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Home » Event Recap: Triple $20K’s at the Grove- August 22-24, 2025
20Ks Chutes Out Recap: Thimm, Northrop & Sisko Make Maple Grove History in Inaugural 20Ks at The Grove
By: Billy Kleinspehn
In its 63 years of operation, Maple Grove Raceway has been the stage for countless firsts in drag racing history — from the first side-by-side four-second passes to 300 mph Top Fuel runs.
The Grove has also been a landmark for women in NHRA history: Bunny Burkett became the first female to win in TAFC at a national event in 1986, Angelle Sampey scored the first female win in Pro Stock Bike in 1996, and Vonnie Mills broke through as the first woman to claim a Top Sportsman victory at a national event in 2022.
On Friday, August 23, 2025, three more women etched their names into Maple Grove history. Erin Thimm captured the Top Bulb Main Event win over Chris Wilson, while Jeanne Northrop claimed victory in the Bottom Bulb Main Event over Evan Poust — marking the first time two women have won main events on the same day at a big money bracket race at The Grove. Adding to the moment, Lindsey Sisko reached the final round of the Friday Night Gamblers, finishing runner-up to James DiCiacco. It was the first time in Maple Grove history that three women advanced to final rounds on the same day at a big money event.
Saturday’s action was just as thrilling, especially for Mustang fans, as three of the six main event finalists piloted Fords. In Top Bulb, Rob Weltner Jr. earned a popular victory over Howard Westbury. The Bottom Bulb Main Event featured an all-Mustang showdown, with Kevin Spencer scoring his second win of the season against Ray Barlow. Former D1 champion Shayne Beck also made a triumphant return, winning the Saturday Gamblers over Joe Barush.
Sunday wrapped up the weekend with more history and horsepower. In Top Bulb, Mike Barber drove his Mustang to victory over big money standout “Million Dollar” Steve Sisko. The Bottom Bulb Main Event showcased a battle of youth vs. experience, with young gun Matt Ricchezza defeating veteran Charles “Butch” Weinreich.
👏 Join us in congratulating all of our winners from the inaugural 20Ks at Maple Grove Raceway — a weekend packed with history, horsepower, and unforgettable moments!
Top Bulb Eliminator
Erin Thimm, Mohnton, PA, ’67 Camaro, .030, 6.305 E.T. on a 6.30 dial-in, 109.32 mph def. Chris Wilson, ’22 American, .021, 4.447 E.T. on a 4.43 dial-in, 144.94 mph.
Bottom Bulb Eliminator
Jeanne Northrop, Pipersviolle, Pa., ’67 Camaro, .036, 5.810 E.T. on a 5.82 dial-in, 118.27 mph def. Evan Poust, Leonardtown, MD, ’74 Vega Wagon, .054, 6.473 E.T. on a 6.49 dial-in, 104.31 mph.
Top Bulb Eliminator
Rob Weltner Jr., ’86 Mustang, .049, 6.187 E.T. on a 6.17 dial-in, 108.08 mph def. Howard Westbury, Harleyville, SC, ’70 Nova, .035, 5.694 E.T. on a 5.65 dial-in, 119.50 mph.
Bottom Bulb Eliminator
Kevin Spencer, Conowingo, MD, ’72 Nova, .028, 6.381 E.T. on a 6.40 dial-in, 103.62 mph def. Ray Barlow, Peach Bottom, Pa., ’96 Mustang, -.002, 5.985 E.T. on a 5.97 dial-in, 108.55 mph.
Top Bulb Eliminator
Mike Barber, Royersford, PA, ’92 Mustang, .004, 6.044 E.T. on a 6.04 dial-in, 112.21 mph def. Steve Sisko, Williamstown, NJ, ’83 Cavalier, .004, 6.009 E.T. on a 6.00 dial-in, 112.85 mph.
Bottom Bulb Eliminator
Matt Richezza, .025, 5.840 E.T. on a 5.82 dial-in, 113.87 mph def. Butch Weinreich, Rosedale, MD, ’74 Dodge Dart, .025, 7.368 E.T. on a 7.34 dial-in, 90.80 mph.
