NHRA Route 66 Nationals - Joliet, IL
The NHRA return to Route 66 Dragway in Joliet, IL was a huge success for all involved! The weather was great and the fans were super excited to be back at the track which hadn't hosted this event since 2019. The Trick-Tools team was primed to compete in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday which is based on a re-match of the semi-finals from Gainesville. With only three qualifying sessions, and session two and three being the Challenge race it was important to get a good start and adapt to the track quickly. Tim Kulungian and crew did their jobs well and we came off the trailer with a 6.812 e.t. @ 199.49 mph to qualify us 6th Friday evening in cool and damp conditions.
Saturday's Mission Foods Challenge paired us with Angie Smith who put up a good fight but Chase's 6.80 to Angie's 6.83 gave us the win and put us in the final against Team Vance & Hines and Gaige Herrera. In the final round Chase ran a great 6.785 and had the starting line advantage but was not able to overcome Gaige's stellar 6.67.
Sunday morning we entered the main event qualified 7th and raced veteran Steve Johnson. The weather was much warmer and the track conditions began to deteriorate but Chase pulled off a holeshot win with a 6.805 @ 200.23 mph against Steve's slightly quicker 6.800. Second round we drew Chip Ellis who was on a roll in Chicago riding Matt Smith's V-twin. The Trick-Tools/War Racing team's day came to an end when a hot clutch pulled the bike deep into the stage beams causing a red light start.
We were humbled and grateful for the support shown by fans and family in Chicago. The next event will be Bristol, TN and we are excited to continue Chase's rookie season!
Thanks to our partners:
Enjoy some photos from our experience below!