NHRA FMDRS: Atco Raceway Hosts National Open; Other News and Notes

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 25, 2001

ATCO, NY- The south New Jersey racing fans that came to see the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series on Friday were treated to an added bonus following qualifying. A National Open was run for six competing categories, including Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.

Earning the victory in Comp Eliminator was West Chester, Pa. native Jonathan Aloiso. Aloiso drove his '98 Grand Am past local New Jersey resident, Jim Pursglove of Westmont. Pursglove, and his 1990 Trans Am, gave it a shot but could not run down Aloiso.

Also, Michael Mitchell of Jackson, New Jersey took home the prize in Super Comp when he broke-out by less than the number one qualifier, Oscar Olt of Medford, New Jersey. Mitchell had an elapsed time of 8.878 seconds compared to Olt's 8.874.

Others earning victories in Friday's National Open were: Norman Hall of Waldorf, MD in Super Stock, Jim Penta of Pawtucket, RI in Stock, Ray Sawyer of Acton, Mass. in Super Gas and Steve Feller of Pleasant Valley, NY in Super Street. Finally, the "Best of" winners went to Ron Steiner and his 1955 Chevrolet of Hamden, Conn. for Best Appearing Car, Bob Wolkwicz and his Super Comp Dragster of Darien, Conn. for Best Engineered Car, and The Winzer Family of Vernon, NJ for Best appearing Crew.

ARNIE MARTEL UNVEILS NEW SUPER STOCKER

ATCO, NJ- Arnie Martel of Tewksbury, Mass. unveiled a brand new '01 Pontiac Grand Am that he will run in the Super Stock category. Like the rest of the cars in the Martel-Taylor stable, the new Grand Am has the very recognizable paint scheme of Bright Yellow and Royal Blue.

Martel did not need long to test his new SS/AM-class machine, qualifying in the number two position with an elapsed time of 8.427 seconds against an index of 9.55. His -1.123 under was 0.595 seconds behind the number one qualifier, Richard Oakes of Woolwich Township, New Jersey.

"Not bad for the first time out," exclaimed Martel. Saying, "We'll see if we can step it up for Sunday's eliminations."

BOZZELLI CLAIMS DELAYED TITLE FROM MAPLE GROVE

ATCO, NY- The winner from the May 25-27 divisional event at Maple Grove Raceway was finally decided here this weekend. The Federal-Mogul Dragster final paired Absecon, New Jersey resident Cliff Bozzelli and Tim Slagle from Fairfax, Va.

Bozzelli and Slagle had identical reaction times of .479 seconds. However, Bozzelli pulled passed the "Chicken Choker" machine of Slagle and finished with a pass of 5.627 seconds at more than 253 miles per hour. Slagle had to lift off the throttle when he got out of the groove and finished with a time of 12.908 seconds at 54.30 mph.

Others receiving awards here this weekend were Joe Orlando of Armonk, NY and his Super Gas Corvette for Best Appearing Car. The Best Engineered Car award went to White Plains, NY resident Frank Maiolo for his Super Gas Corvette. Finally, the Federal-Mogul Dragster team of Slagle and Cottrell from Fairfax, Va. earned the Best Appearing Crew award.

Taking home the Sealed Power Low Qualifier checks were Troy Buff in Federal-Mogul Dragster, Frank Manzo in Federal-Mogul Funny Car, Dave Northrop in Comp Eliminator, Richard Oakes in Super Stock and Jim Reid Jr. in Stock.

Text provided by FMDRS

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.