Kyle Fickler 2019 Heartland Nationals S/C Champ

Kyle Fickler earned his first NHRA Wally in 16 years at the 2019 Heartland Nationals.

TOPEKA – Kyle Fickler had to wait years, sixteen to be exact, but he finally claimed his second NHRA national event win at Topeka. Fickler said his wife was pregnant with his daughter when he won the last one and now she’s practically a grown up.

To earn win number two, Kyle had to stop Spring Nationals winner Vernon Rowland in the final round. In a race decided by less than a “thou”, Kyle came out on top after Rowland was -.001 under the index.

Rowland grabbed the lead off the line, .013 to .017, and extended it down track. He got to the finish line first by .018-second but needed to take .017 or less. The error cost Rowland his second win of the year and allowed Fickler to celebrate the victory.

Fickler won several close races including round three when Super Street winner Trevor Larson fouled by -.002. The following round Fickler came out on top of a close race with 2018 4th place finisher Mark Grame. Kyle took the .003 win after Grame was .001 at the tree but missed the dial.

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