Page 16 - NM Spring 2018
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Kin Bates, while the June event TX, Charlie Smith’s blown 392 style The sixth and final event to
was won by Kin Bates over Drew powered car out of Tulsa, OK with decide the championship was held
Austin, which gave each of them long time dragster driver Jimmy at the California Hot Rod Reunion
one win in the series. Other entries Scott at the wheel. Rudy Tomsich in Bakersfield.
were Dennis Allen, Rick Ewens and brought his injected nitro burning,
John Harless. At the conclusion of Garry Wheeler driven Arias from Two new cars to enter the A/
4 A/Fuel events, John Harless was Chesterland, OH. Bob Malloy and Fuel wars were brought out for this
leading in points with two wins. the Beedy & Malloy team traveled sixth and last event of the year.
They were Van Heskett with his
The fifth race moved away from from Alsip, IL with Dave Brown blown Ford powered machine from
the West Coast to John Harless’ driving, also injected on nitro. The Sunland, CA with Kevin Robinson
home drag strip – the NHRA other three entries were Kin Bates, doing the driving and “The Run-
Heritage Series Nitro Nationals Drew Austin and John Harless a-Way 2” entry by Birky-Kumre
was held in September at Tulsa who were in a tight race for the & Serb. Their BBC injected nitro
Raceway Park. Four new A/Fuel championship. The final had Kin powered car is from Santa Rosa
entries were present for the first Bates over Drew Austin with a 5.97 CA. A third additional entry was
time at this event. They were Ernie at 231 MPH. At the conclusion of Sabrina Kumre driving Dennis
Williford’s blown SBC driven by 5 events Kin Bates had a slim 19 Murphy’s blown late model Hemi
Ken Hawkins out of San Antonio, point lead over Drew Austin. powered A /Fueler. Sabrina drove
In spite of losing their elimination round, Kin Bates Jr. and the crew were all smiles as they head down the
return road to retrieve the car.
16 Nitro Madness Magazine Spring 2018
