Ross Laris wins Top Dragster at the Gators

Ross Laris captured his third NHRA National Event win on Friday at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville.

GAINESVILLE- Ross Laris won his third NHRA Wally after defeating Anthony Bertozzi in the Top Dragster final at the Gatornationals in Gainesville.

Laris was spectacular at both ends of the racetrack throughout eliminations to earn the event trophy. He qualified in the No. 6 position with a 6.156 at 227.08 mph.

Ross’s path to the winner’s circle began with a round one competition bye run after his opponent, Rick Jamieson, was a no show. He advanced onto round two.

In the second round of eliminations, Laris had the starting line advantage, .012 to .024, over opponent Casey Spradlin. Spradlin took too much stripe and broke out by .005. Ross went a 6.173 on a 6.15 to advance on.

In a double-breakout victory, Laris advanced over Jeff Strickland in the third round of eliminations. They were just a coin flip apart over the tree. Laris broke out by less, .004, to advance onto round four.

Laris squared up with Angie Travis in the semifinal round. Travis turned on the red bulb by -.028 giving Ross the automatic win. Ross was .020 and ran a 6.197 on a 6.18 to advance to his eighth National Event final round.

The final two competitors remaining in the category were Laris and Anthony Bertozzi. Bertozzi was also in the Super Stock final round but took the runner-up position. He made it through multiple tough racers like Les Feist and Larry Strickland to advance to the final round.

Ross had the starting line advantage, .013 to .029, and ran dead on his dial in to take home the event trophy. Bertozzi broke out by .011 in a losing effort.

Congrats to Ross and his family on their latest victory!

Find more Lucas Oil Sportsman results here.

An avid racer herself, Megan Strassweg, 28, sees her two worlds collide with DragChamp – journalism and drag racing. Megan resides in Evansville, IN, and she pilots a 2015 American Dragster in the NHRA North Central Division 3 Super Comp series, along with some local bracket racing on the side. Her passion for racing began early, having grown up at the racetrack, and she remains committed to the sport. When she’s not racing, you can find her working at WDRB News as a Digital Producer, playing with her two dogs – Clutch and Goose, or spending time with her friends and family.

You can reach Megan on Facebook or email at megan@dragchamp.com

You can reach Megan on Facebook or email at megan@dragchamp.com