Northern Michigan Dragway Blue Oval Battle XI

 Northern Michigan Dragway will host the fourth of its marquis race weekends this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Blue Oval Battle XI is likely to see more records for the books, both attendance-wise and in performance.  

NMD’s race surface underwent an overhaul just last week by Florida-based company Mass Traction.  The upgrades have racers excited with many predicting even faster elapsed times.    

Over $40,000 in prize money is up for grabs, with a top prize of $10,000 to win for Saturday evening’s Bracket II champion.   Last year, Dan Gorby of Trufant took the top prize, as a record 746 entries participated over the course of the weekend. 

 Steve Mikus of Ashley won the Bracket I top prize of $3,000, and is currently on another hot streak, claiming a $50,000 victory earlier this month at the World Super Pro Challenge in Stanton.

Top Doorslammer will have its season finale.  Tim Heiges of Traverse City has set three new track records this season, while taking event wins in two of three events.  Jason Helsel of Manton has also had a good season, with a runner-up and semi-final finish.  Helsel will need an event victory, coupled with an early, first-round exit by Heiges in order to claim a come-from behind championship. 

Fans are eager to see if Ford can secure a win over other makes in the annual Battle after accepting defeat last season and a tie in 2021.  Last month during Mopars Against the World, Mopars managed an across-the-board tie of 196-196 in match-ups with competitive makes. Racing action will begin Thursday with time trials moved up to 2pm, and eliminations taking place throughout the evening hours for junior classes, Street Trophy and Chicks on Slicks. Friday and Saturday will kick-off with time trials at 11am followed by a full day and evening of racing action. 

 For more information see northernmichigandragway.com or NMD’s social media pages.