Tyler Shelton
The 2024 SNRA league officially passed the halfway mark of the season this weekend in Atmore Alabama. The racers and fans alike could not have asked for better weather or a better show at the inaugural Atmore Dragfest. The SNRA had a 9-car show out, accompanied by 5 blower promods and a slew of box and no box door cars.
Edelen came out swinging in the first round of qualifiers with a 3.85 run, securing his #1 position in final qualifying. Ric Roberts qualified in the #2 spot with the same qualifying time as last week: 3.89. Roberts was followed by Pilcher, Sandefur, Thompson, Measell, Scott, and McCall, in that order. Roberts motorsports would have to rely on Ric this weekend as Doug didn’t quite get it done this weekend qualifying in the #9 spot.
Round 1 started off with McCall taking down Sandefur: 4.07 v 4.90. Pilcher advanced as well after Kenny Scott rolled the beam on the starting line resulting in a N/T. Ric Roberts had his Camaro running right as he laid down a 3.87 to advance over Ceasell.
As the sun started to go down, the damages started to pick up. Finishing off Round 1, Edelen and Thompson both had issues after Edelen beat Thompson off the line to advance. Edelen broke a TPS sensor and was able to climb back in the race, while Thompson and Team Fugitive suffered from a broken valve spring.
In the semifinals, Ric Roberts and Johnny Pilcher both laid down a 3.87 run to each move on to the finals. They knocked out McCall and Edelen, respectively. Even though Edelen was done for the night, he took home a new title with his semifinals run: Atmore Dragstrip track record! 3.79! These cars screamed down the track neck and neck the whole way. But Pilcher was just too fast off the tree and sent Edelen back to the trailer.
Unfortunately for Pilcher, the good luck would run dry as he suffered engine issues before the final race. Ric Roberts would make a solo pass to finish out a night of steady improvement. Ric ran a 3.89, 3.87, 3.87, and 3.85 to solidify his well-deserved spot in the winner circle, and his time to wear the Dragfest crown!
The points total for the season so far is at a dead heat between Ric Roberts and Ralph Edelen. The SNRA roster has a few weeks to prep for the next race in Harvest Alabama at Rocket City Dragway on July 12th & 13th. We’ll see you there!
