National Dragster: Phlegar dominates Super Pro; Jackson wins first title of '04

THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, Las Vegas (May 15) - John Phlegar defeated Bob Farnum to claim his first victory of the 2004 season in Super Pro. Phlegar, a former Jerry's Nugget Championship Drag Racing Series champion, ran a 10.077 with his Marie Calender's '72 Chevelle to defeat Farnum's 7.948 breakout run. Phlegar also qualified No. 1 and won the Runfor-the-Money competition. Phlegar defeated his wife Becky in the semifinals for the right to face Farnum in the final.

Michael Jackson scored his first win of the 2004 season, defeating Dan Reaume in the Pro final. Ron Winters defeated John Irving for Street honors. Kahea Woods won Motorcycle, and Bill Dudley added yet another trophy to his Sport Compact hardware collection. Nat Hodgdon won the West Coast Corvette Challenge.

Jerry's Nugget Casino Reaction Time Bonus awards went to Erik Marsik (Pro), Mike Dobrenko (Street), Chris Naffziger (Super Pro, with a .500), Leo Shaver (Motorcycle), and Jamie Martin (Street). The prize is awarded to the driver/rider who posts the best reaction time on a winning run in the first round.

On Saturday morning, Ryen Lamb won Thunder and Ryan Valandingham claimed the Lightning title in Short Line Express Markets NHRA Jr. Dragster competition. - John Bisci