National Dragster: Champion, teams honored at CIFCA banquet

Calif. Independent FC Association

LAUGHLIN, Nev. (Dec. 18) The California Independent Funny Car Association (CIFCA) held its 20th annual awards banquet at the River Palms Resort and Casino. The only two requirements to get in the door were a ticket and a sense of humor. Emcee Pete Mauriello entertained the enthusiastic crowd of more than 100 guests representing race teams, sponsors, and fans.

Top honors went to the Back in Black team of Dennis La Charite, which won its first CIFCA championship after finishing second for the last two years. second place went to the AMP Motorsports team of Tom Abbott, Mike Motter, and Paul Peterson. The Ground Zero entry, owned by Dennis Murphy and driven by Jack Beckman, placed third. Jim Maher's Good Vibrations team finished fourth, and Jim Scott rounded out the top five. The sixth through 10th place teams of Tim and Chill Scardino, Sean Dale, Jamie Leppanen, Stephen Romanazzi, and Andre Pegues were awarded cash and trophies for their efforts.

Special awards went to Jessica Lascano (Glenn Powell Sportswoman of the Year), Romanazzi (Perma-Cool Burnout Challenge champion), Beckman (Enderle Quick Reaction Time), La Charité (Good Vibrations Best Package), and Leppanen (DragParts.com Rookie of the Year). Race director John Van Houten was honored as the Dave McDannel Outstanding Club Member. VaI Richards was presented the Hard Luck Award, and Nicole Dickerson won the 50/50 raffle.

CIFCA thanked DragParts.com for posting the CIFCA year-end cash points fund. - Jim Maher