SPORTSMAN NATIONALS CHUTES OUT WEEKEND RECAP. When you think of Drag Racing on Labor Day weekend the first thing that comes to mind is the famous NHRA Nationals. For the many sportsman racers on the east coast, one race that comes to mind is the Sportsman Nationals. In only it’s third running year at it’s new host track, Maple Grove Raceway, the Sportsman Nationals has grown into one of the many key Sportsman races of the year. Racers packed the pits at the grove and were greeted by three days of beautiful weather. Due to safety issues on Saturday with an issue in the track lighting, the Saturday portion of the race was unable to be completed. The purse was split between the remaining racers in each class. Sunday was an incredible day of racing in all classes. Super Pro saw longtime racer Jerry Sheaffer pick up the win over former track champion Bill Carrol. Pro Eliminator saw the return of Steve Long in the winners circle with a win over Mike Mowday. The 2020 season in Jr. Dragsters has been dominated by a young man named Garrett Sprague, who earlier this year picked up a win at the prestigious Eastern Conference Finals. Sprague added a win in Jr. Dragster to fill in more among his growing resume when he took the win on Sunday. Also on hand was the always exciting northeast index series which features some of the toughest sportsman racers running in 8.50, 10.0, 11.50 and 12.50 index along with pro dial. 8.50 index saw Harry Gerb return to victory lane with his win in 8.50 index. Gerb is also a former track champion in 8.50. 10.0 index saw Ron Reiss pick up a popular win. Hometown hero Charles Augustine was the last man standing in 11.50. Elise Renninger, the second women to ever win a track championship at maple grove returns to victory lane in 12.50. John Binkle, a longtime and respected bracket racer in the northeast, picked up a popular win in pro dial over hometown hero Tim Allebach. Join in on congratulating your winners from this past weekend!
All credit for the recap goes to Billy Kleinspehn!
