Five-time Top Fuel champion Larry “Spiderman” McBride and defending Top Fuel champion Jimmy “The Hulk” Brantley were faced with something unusual at the AMA/Prostar US Nationals from Atco, NJ – an enormous field of 15 motorcycles. Because Funny Bike and Pro Mod were not contested at this event several competitors from those classes decided to take a chance against the two quickest and fastest dragbike racers in the sport today.

In session No. 2 of qualifying McBride recorded Atco Raceway’s first five second pass with 5.98 at 236 mph. The crowd went wild.

“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I love this place,” McBride said of the track, which had recently been resurfaced and upgraded.”

In opening eliminations McBride encountered problems with the clutch and suffered a rare first round loss to Pro Mod racer Dave Beck. McBride melted his rear tire off the line and was forced to abort the run, thus slowing to a 14.88 Beck was able to get the upset of his career with a 7.00. It was the first time McBride had lost in the opening round since the World Finals in 2002.

“We had a clutch cannon plug come out,” McBride said. “I knew we were in trouble after I did the burnout. I was hoping we would find a way to pull it out, but hey that’s racing. I’m real happy for Dave Beck and Jay Regan of MRE. Those guys work really hard and deserve a win.”

On the other side of the bracket Brantley performed brilliantly with wins over Yves Giard, and Danny Deleon, recording elapsed times of 6.66 and 6.25. Brantley and crew put a more aggressive tune-up in the bike and headed to the final to take on Danny Allaire.

In the final Brantley got out in front of Allaire with a strong 6.03 to Allaire’s 7.83 at 112 mph. Brantley drifted toward the centerline and had to lift off the throttle at about 1,000 feet.

“That would have been a five for sure,” Brantley said. “It felt so strong; it was a shame to have to let off. I’m really glad we were able tot get the win.”

The victory was Brantley’s second of the season, and significantly tightens the points battle between the two teammates heading into the tour’s final race in Gainesville, FL.

The team thanked; Pingel Enterprise, Trim-Tex Drywall Products, Drag Specialties-Parts Unlimited, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corporation as well as his other sponsors:
Vance & Hines Motorsports, PR Factory Store, Muzzys Performance, Web-Cam, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Belt Drives Ltd, Street & Competition, Traci Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, EK Chain, Arias Pistons, R/D Spring Corp, Autolite, MSD, Protect ALL, Whipple Industries, Cometic Gaskets, B&J Transmission, Carolina Cycle, L.A. Sleeve, PJ1 Nology Engineering, Mickey Thompson Tires, Corbin Seats, Stark Masonry, and Valco