Butcher, Elrod visit winner’s circle at PDRA Northern Nationals

Glenn Butcher and Tony Elrod both visited the winners circle at the PDRA Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park.

Photos from Gary Rowe.

MARTIN, MI – Glenn Butcher and Tony Elrod conquered the PDRA Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park to pick up the trophies in Elite Top Sportsman and Elite Top Dragster. Butcher regained the points lead with his win, as Elrod picked up his first PDRA win of his career.

Joining them in the winners circle were Mark Reese (TS), Lucas Salemi (TD), Ryan Harris (PJD), Allen Buczkowski (TJD), and Tisha Wilson (BB).

Read the race recap below for more!

PDRA Northern Nationals

Elite Top Sportsman

Glenn Butcher defeated Ron Biondo in the final round to pick up the trophy. Biondo had the starting line advantage, .017 to .077, but took too much at the stripe to breakout by .003. Butcher ran a 3.802 at 193 mph on his 3.77 dial-in to head to the winner’s circle.

Ronnie Proctor and Brian Stultz were the semi-finalists.

Elite Top Dragster

Tony Elrod defeated Mike Kopko in the final round to pick up the trophy. Elrod had the starting line advantage, .008 to .055, and ran a 3.944 at 174 mph on his 3.92 dial-in to head to the winner’s circle.

Frank Falter IV and Rick Morley were the semi-finalists.

Top Sportsman

Mark Reese defeated DJ Mateicka in the final round to pick up the trophy in Top Sportsman. Reese had the starting line advantage, .013 to .025, and ran a 4.277 at 158 mph on his 4.26 dial-in to head to the winner’s circle.

Eric Grace and Nick Meloni were the semi-finalists.

Top Dragster

Lucas Salemi defeated Tom Reese in the final round to take home the trophy. Salemi put up an .025 package to lock Reese out at the hit, running a 4.341 at 150 mph on his 4.33 dial-in.

Matt Parlett and Nicole Zuccarelli were the semi-finalists.

Pro Jr. Dragster

Ryan Harris picked up the trophy after defeating Demi Cox in the final round. He was .016 up front and ran a 7.976 at 81 mph on the 7.90 index.

Makenzie Alexander and Alyssa Tilghman were the semi-finalists.

Top Jr. Dragster

Allen Buczkowski defeated Aspyn Kaupa in the final round to pick up the win. He was .131 up front and ran a 8.972 at 73 mph on his 8.94 dial-in after Kaupa’s red light.

Conner Sebright and Ellie Vesper were the semi-finalists.

Bracket Bash

Tisha Wilson defeated Zach Shirkey in the final round to pick up the win. She was .013 up front and ran a 4.611 at 147 mph on her 4.57 dial-in after Shirkey broke out.

Roy Parish was the semi-finalist.

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.

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