohio – Tom Elliott and Suzanne Thompson trucked “the Artisan” top dragster from Louisville, Kentucky to Summit Motorsports Park for bragging rights and a Wally award.

And to visit with racing friends.

Elliott wants to win the DRAW/RFC Super Shootouts presented by Moser Engineering at 6:30 p.m. Friday almost as much as winning the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event for a Wally.

“It’s the bragging rights,” said Suzanne Thompson.

“That’s why you step it up,” said Tom Elliott, who has been racing for 51 years. “We enjoy going fast.”

The B'laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser is an NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.

“This is our race,” Suzanne Thompson said. “This is a sportsman race.”

A sportsman racer is a hobbyist who has gone about as high on the racing ladder as possible before becoming a professional racer, said Bill Bader Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park.

Viewing the 75-foot-long rigs in the pits, Elliott remembered his early days of racing.

“You used to drive them to the race track,” Elliott said. “Then you got a tow bar, then a trailer...If you wanted something, you had to go out and push a mower so you could get it.”

Since his racing is a hobby, Elliott pays cash for his dragster and equipment, he said.

About 17 years ago Elliott and Thompson visited Summit Motorsports Park for the first time. They told their racing friends from home; now their friends race in Norwalk.

“Bill (Bader Jr.) knows how to fill the stands,” Elliott said. “There’s nothing better than racing in front of people. We know he’s going to have the track prepped. We want to show our stuff.”

“They run this track so well,” Thompson said. “And how they treat customers. They’re friendly and they bend over backward to help.”

Suzanne Thompson chose racing as a hobby before women became involved, she said. “Now it’s more family oriented.”

People at their home track call Suzanne “the cupcake lady,” Tom said, because she treats junior dragster drivers to cupcakes – especially when they celebrate a birthday.

"I just love little kids and their junior dragster cars,” said Suzanne. “When they have a birthday they get a bigger junior dragster car.”

Many of the racers from this generation rise up through the junior dragster competitions, Suzanne Thompson said.

Young or old, racers personalities cascade onto their vehicles.

Tom Elliott retired from business about six years ago, he said. The dragster name, the Artisan, flowed from his profession.

“My trade was as a tin bended sheet metaler,” Tom said. “An artisan is a craftsman. I had a structural steel business for 28 years. I had people work for me for 28 years. I treated them the way I wanted to be treated, so they stayed.”