Linke, DePascale dominate at Pep Boys NHRA Nationals

Bubba Linke and Chris DePascale visited the winner’s circle Sunday evening at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

MOHNTON, PA – Bubba Linke and Chris DePascale both picked up trophies at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. Linke prevailed in Stock Eliminator, while DePascale was able to clinch the trophy in Super Comp.

Joining them in the winner’s circle was Don Eckel III (Comp), Bill Kennedy (SS), David Morris (SG), Al Kenny (TD), and Brian Vollman (TS).

Read the race recap below to learn more about the winners!

Pep Boys NHRA Nationals

Competition Eliminator

Don Eckel III took home his second NHRA National event Wally after defeating Al Ackerman in the final round. Ackerman had the starting line advantage, .015 to .062, but Eckel was able to get to the stripe first and run a 6.942 at 191 mph on his 7.47 index for the trophy.

Christopher Piston was the semi-finalist.

Super Stock

William Kennedy picked up his second NHRA National event Wally after defeating Joe Santangelo in the final round. Santangelo had the starting line advantage, .019 to .036, but Kennedy ran a 10.449 at 128 mph on his 10.41 dial-in to take home the trophy by .003.

Anthony Bongiovanni and Kevin Panzino were the semi-finalists.

Stock Eliminator

Bubba Linke drove his B/SA to his third NHRA National event trophy after defeating Dan Fletcher in the final round. Linke had the starting line advantage, .018 to .046, and never trailed back for the win. He ran a 10.462 at 118 mph on his 10.42 dial-in.

Shane Oakes and Todd Bednaz were the semi-finalists.

Super Comp

Chris DePascale took home his third NHRA National event Wally after defeating Shawn Fricke in the final round. Fricke was -.004 at the hit, handing the win over to DePascale who was .000 up front and coasted to the stripe for the trophy.

James Cowie and Kevin Scholl were the semi-finalists.

Super Gas

David Morris visited the winners circle after defeating Michael Handras in the final round to pick up his second NHRA Wally. Handras had the starting line advantage, .031 to .073, but Morris was able to get to the stripe first and ran a 9.919 at 166 mph for the trophy.

Ricky Hall and Tim Gillespie were the semi-finalists.

Top Dragster

Al Kenny won his 12th NHRA Wally after he defeated Tim Gray in the final round. Kenny had the starting line advantage, .001 to .031, and charged to the stripe to pick up the trophy. He ran a 6.124 at 212 mph, throwing down a .005 package.

Bob Vojtila and Chuck Krepela were the semi-finalists.

Top Sportsman

Brian Vollman won his first NHRA Wally after he defeated Michael Grafas in the final round. Vollman had the starting line advantage, .004 to .053, and never trailed back for the win. He ran a 7.369 at 185 mph on his 7.35 dial-in for the Wally.

Frank Volpe 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