Nathan Vrooman wins Super Gas at the U.S. Nationals

Nathan Vrooman earned his second win of the season and first U.S. Nationals crown after winning Super Gas at Lucas Oil Raceway.

INDY – Nathan Vrooman captured his third NHRA national event victory and second of the 2019 season on Labor Day at the U.S. Nationals. Vrooman drove through a large field of the best Super Gas racers in the country.

Vrooman’s march to the winners circle began with a breakout victory over Greg Smith in round one. Nathan’s .014 to .038 advantage at the tree sealed Smith’s fate at the finish line.

In rounds two and three, Vrooman took advantage of his opponents misfortunes to advance. Carl Rectenwald slowed down track to an 11.24 E.T. while third round opponent Scott Udenberg let go -.003 too early.

Vrooman posted one of his worst reactions in round four but managed to turn it into a 9.952 to 9.973 win after Jeff Lawson was .03 as well. That win proved critical as he benefited from two red-lights and a bye run that sent him to his second final round of the year.

In rounds five and seven, Kim Will was -.006 early at the tree and Devin Isenhower was -.001 early respectively. Sandwiched between these foul starts, Vrooman had a bye run in round six.

2018 U.S. Nationals champ Devin Isenhower came close to a repeat performance. Prior to his -.001 foul start against Vrooman, the 2018 world champ was on a roll. His last three lights were .000, .009, and -.001. He also was part of an epic round six battle with John Labbous. Labbous’ .009 take .002 was no good as Isenhower was .002 dead one for the win.

Joining Vrooman in the final round was 2018 U.S. Nationals runner up Steve Hoyt. Much like last year, Hoyt was stellar at the three and never dipped below the 9.90 standard. Prior to the final, his worst light was .020 and he posted three dead-on 9.90 laps.

Unfortunately for Hoyt, he would settle for runner up for the second year in a row after posting his worst light of the event in the final round. Vrooman took a .010 to .041 advantage at the tree and parlayed it into an off the gas 9.919 to 9.920 victory.

Although he posted back-to-back .03x lights in rounds three and four, Vrooman was superb outside of those rounds. His worst reaction in his other six rounds was a .014 in round one. He was .004, .002, and .010 in his last three hits on Monday night.

For more NHRA Lucas Oil sportsman results from the U.S. Nationals, click here.